- "Wambolt's tree" - Mochelle, NS
Making Space, Getting Ready
Normally we know worship begins when we enter the sacred space of a church building.
When we pray at home, we may find it hard to concentrate on worship. So spend a moment in preparation for worship. Create a little “sacred space”:
Have a candle or tealight ready, and set a table with a cross, bible and perhaps a picture or some flowers.
Mute your phone or turn it off. This is a full length (1 hr) worship service.
Take time to notice and calm your breath. Wait till you are ready, then dedicate this time to God.
To hear the audio files click on or under the arrow. Remember - It may take a couple of seconds until the sound begins.
When we pray at home, we may find it hard to concentrate on worship. So spend a moment in preparation for worship. Create a little “sacred space”:
Have a candle or tealight ready, and set a table with a cross, bible and perhaps a picture or some flowers.
Mute your phone or turn it off. This is a full length (1 hr) worship service.
Take time to notice and calm your breath. Wait till you are ready, then dedicate this time to God.
To hear the audio files click on or under the arrow. Remember - It may take a couple of seconds until the sound begins.
|
Organ Prelude: Pastorale, by C. Wesley Deirdre Morrell-Ormerod
|
|
Call to Worship:
These times are hard. Perhaps we suffer in person- perhaps we hurt because we are aware of all the suffering in our world. Comfort, comfort my people, says the Lord (Isaiah 40:1) We long for someone who listens. We long for someone who makes us laugh. We long for a time when we feel safe and happy. “As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you” says Divine Love. (Isaiah 66:13) We are called together by the One who created the heavens and the earth, the universe and our tender planet. We are called to be in community- we are not alone. Let us worship Divine Love. |
|
|
Sing: “Love Divine” Voices United # 333
Words are in the video on the left |
|
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Light a candle or tealight in your home, saying: We light this light in the name of Creator who said “Let there be light” - and there was light. We light this light in the name of Christ, who said: “I am the light of the world, whoever walks in my footsteps will not be in darkness We light this light in the name of Holy Spirit, who is our inner light and the light of God’s presence in the world. Be still for a moment and become aware of God’s light within you and of God’s presence in all of God’s creation. Where have you noticed compassion recently? Kindness? |
|
Prayer (led by Kerry Fitzgerald)
God of compassion and kindness, we are so used to “Think Big” that we overlook Your small daily presence quite often. The big news are not good, but You are here and among us. How much comfort is there in gestures which embrace, in responses which seek to understand not condemn. How much comfort is there in the shade of a tree, the song of a thrush, the waves lapping on the shore. How much comfort is there in friends of old and in inspiring people of the present. How much of a source of comfort is your Word to us. Forgive us when we have journeyed far from You. We don’t know where to look for comfort that holds and steadies and firms up our shaky selves. Please come to our aid today. Calm us now into a quietness that heals and listens. This we pray in the name of Jesus, who for our sake was also weak, so that we might become strong by your power- who brings resurrection into new life. Amen. |
|
|
Music for meditation: “Consolation in D flat major” by F. Liszt, played by Arthur Rubinstein in 1953
|
Listening for the Word of God
|
Prayer for Illumination
Life-Giving God, open our wounded hearts to the balm of your Word. May there be One voice we hear today, the voice of compassion and grace. Amen. |
|
Psalm Prayer: Psalm 34, verses 1-8 Praise for Deliverance from trouble (read by Kerry Fitzgerald)
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. |
|
A reading from the beginning of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians: 1:1-11 Consolation in Christ (read by Paul Jennings)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, 4 who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. 6 If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation. 8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, 11 as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. Thanks be to God. |
|
|
Hymn: “In the quiet curve of evening” Voices United # 278
|
|
Reflection/Message In the circle of comfort by Rev. Elisabeth Bachem-Jennings
The text of the sermon can be found under Sermon Archive in the worship section of this site |
|
Music: “Sisters and Brothers with one voice” by J. Bell and G. Maude: Soloist: Anona Siwik
|
|
Prayers of Intercession*:
Let us pray to the God and Father /Mother of Jesus Christ who is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. for the elderly, confined to their homes and separated from family and support;.... for children, unable to go to the summer camps they loved..; for those who have lost their source of income; for parents and grandparents separated from their children and grandchildren, for cottage owners separated from their place of rest, for those offering extraordinary, everyday kindness; especially for (names...) “As one is comforted by one’s mother so I will comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13) Lord, you are in the midst of us: help us in our time of trouble. Let us pray for workers ...for our medical staff and hospital workers..., for social workers and for home care and nursing home workers, providing contact and support to those who have no other help; for seasonal workers who are harvesting the fruit and vegetables no local people want to pick...; for farmers and for rain...., for border control and public transportation personnel who have to deal with peoples frustrations daily, for the people whose work is to comfort others : counsellors, psychologists, palliative care volunteers, clergy (names...)“As one is comforted by one’s mother so I will comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13) Lord, you are in the midst of us: help us in our time of trouble. Let us pray for ourselves in our particular need this week (think about what you may need this week.....) Let us pray for the world: for the leaders of the nations and their governments; for areas most besieged by the pandemic; for broken places where healthcare and resources are scarce, and the pandemic brings further suffering; for (name places…) Lord, you are in the midst of us: help us in our time of trouble. We trust in you, because your love is constant: bring us comfort and healing, for you are always willing to lift us up. We wrap all unspoken prayers into the words Jesus taught us, saying: “Our Father...” |
Preparing for the coming week: Faith-full Living
Announcements and Notices
Please send any announcements or news to share to the church email.
Looking for: Your digital photos that might be suitable as bulletin covers. Images evoking thoughts of: Forgiveness, Vulnerability, Generosity, Walking in the dark. This can be nature or object or person.
When will we “get back?”
Our church board created a “re-entry” committee, which is working on a plan for safely resuming in person church activities. In the summer, we suggest you consider if you would like to host a “garden service” for a group of ten. Please contact Rev. Elisabeth if this interests you. Circumstances permitting we would offer services in the sanctuary in the fall.
The board will have to approve the proposed plan before its put into practice.
Worship will continued to be provided on the internet as audio and by bulletin distribution for those who don’t have internet. Pastoral care by telephone or via outdoor visits. If you wish to arrange a funeral, please contact Rev. Elisabeth.
Readings for next week’s worship and Bible study
In the series on 2nd Corinthians 2 Cor 2:1-10 - Forgiveness
Bible study is every Tuesday morning by video tune in from 9:30-10:30. If you wish to participate its simple: call or email Rev. Elisabeth
The Stewards invite you to take part in a “Virtual Strawberry Supper” on July 9 (Rain date 10). On the 9th at 2:30 pm is also an opportunity to consume your Strawberry dessert in company, in the Goldsmith;s Yard. All details on the poster. The posters were sent out through email. If you did not get one please contact Elisabeth, Rosanne, the Wendy/Barry Fletcher or any of the Stewards asap.
Offering our Gifts
If you are able, please send a cheque or postdated cheques by mail, sign up for PAR, or send an e-transfer to stgeorgeandstandrew@gmail.com
Please send any announcements or news to share to the church email.
Looking for: Your digital photos that might be suitable as bulletin covers. Images evoking thoughts of: Forgiveness, Vulnerability, Generosity, Walking in the dark. This can be nature or object or person.
When will we “get back?”
Our church board created a “re-entry” committee, which is working on a plan for safely resuming in person church activities. In the summer, we suggest you consider if you would like to host a “garden service” for a group of ten. Please contact Rev. Elisabeth if this interests you. Circumstances permitting we would offer services in the sanctuary in the fall.
The board will have to approve the proposed plan before its put into practice.
Worship will continued to be provided on the internet as audio and by bulletin distribution for those who don’t have internet. Pastoral care by telephone or via outdoor visits. If you wish to arrange a funeral, please contact Rev. Elisabeth.
Readings for next week’s worship and Bible study
In the series on 2nd Corinthians 2 Cor 2:1-10 - Forgiveness
Bible study is every Tuesday morning by video tune in from 9:30-10:30. If you wish to participate its simple: call or email Rev. Elisabeth
The Stewards invite you to take part in a “Virtual Strawberry Supper” on July 9 (Rain date 10). On the 9th at 2:30 pm is also an opportunity to consume your Strawberry dessert in company, in the Goldsmith;s Yard. All details on the poster. The posters were sent out through email. If you did not get one please contact Elisabeth, Rosanne, the Wendy/Barry Fletcher or any of the Stewards asap.
Offering our Gifts
If you are able, please send a cheque or postdated cheques by mail, sign up for PAR, or send an e-transfer to stgeorgeandstandrew@gmail.com
|
|
Closing Hymn: “O take my hand and lead me” Voices United # 638 (Its bilingual, alternating the original German and the translation)
|
Commissioning:
Whether this week will bring you summer joys or physical, or mental hardship, do lean into the comfort Christ offers you.
Whether this week will bring you summer joys or physical, or mental hardship, do lean into the comfort Christ offers you.
|
|
Blessing:[ More Voices # 218]
May the love of the Lord rest upon your soul. May God's love dwell in you, throughout every day. May God's countenance shine upon you and be gracious to you. May God's Spirit be upon you as you leave this place. |
Organ Postlude : Trumpet Voluntary by T.S. Dupuis Deirdre Morell-Ormerod