Christ Candle liturgy
Churches around the world light a candle symbolizing Christ in their midst. There is a unity in ritual and in the experience of the light of the candle.
We are reminded that in all situations, Christ brings light and hope.
     Adapted Used with permission Gathering Pentecost - 2- 2024; Laura J. Turnbull

Sung Response:  VU 606  “In Christ There Is No East or West”  Verse 4
4. In Christ now meet both east and west,
in him meet south and north;
all Christ-like souls are one in him
throughout the whole wide earth.

1. CALL TO WORSHIP:
We approach the God of grace and glory,
who has called us to worship this day.
We arrive from the chaos of our world
into the clarity of God's presence.
We leave the struggles of our lives
to embrace the power of God's love.
May this hour bring us courage
and a time to strengthen our faith.
     Used with permission Abingdon Worship annual 2024 copyright 2023.

2. OPENING PRAYER:
Great and mighty God, open our hearts to the power of your Holy Spirit. Open our minds to the wisdom of your Word. Help us run the race of life with faithful perseverance and with steadfast love. Amen,
     Used with permission Abingdon Worship annual 2024 copyright 2023.

3. LEARNING TIME:

4. HYMN: “Come and find the Quiet Center” VU 374
1. Come and find the quiet centre in the crowded life we lead,
find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes, that we can see
all the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.

2. Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, face to face,
making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
raising courage when we're shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.

3. In the Spirit let us travel, open to each other's pain,
let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain:
there's a place for deepest dreaming, there's a time for heart to care,
in the Spirit's lively scheming there is always room to spare!

5. PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION:
Dear God, may all that we share here lead us to a deeper understanding and a closer journey with you. As we read the stories of our faith tradition, may they come alive for us and help us to encounter you and your truth. Help us to understand and embrace the messages you have for us today in the stories of old and the teachings of today, messages that call us back to ways of peace and love, freedom and justice, messages that call us back to you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
     Used with permission Gathering Pentecost - 2, 2024; Robert Crosbey

6. SCRIPTURE LESSON:
1 Samuel 1: 4 - 20
4 Whenever Elkanah offered a sacrifice, he gave some of the meat[a] to Peninnah and some to each of her sons and daughters. 5 But he gave Hannah even more, because[b] he loved Hannah very much, even though the Lord had kept her from having children of her own. 6 Peninnah liked to make Hannah feel miserable about not having any children, 7 especially when the family went to the house of the Lord[c] each year. One day, Elkanah was there offering a sacrifice, when Hannah began crying and refused to eat. 8 So Elkanah asked, “Hannah, why are you crying? Why won't you eat? Why do you feel so bad? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?” 9 When the sacrifice had been offered, and they had eaten the meal, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli was sitting in his chair near the door to the place of worship. 10 Hannah was heartbroken and was crying as she prayed, 11 “Lord All-Powerful, I am your servant, but I am so miserable! Please let me have a son. I promise to give him to you for as long as he lives, and his hair will never be cut.”[d] 12-13 Hannah prayed silently to the Lord for a long time. But her lips were moving, and Eli thought she was drunk. 14 “How long are you going to stay drunk?” he asked. “Sober up!” 15-16 “Sir, please don't think I'm no good!” Hannah answered. “I'm not drunk, and I haven't been drinking. But I do feel miserable and terribly upset. I've been praying all this time, telling the Lord about my problems.” 17 Eli replied, “Go home. Everything will be fine. The God of Israel will answer your prayer.” 18 “Sir, thank you for being so kind to me,” Hannah said. Then she left, and after eating something, she felt much better.
Samuel Is Born
19 Elkanah and his family got up early the next morning and worshiped the Lord. Then they went back home to Ramah. Later the Lord blessed Elkanah and Hannah 20 with a son. She named him Samuel because she had asked the Lord for him.[e]

1 Samuel 2:1-10
1 Hannah prayed: You make me strong and happy, Lord. You rescued me.
Now I can be glad and laugh at my enemies. 2 No other god[a] is like you.
And with you we are safer than on a high mountain. 3 I can tell those proud people, “Stop your boasting! Nothing is hidden from the Lord, and he judges what we do.” 4 Our Lord, you break the bows of warriors, but you give strength to everyone who stumbles. 5 People who once had plenty to eat must now hire themselves out for only a piece of bread. But you give the hungry more than enough to eat. A woman did not have a child, and you gave her seven, but a woman who had many was left with none. 6 You take away life, and you give life. You send people down to the world of the dead and bring them back again. Our Lord, you are the one who makes us rich or poor. You put some in high positions and bring disgrace on others. 8 You lift the poor and homeless out of the garbage dump and give them places of honor in royal palaces. You set the world on foundations, and they belong to you. 9 You protect your loyal people, but everyone who is evil will die in darkness. We cannot win a victory by our own strength. 10 Our Lord, those who attack you will be broken in pieces when you fight back with thunder from heaven. You will judge the whole earth and give power and strength to your chosen king.

7. REFLECTION:

8. HYMN:  “When Pain of the World” # 598 VU
1. When pain of the world surrounds us with darkness and despair,
when searching just confounds us with false hopes everywhere,
when lives are starved for meaning and destiny is bare,
we are called to follow Jesus and let God's healing flow through us.

2. We see with fear and trembling our aching world in need,
confessing to each other our wastefulness and greed.
May we with steadfast caring the hungry children feed.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God's justice flow through us.

3. The church is a holy vessel the living waters fill
to nourish all its people, God's purpose to fulfill.
May we with humble courage be open to God's will.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God's spirit flow through us.

4. We praise you for our journey and your abundant grace,
your saving word that guided a struggling human race.
O God, with all creation, your future we embrace.
We are called to follow Jesus and let God's changes flow through us.

9. SCRIPTURE LESSONS:
Hebrews 10: 11 - 25
11 The priests do their work each day, and they keep on offering sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But Christ offered himself as a sacrifice that is good forever. Now he is sitting at God's right side,[a] 13 and he will stay there until his enemies are put under his power. 14 By his one sacrifice he has forever set free from sin the people he brings to God. 15 The Holy Spirit also speaks of this by telling us that the Lord said, 16 “When the time comes, I will make an agreement with them. I will write my laws on their minds and hearts. 17 Then I will forget about their sins and no longer remember their evil deeds.” 18 When sins are forgiven, there is no more need to offer sacrifices.
Encouragement and Warning
19 My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place 20 by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself. 21 We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house. 22 So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let's keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23 We must hold tightly to the hope we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. 24 We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. 25 Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.

The Gospel of Mark 13: 1 - 8
The Temple Will Be Destroyed
13 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look at these beautiful stones and wonderful buildings!” 2 Jesus replied, “Do you see these huge buildings? They will certainly be torn down! Not one stone will be left in place.”
Warning about Trouble
3 Later, as Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him in private. 4 They asked, “When will these things happen? What will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 5 Jesus answered: “Watch out and don't let anyone fool you! 6 Many will come and claim to be me. They will use my name and fool many people. 7 When you hear about wars and threats of wars, don't be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but that isn't the end. 8 Nations and kingdoms will go to war against each other. There will be earthquakes in many places, and people will starve to death. But this is just the beginning of troubles.”

10. REFLECTION:

11. HYMN:  “Great is Thy Faithfulness” # 288 VU
1. Great is thy faithfulness, God our Creator;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Refrain: Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided -
great is thy faithfulness, ever to me!

2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.  Refrain

3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow -
wondrous the portion thy blessings provide.  Refrain

12. PRAYER OF YEARNING:
Gracious God, hear the anguish of our hearts. Comfort us when our souls feel barren, shriveled, and lifeless. Strengthen us when we feel lost and alone. Heal us when we hurt and misuse ourselves and others. Guide us into your strong arms of love, that we may receive your gracious mercy and rest in your powerful love. In hope and gratitude, we pray. Amen.
     Used with permission Abingdon Worship annual 2024 copyright 2023

13. WORDS OF ASSURANCE:
Hold on to hope, for God is faithful and true. The promise of love is ours, through the grace of Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God!
     Used with permission Abingdon Worship annual 2024 copyright 2023

14. SUNG RESPONSE: “What a Friend we Have in Jesus”  VU 664
1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Christ the Saviour is our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do our friends despise, forsake us?
Are we tempted to despair?
Jesus' strength will shield our weakness,
and we'll find new courage there.

15. AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: “A New Creed ” VU 918
We are not alone,
we live in God's world.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God's presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
     The United Church of Canada, General Council 1968, alt. 1998

16. OFFERING INVITATION:
God doesn't ask us to give our first-born child or the last cent we own. God asks for hearts of generosity and gifts lovingly given. Out of gratitude for God's trustworthy love and generous gifts, let us return gifts of gratitude to God; as we present our morning offering.
     Used by permission Abingdon Worship Annual 2024 Copyright 2023

17. OFFERTORY: “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”# 541 VU
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures high and low;
give thanks to God in love made known:
Creator, Word and Spirit, One.

18.  PRAYER OF DEDICATON:
Faithful and loving God, thank you for blessing us and our world in so many amazing ways. Bless the gifts we return to you now, that they may be blessings of hope and signs of your faithfulness for all the world to know.  Amen.
     Used with permission Gathering Pentecost - 2- 2024; Gord Dunbar

19. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD'S PRAYER

20. HYMN:   “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” #637 VU
1. Jesus, Saviour, pilot me
over life's tempestuous sea;
unknown waves before me roll,
hiding rock and treacherous shoal;
chart and compass come from thee,
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.

2. As a mother stills her child,
thou canst hush the ocean wild;
boisterous waves obey thy will
when thou biddest them 'Be still.'
Wondrous sovereign of the sea,
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.

3. When at last I near the shore,
and the fearful breakers roar
'twixt me and the peaceful land,
still supported by thy hand,
may I hear thee say to me,
'Fear not, I will pilot thee.'

21.  BLESSING
Go into the world with hope.
We will shine with God's glory and grace.
Courageously face the struggles and joys of each day.
We will embrace the power of God's love.
Go forth in courage and faith.
We will bring God's love to the world.
     Used by permission Abingdon Worship Annual 2024 Copyright 2023

22.  THREE FOLD AMEN.

Next Sunday:  Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King
        November 25, 2024:
         2 Samuel 23:1-7  Psalm 132:1-13 (14-19);
         Revelation 1:4b-8;  John 18:33-37.

1. SUNDAY, November 17, 2024  “Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost”   10:45 AM   Rev. Jo-Ann Hills  “REFLECTIONS”    EVERYONE WELCOME!


2. SUNDAY, November 17, 2024  “SUNDAY BRUNCH”   11:30 AM - 1:00 PM   ALL ARE WELCOME!


3. TUESDAY, November 19, 2024   BIBLE STUDY  10:00 AM  Board Room  ALL ARE WELCOME


4. TUESDAY, November 19, 2024, 2024  HANDBELL PRACTICE  6:30 PM.  Choir Room  We always welcome new members.  If you enjoy music please join us.


5. TUESDAY, November 19, 2024, 2024  YOUTH ACTIVITY CLUB (YAC)  7:00 - 9:00 PM.  Logie hall GYM  All Youth 12 years and older are welcome


6. SUNDAY, November 25, 2024  “Last Sunday after Pentecost / Christ the King”   10:45 AM   Rev. Jo-Ann Hills  “REFLECTIONS”    EVERYONE WELCOME!


7. SUNDAY, December 1, 2024  “SING JOY!” Community Youth Choir Concert   3:00 PM   Sanctuary  ALL ARE WELCOME!
   [ Please check poster on the “HAPPENINGS” tab for full details]


8. SATURDAY, December 14, 2024  “CHRISTMAS TEA AND BAKE SALE”   2:00 - 4:00 PM   Wesley Hall  ALL ARE WELCOME!


9. TUESDAY, December 17, 2024  “CAROL FESTIVAL”  7:00 PM  Sanctuary  ALL ARE WELCOME
   Proceeds to Battlefords District Food & Resource Centre
   [Livestream Broadcast Available]