THIRD AVENUE UNITED CHURCH 1301 - 102nd Street North Battleford, Saskatchewan, S9A 1G4
Who are we? We are a community of faith, known as Third Avenue United Church, who have adopted and prayerfully put into words and deeds what we believe to be our Mission in this community and in the world, and that is: We seek to love and care for God’s creation through worship and service in Christian community.
THIRD AVENUE UNITED CHURCH
WELCOMES YOU TO WORSHIP!
Order of Worship
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Fourth Sunday after Easter
10:45 pm
ORDAINED MINISTER: Rev. Jo-Ann Hills
MUSIC MINISTRY: Ilene Wettergreen
HANDBELL DIRECTOR: Kathleen Link
Scriptures Reader:
ACKNOWLEDGING TERRITORY:
We acknowledge that this land on which we gather for worship is the traditional land of the people of Treaty 6 and the homeland of the Metis. We acknowledge that we live on this land as people who have agreed to share the care and use of this land as a result of a treaty that outlined the rights and responsibilities associated with our place in this land. May we be people who remember this with thanksgiving and respect.
Adapted and used with permission from Gathering: Peter Chynoweth
WELCOME, TIME OF CELEBRATION OF BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Lighting of the Christ Candle:
This candle's flame reminds us of the light of Christ present in the world. The flame represents the risen Christ and is for us a symbol of life dispelling death.
Used with permission from Gathering Lent/Easter 2024:Mark Dutkoski
Sung Response: “Christ Is Alive” # 158 VU (Verse 2)
2. Christ is alive! No longer bound to distant years in Palestine,
but saving, healing, here and now, and touching every place and time.
1. Call to Worship:
In our Easter joy, we find a God of new starts and fresh growth.
In our Easter grace, we find a God of renewal and transformation.
In our Easter faith, we find a God to carry us from shadows and despair.
In our Easter peace, we find a God to nurture us in hope and love.
In our Easter lives, let us glorify God's name, now and forevermore.
Used with permission from Gathering: Lent/Easter 2024; Gill Le Fevre
2. Opening Prayer:
Dear Creator God, we are filled with trust in your guidance. Nothing is possible without you. Our life journeys continue with you at our sides. Fears are scarce and worries few when we trust your presence. Guide us to a place of comfort when we feel forsaken and alone. Inspire us with hope when we start believing that the world is becoming a bad place. Let our confidence in your love overcome our fears. Your grace surrounds all people. Your love benefits everyone. Your mercy is
infinite. Your compassion is unquestioning. Help us to reflect this understanding to each other when doubt fills us. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
Used with permission from Gathering: Lent-Easter2024; Mark Dutkoski
3. Learning Time:
4. Hymn: “Morning Has Broken” # 409 VU
1. Morning has broken like the first morning,
blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
2. Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven,
like the first dew-fall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness where God's feet pass.
3. Ours is the sunlight! Ours is the morning
born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day!
5. Prayer of Illumination:
God of Grace and Glory, we are ready for your good news. Let it abide deep within our souls. May we receive this scripture and the reflection with an openness of spirit, a keenness of mind, and a willingness to engage with your timeless story. We ask this in the name of the Liberating Christ. Amen.
Used with permission from Gathering: Lent-Easter 2024: Laura J. Turnbull
Scripture Lesson:
Acts 4: 5 - 12
The next morning the leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law of Moses met in Jerusalem. The high priest Annas was there, as well as Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest's family. They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle while they questioned them. They asked, “By what power and in whose name have you done this?” Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation's leaders and the elders: “You are questioning us today about a kind deed in which a man who could not walk was healed. But there is something we must tell you and everyone else in Israel. This man is standing here completely well because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You put Jesus to death on a cross, but God raised him to life. He is the stone you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.”
Responsive Reading: Psalm 23 Page 749 VU (with refrain #2)
Refrain: “The God of love my shepherd is, what can I want or need.”
God is my shepherd,
there is nothing I shall lack.
You, God, make me lie down in green pastures,
you lead me beside peaceful waters;
you revive my spirit,
you guide me in right pathways for your name's sake. Refrain
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me,
your rod and your staff are my comfort.
You spread a table for me in the sight of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup is overflowing.
Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in God's house my whole life long. Refrain
7. Reflection:
8. Hymn: “Christ Is made the Sure Foundation ” 325 VU
1. Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the church in one,
holy Zion on's help for ever
and its confidence alone
.
2. To this temple where we call you, me,
come O Lord of hosts, today;
with your faithful loving-kindness
hear your servants as they pray,
and your fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.
3. Here bestow on all your servants
what they ask of you to gain,
what they gain from you for ever
with the blessed to retain,
and hereafter in your glory
evermore with you to reign.
4. Laud and honour to the Father,
laud and honour to the Son,
laud and honour to the Spirit,
ever three and ever one,
one in might, and one in glory,
while unending ages run.
Scripture Lessons:
1 John 3: 16 - 24
We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. This is why we must give our lives for each other. If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God. Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it. When we love others, we know we belong to the truth, and we feel at ease in the presence of God. But even if we don't feel at ease, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if we feel at ease in the presence of God, we will have the courage to come near him. He will give us whatever we ask, because we obey him and do what pleases him. God wants us to have faith in his Son Jesus Christ and to love each other. This is also what Jesus taught us to do. If we obey God's commandments, we will stay one in our hearts with him, and he will stay one with us. The Spirit he has given us is proof that we are one with him.
The Gospel of John 10: 11 - 18
I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep. Hired workers are not like the shepherd. They don't own the sheep, and when they see a wolf coming, they run off and leave the sheep. Then the wolf attacks and scatters the flock. Hired workers run away because they don't care about the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must also bring them together, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd. The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so I may receive it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do.
10. Reflection:
11. Hymn: “I Heard the Voice of Jesus' ” # 626 VU (tune #625)
1. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.
2. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in him.
3. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise, and all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk till travelling days are done.
12. Prayer of Confession:
How grateful we are, Holy One,
that you give eternal life.
How wondrous it is
that you lead us to still waters and green pastures.
How joyous it is to gather with your people and all the saints
to sing you your praises.
In this Easter season,
we seek the Love that gently conquered fear and death.
In this Easter season, we yearn for a banquet of safety and peace
for those dwelling in the midst of enemies.
May grace anoint us all like the oil of friendship,
and all creation dwell in the presence of joyous Love forever.
Yet even as we celebrate the Shepherd and gather at the throne of new life,
we admit our sin:
we have been less than loving,
less than grateful, less than kind.
We have ruined green pastures
and muddied many waters.
We take more than our share at the banqueting table,
and are jealous of Holy Love.
We are less than we are called to be,
less than good news for the world.
We need to be still again,
and pay attention to the Risen One.
We pray for forgiveness and Easter life in Christ.
Used with permission from Gathering: Lent-Easter 2024: Robin Wardlaw
13. Words of Assurance: (based on Revelation 7:16-17)
They will hunger no more and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Used with permission from Gathering: Lent-Easter 2024: Robin Wardlaw
14. Sung Response: “The Lord's My Shepherd” # 747 VU
1. The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want; he makes me down to lie
in pastures green; he leadeth me, the quiet waters by.
2. My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make
within the paths of righteousness, even for his own name's sake.
3. Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, yet will I fear no ill;
for thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still.
4. My table thou has furnished in presence of my foes;
my head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.
5. Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me,
and in God's house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be.
15. Affirmation of Faith: “The Nicene Creed” VU 920
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
in accordance with the Scriptures;
On the third day he rose again
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],
who with the Father and the Son
is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
16. Invitation to Offering:
Friends, God has opened the gates of righteousness. Let us accept God's invitation and offer gifts of thanksgiving in Christ's name.
From the Abingdon Worship Annual 2024.
Copyright @2023 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
Please give by contributing online using “E-transfers” or PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) or by placing your offering in the plate.
E-transfers can be sent to: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net answer to security question is: “payment”
17. Offertory:“Grant Us, God, the Grace” # 540 VU
Grant us, God, the grace of giving, with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living we may offer faithfully.
18. Offering Prayer of Dedication:
As the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, may we, too, strive to serve our neighbors. Whether next door, across town, or around the world, may God bless our prayers, our gifts, and our ministries. In Christ's name, we present these gifts. Amen.
From the Abingdon Worship Annual 2024.
Copyright @2023 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
19. Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer:
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. AMEN.
20. Hymn: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” #326 VU
1. O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of God's grace.
2. Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life and health and peace.
3. He speaks, and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive,
the mournful broken-hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.
4. Hear him, you deaf; you voiceless ones, your tongues again employ;
you blind, behold your Saviour comes, and leap, you lame, for joy!
5. My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad the honours of your name.
21. Blessing
May you show boldness before God in all you do. Following Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, act with kindness, love and humility. Bring comfort to others acting with love and truth.
From the Abingdon Worship Annual 2024.
Copyright @2023 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
22. Three Fold Amen
Fifth Sunday of Easter April 21, 2024: Acts 8:26-40 Psalm 22:24-30; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8.
What's Happening
- SUNDAY, April 21, 2024 “Fourth Sunday after Easter” 10:45 AM Rev. Jo-Ann Hills “REFLECTIONS” EVERYONE WELCOME!
- SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024 “SUNDAY BRUNCH” 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ALL ARE WELCOME!
- TUESDAY, April 23, 2024 BIBLE STUDY 10:00 AM
- TUESDAY, April 23, 2024 NO HANDBELL PRACTICE 7:00 P.M. We always welcome new members. If you enjoy music please join us.
- SUNDAY, April 28, 2024 “Fifth Sunday after Easter” 10:45 AM Rev. Jo-Ann Hills “REFLECTIONS!” EVERYONE WELCOME!
- SUNDAY, May 5, 2024 “Extraordinary Magic” Communit Youth Choir & Guests Concert 3:00 PM Tickets $10.00 at the door For full information check the “Happenings” tab on the church website EVERYONE WELCOME!
HOW TO ACCESS LIVE STREAMING
Open up your web browser (Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge)
Type in or copy the church website address into the browser: www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca
Press ENTER
Click on: SUNDAY SERMONS
Click on: WHITE ARROW in the video frame
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT THIRD AVENUE UNITED CHURCH, SEE THE “HAPPENINGS” TAB ON THE CHURCH WEBSITE.
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