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.
“REFLECTIONS”
THIRD AVENUE UNITED CHURCH
WELCOMES YOU TO WORSHIP!
Order of Worship
OCTOBER 18, 2026
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
WORLD FOOD SUNDAY/STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY
ORDAINED MINISTER: Rev. Jo-Ann Hills
Worship Leaders: Member of the Stewardship Committee
GUEST PIANIST: Nathan Negad
GUEST ORGANIST: Diane Jones
SPECIAL MUSIC:
JUBILATION HANDBELL RINGERS
BELL PRELUDE:“Prepare Ye” from Godspell
BELL RESPONSE: “Jesus Loves Me”
BELL ANTHEM:“Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
BELL OFFERTORY: “How Great Thou Art With Majesty”
BELL BLESSING: “The Blessing”
BELL BENEDICTION: “Go Now In Peace”
HANDBELL DIRECTOR: Kathleen Link
OFFICE COORDINATOR: Jodi Hargreaves
Scriptures Readers: Stewardship Committee
GATHERING MUSIC: Nathan Negad
BELL PRELUDE: “Prepare Ye” from Godspell
ACKNOWLEDGING TERRITORY:
We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territory of the Indigenous people of Treaty 6 and the Metis on whose land we worship. Regardless of where we come from, we are connected through the land on which we live, the air that we breathe and the water that gives us life. May we work together to be good stewards as we love and care for the land and each other.
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE:
We light this candle to remind us that we were all made in the Creator's Love and that we are called to live in love, caring for one another and the world by shining our light wherever and whenever we can.
Jesus LOVES us this we know!
BELL RESPONSE:“Jesus Loves Me”
WELCOME, CELEBRATIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP: VU 507 “Today We Are All Called To Be Disciples”
OPENING REFLECTION:
I am more and more convinced every day that the world is spinning faster; do you feel it?
There are a million and one things that pull on my attention, that distract and discourage;
In the fast-moving blur of it all my partner tells me to take a deep breath.
My doctor tells me to eat better and exercise more.
My grandchildren tell me to play more.
My boss tells me to work harder and smarter.
My banker tells me to save more.
My parents tell me to remember who I am.
My gut tells me there is something more here, and they are right.
They are all right.
So, on Sundays, I reorient myself.
I pull prayers from my heart and give them to God,
because fear cannot survive when it's standing in the light.
I pull money from my pockets and give it to God
because cynicism cannot grow when it is met with hopeful action.
I pull doubts from my mind and give them to God
because doubt met with love cannot stay where it started. And bit by bit, I move to holy ground.
The world is spinning slower now.
This ritual of giving reorients me, in an off-kilter world, it helps me see more clearly.
I give and am returned to the center of me, to the center of God, to a place that is free.
Thanks be to God for the reorienting.
Thanks be to God!
Used with permission Faith+Lead
MISSION AND SERVICE STORIES (Canadian): “Making Joyful Noise/Flowing Beyond the Banks”
BELL ANTHEM “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
LEARNING TIME: (Including Gospel Lesson Matthew 25: 31 - 40)
Love is something if you give it away,
give it away, give it away.
Oh, Love is something if you give it away.
You end up having more!
For Love's just like a magic penny
hold it tight and you won't have any.
Lend it spend it and you'll have so many.
They'll roll all over the floor for…
Love is something if you give it away
give it away, give it away
Oh, Love is something if you give it away.
You end up having more!
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Lord as we reflect today on what stewardship means for us as people of faith, open our ears and minds to hear your Word and take to heart the trifold calling to return our God given time, talents and 'treasure' in service to others. Amen
SCRIPTURE LESSONS:
Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 29: 1 - 20
New Testament: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Psalm 24: VU pg. 750 Refrain: “Lift Up the Gates Eternal”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Lord your word tells us that “The earth is the Lord's and everything in it”
Forgive us when we forget that we are not the owners but rather the custodians or caretakers and fail to care responsibly for the earth, and her abundant resources.
Lord, we know that stewardship is not limited to money or what we place in the offering plate.
Forgive us when we forget to treat each day as a sacred gift from God to be spent purposefully, not wasted.
Lord, we know that we have all been given unique skills, intellectual and spiritual gifts.
Forgive us when we fail to use them to serve our church and love our neighbours.
Lord, we know that “whatsoever a man sows, so shall he reap ”and that to whom much is given, much is expected."
Forgive us when we fall short of paying our share. Amen
WORDS OF ASSURANCE:
Sometimes, many times, our efforts fail and our stewardship falls short. But God's abundant grace is strong and eternal. Hear and believe the Gospel: in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, restored and sent out anew.
Thanks be to God!
SUNG RESPONSE: VU 958 “Halle. Halle. Halle” 2X
MISSION AND SERVICE STORIES (International):
The Work of Water/Faith Farming and Friendship
BELL OFFERTORY: “How Great Thow Art With Majesty”
PRESENTATION OF OFFERING: MV 191“ What Can I Do” 2X
What can I do? What can I bring?
What can I say? What can I sing?
I'll sing with joy. I'll say a prayer.
I'll bring my love. I'll do my share.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
Gracious God, Giver of all life: all that we are and all that we have belongs to you. Today we offer not only our financial resources, but our time, our talents, and our very lives as an act of worship and commitment. We give them with joyful and grateful hearts. Use them to share the love of Jesus in our community and around the world. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP LITANY:
God gave us starry nights and sunsets that take our breath away.
God gave us summer rainstorms and the crunch of fall leaves.
God gave us majestic mountains and golden seas of waving wheat.
God gave us sparkling pools, lakes, rivers and oceans of life-giving water.
God gave us neighbours that blow out our lines, clean our gutters and shovel our snow.
God gave us pancakes, maple syrup and bacon that nourish our bodies.
God gave us the sound of music-voices raised in harmony, the gentle peal of chimes and bells, the tickling of the ivories.
God gave us elders and grandparents to share their wisdom and experience and educators to nourish our minds.
God gave us innocent toddlers that bounce up and down to music, squeal with glee, stamp their feet one minute yelling no, and cuddle close the next with unwavering trust.
God gave us nurses and doctors, who keep us healthy, apply colorful band aids and keep lollipops in their scrub pockets.
God gave us cats that curl up next to us to lend their warmth and dogs that run and slide to the front door to welcome us home.
God gave us hands to build and create with, and to lend to others.
God gave us minds to wonder, a voice to speak and hearts to love.
God gave us church-this imperfect clump of humanity that gathers week after week, striving to be better, striving to do good in the world.
God gave and gave, and gives and gives; and how do we respond?
We say thank you.
We give what we can.
We let it feel like a joy, not an obligation.
We let it feel like a gift, not a burden.
We show up in this space.
We believe these gifts can somehow make a difference, and we refuse to give up on this world.
Thank goodness for a God that forever outgives.
Thank goodness for the opportunity to say thank you for it all.
Amen.
CLOSING HYMN: VU 307 “Touch the Earth Lightly”
BELL BLESSING: “The Blessing”
BENEDICTION:
Gracious God, thank you for this time together and for the gifts, time and resources You have entrusted to our care. Remind us that all we have comes from Your hand, and teach us to share it generously. Empower us to be faithful stewards of Your abundance in our daily lives. Amen.
BELL BENEDICTION: “Go now in Peace”
ORGAN POSTULUDE: Guest Organist - Diane Jones
THIRD AVENUE ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Stewardship Committee: Kathleen Link, Pat Welford, Barb Hoover, Judy Cheetham-Einsiedler
Would like to thank: Cathy Richardson, Nathan Negad, Diane Jones and the Jubilation Handbell Choir for sharing their time and talent this morning!
The Fundraising Committee is looking for goods or services you would like to donate to the Annual Silent Auction !!!
The FIRST display and opportunity to bid will be at the FALL SUPPER on Sun. Oct. 25th - Please contact Lorna Reimer (306)445-7162
Please return your Paper Grocery Bags for World Food Day by Sunday, Oct 18th. All foods collected will go to the Battlefords Food & Resource Centre
We're excited to begin our 2026-2027 church year with a cherished tradition - our Roast Beef Fall Supper! This isn't just a meal - it's a celebration of fellowship, faith, and community.
Together, we live out our mission to “Seek to love and care for all of God's Creation through worship and work in Christian Community.”
We are Seeking donations to help cover the costs of fundraising efforts for the upcoming Fall Supper, as well as, other events that help keep our church community thriving. We warmly invite you to support this event in any way you can:
- By attending the supper - bring ALL your family & friends.
- By volunteering - if you would like to help serving, cleaning or cooking, add your name to the signup sheet
- We have also have sign-up sheet in the lobby for food donations or you can also use your envelopes for a special gift toward covering these events.
Let's gather around the table, share in God's blessings, and make this Fall Supper a joyful and impactful start to our new church year.
We are now taking orders for 2027 United Church Calendars $10 each, call or text Jodi with your order.
Deadline for orders will be Nov.15
Speers United Church Fall Supper will be Wed. Oct 28th 5 - 7 PM; Come & enjoy the bounty of harvest with friends & family at the Speers Rec Centre! Tickets $20 at the door
BOTTLES, BOTTLES, BOTTLES!!! If you wish to donate bottles or cans to the church, proceeds will go to the Mission & Service Fund. Drop off is in the upstairs cloakroom.
Thanks to your generous bottle donations - so far you have raised $100.25
Offering Envelopes
Anyone needing offering envelopes, leave a note in the collection plate or please call Jodi at the office or text at (306) 490 - 7376
Next Sunday: Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost October 25, 2026: Deuteronomy 34: 1 - 12
Psalm 90: 1 - 6, 13 - 17; 1 Thessalonians 2: 1 - 8; Matthew 22: 34 - 46.
HAPPENINGS?
- SUNDAY, October 18, 2026 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost 10:45 AM Stewardship Education Committee / Jubilation Handbell Ringers ALL ARE WELCOME!
- SUNDAY, October 18, 2026 SUNDAY BRUNCH 11:30 AM Wesley Hall ALL ARE WELCOME!
[SEE POSTER ON “HAPPENINGS” TAB FOR FULL DETAILS]
- TUESDAY, October 20, 2026 BIBLE STUDY 10:00 AM Main Office ALL ARE WELCOME
- TUESDAY, October 20, 2026 Jubilation Handbell Ringers If you are interested in ringing some bells, come out and give it a try; 6:30pm in the Choir Room.
- TUESDAY, October 20, 2026 “YOUTH ACTIVITY CLUB (YAC)” 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Logie hall GYM All Youth 12 years and older are welcome
- WEDNESDAY, October 21, 2026 “MEETING OF THE OFFICIAL BOARD” 7:00 PM Chairperson, Lorenzo Bacchetto ALL BOARD MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO ATTEND
- SUNDAY, October 25, 2026 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost 10:45 AM Rev. Jo-Ann Hills “RECOLLECTIONS” ALL ARE WELCOME!
- SUNDAY, October 25, 2026 BEEF "FALL SUPPER" 5:00 - 7:00 PM Pre-order tickets at: (306) 490-7376
[SEE POSTER ON “HAPPENINGS” TAB FOR FULL DETAILS]
- SUNDAY, November 1, 2026 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost 10:45 AM Rev. Jo-Ann Hills “RECOLLECTIONS” ALL ARE WELCOME!
- SATURDAY, November 7, 2026 CRAFT & COLLECTIONS FAIR 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Lower Halls COME ONE. COME ALL!!
[SEE POSTER ON “HAPPENINGS” TAB FOR FULL DETAILS]
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.
|