Lighting of the Christ Candle
We light this Christ candle as a symbol of the presence of Jesus Christ with us on our journey of life and discipleship: Jesus Christ, the light of life for us.
Today, Pentecost Sunday, we acknowledge that we need help to transform that symbol into our daily living and serving.
Today, we embrace the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, inviting those two to empower us as disciples and to nurture our growing discipleship.
The candle is lit.
     Used/adapted with permission from Gathering Pentecost 1 2025; Bill Perry

Sung Response: VU 396 “Jesus, stand among Us” (from the Presbyterian Tradition)
1.  Jesus, Stand among us in your risen power;
let this time of worship be a hallowed hour.

2.  Breathe the Holy Spirit into every heart;
bid the fears and sorrows from each soul depart.

3.  Lead our hearts to wisdom till our doubting cease,
and to all assembled speak your word of peace.

WE APPROACH GOD

1. CALL TO WORSHIP: based on A New Creed, The United Church of Canada, 1968
We are called to be the Church, not only on Sunday mornings as we gather, not only when it suits us, but always and in every place.
We are called to celebrate God's presence, through song, through prayer, through action and care for one another, within these four walls and beyond.
We are called to live with respect in creation.
Though the voice of creation comes to us in many languages and forms, we are called to be attentive, to collaborate, and to follow.
We are called to love and serve others, and we do this, not because of our own rules and laws, but because it is God who asks us to do it, by Christ's example.
We are called to seek justice and resist evil.
We do so every time we intentionally take time to notice injustice, because evil does not always take the shape we expect. Yet love and service are always in season.
We are called to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
Our hope rests in the knowledge that pain, suffering, and even death are only parts of a bigger journey. We trust that Christ will heal our brokenness and that as those who follow Christ, it is possible to celebrate our freedom from bondage.
We are called to be the church. God is with us. We are not alone. Let us worship God.
     Used with permission from Gathering Pentecost 1 2025; Eric Hebert-Daly

2. OPENING PRAYER:
Astounding God, thank you that through your Spirit, we are blessed and included in your vision of the world. Surprise us with your love for us, a love that accepts us wholly and abides with us eternally. Amaze us with your mercy, a mercy that understands our failings and redeems our weaknesses, for your purpose. Awaken us with compassion for all your children, and encourage us to care for each other. Fill us with your Spirit, to recognize your presence in our world and follow your teaching in our lives. Amen.
     Used with permission from Gathering Pentecost 1 2025; Gill Le Fevre

3. LEARNING TIME:

4.  HYMN: VU 194 “Filled with the Spirit's Power”
1.  Filled with the Spirit's power, with one accord
the infant church confessed its risen Lord.
O Holy Spirit, in the church today
no less your power of fellowship display.

2.  Now with the mind of Christ set us on fire,
that unity may be our great desire.
Give joy and peace; give faith to hear your call,
and readiness in each to work for all.

3.  Widen our love, good Spirit, to embrace
with your compassion all the human race.
Like wind and fire with life among us move,
till we are known as Christ's, and Christian prove.

5. ACT OF CONFESSION:
Trusting in God's grace and confident in the Spirit's guidance, we work to follow the Way of Jesus and lift our souls in prayer, seeking forgiveness and healing:
(a time of silent prayer)
In celebration and in affirmation of our purpose, let us pray:
Holy Trinity, we are grateful for the 100 years of The United Church of Canada, with all its successes and all its failures to live your love in this world. Living Christ, we thank you for your companionship as you send us out to be your church in the world. Forgive us for getting things so wrong, so often, as we seek to live your mission and purpose. Empowering Spirit, we celebrate your call to deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring justice. Forgive us when we think we are not able to live this calling, when we just want to give up and let the church fade away. Gracious God, we are humbled by the embrace within which you love us. May you continue to transform this United Church denomination, each of us and all of us for your purpose in this world. May you enliven us as your disciples, in Christ's name. Amen.
     Used with permission from Gathering Pentecost 1 2025; Gord Dunbaar

6. TRADITIONAL WORDS OF ASSURANCE OF PARDON:
Anyone in Christ becomes a new person altogether. The past is finished and gone; everything has become fresh and new. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

7.  SERMON: “Glimpses into where the Spirit leads The United Church”

8.  PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord, hear our prayer
And in your love answer.

9.  INVITATION TO OFFERING:
Jesus prayed for us, asking that we become united as one, as he and God are united as one. This means sharing our good times and our bad. This means sharing our resources. This means asking for resources. Let us commit ourselves to being one. Let us offer ourselves as a community. As we collect the morning offering.
     Used with permission from Gathering Pentecost 1 2025; Whitney Bruno

10.  OFFERTORY:   VU 541 “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”
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.

11.  OFFERING PRAYER:
Holy One, bless our unity. Bless our intention of unity. Let our lives be witnesses to you. Let our hearts beat as one heart. Bless our resources and multiply them as they work in unison. Bless our connections and strengthen them. Bless us so we may bless others.  Amen.
     Used with permission from Gathering Pentecost 1 2025; Whitney Bruno

Please give by contributing online using “E-transfers” or PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) or by placing your offering in the plate.

12. SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION:

13.  SPECIAL MUSIC:  “We're Marching, Lord”

14. BLESSING
As we leave this place, we are accompanied by the same Spirit that journeyed with our ancestors in the faith. May we be guided by these saints from our rich past-having learned from both their wisdom and their mistakes. May we be as courageous and visionary as the current batch of disciples, inspired to new ways of being the church in this time and place, while being nourished and sustained by roots that have grown for millennia. May we continue to proclaim and share the Good News of God's love, which, from age to age, never changes! We are the Body of Christ, my friends. May this be always celebrated in ways that bring the transformation and new life God dreams of.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
     Used with permission from Gathering Pentecost 1 2025; Elise Feltrin.

15. THREE FOLD AMEN

Next Sunday:  First Sunday after Pentecost /Trinity Sunday
        June 15, 2025:
         Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31;  Psalm 8;
         Romans 5:1-5;  1 John 16:12-15.

Note: Don't have a Bible? By Clicking on the button below, you can open a new window in an Online Bible. By entering the BOOK and CHAPTER, you will be able to look up the references in the sermon. Copy and paste will work as long as there is no other words between the book name and chapter number. Try it and Enjoy!

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