We welcome everyone to our In-Person and Virtual Worship Service
If you know anyone who wants to register for the virtual services, they can signup at https://portwallisunitedchurch.ca/virtual as everyone logging in needs their own registration. ALL are welcome!
Masks/vaccinations are highly encouraged for in-person services
Service Documents to view/print at home.
Ascension * denotes standing 21 May 2023
Port Wallis United Church is an open Congregation that affirms you as a child of God, made in God’s Image, and loved by God.
MUSICAL PRELUDE
WELCOME / BIENVENUE / FAILTE / PJILA’DIK
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LAND
CALL TO WORSHIP *
Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed. Hallelujah!
INTROIT (#37 in Voices United) *
Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, Gloria, Alleluia! Alleluia!
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
Eternal Light born of the Eternal Light.
You are the Light of the Father’s Presence,
God’s Radiance and God’s Glory, You are the Light of the Heavenly Hosts
and the Light of every person who comes into this World. Through Your Resurrection
You bestow new Life on all people
and bring us to the Light of your Father’s Kingdom.
Bring us, at the end, to the Light of Your Eternal Day
from which we shall never be exiled again.
We light now this candle
Remembering that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World,
the Light that shines in the darkness
and which the darkness has not overcome.
Blessed is Jesus Christ our Lord, the Light of the World.
Hallelujah! Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed. Hallelujah!
Let the mighty chorus resound again! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Let us echo the everlasting song of the redeemed: Christ is risen! Hallelujah!
HYMN # 334 (VU) ALL HAIL THE POWER IN JESUS’ NAME *
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
First Lesson: Acts 1: 1 – 11
Psalm 93 (italic text is a choral refrain)
The LORD reigns!
The LORD reigns! Robed in majesty,
the LORD reigns!
Robed in majesty and armed with strength,
the LORD reigns!
Indeed, throughout the world, firm and secure,
the LORD reigns!
Your throne was established long ago;
from all eternity, throughout all time,
the LORD reigns!
The seas lift up the chorus,
the LORD reigns!
With crashing waves and pounding billows,
the seas lift up their voices to proclaim,
the LORD reigns!
Mightier than the sound of thundering waters,
cascading over cliffs high above our heads,
mightier than the breakers rising from the oceans
and crashing on our shores.
Over all creation,
the LORD reigns!
Your statutes, O LORD, stand firm;
Your holiness adorns your house!
Through endless ages the shout is heard,
the LORD reigns!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end, Amen.
Gospel Lesson: Luke 24: 44 – 53 *
Hymn # 18 (MV) LORD, PREPARE ME TO BE A SANCTUARY *
A TEACHING TIME (a time of learning for younger folk)
TEACHING PRAYER
In peace, dear God, I come to You
through Jesus Christ who makes me new
And while I run or play or rest,
be with those whom I love best,
Guide me in your Holy Way,
as You walk with me each day, AMEN.
HYMN # 13 (MV) O LET THE POWER FALL ON ME *
REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURE LESSONS – SERMON
OFFERING HYMN # 191 (MV) WHAT CAN I DO? *
PASTORAL PRAYER and the LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN # 420 (VU) GO TO THE WORLD *
BENEDICTION *
May the blessing of the Maker be yours,
Encircling us, above us and within us.
May the blessing of the Son be yours,
The Wine and the water, the Bread and the stories,
to feed us and remind us.
May the blessing of the Spirit be yours,
The wind and the fire, the still small voice of calm,
to comfort us and disturb us.
May the blessing of God, Three-in-One and One-in-Three,
be yours, this day and every day,
To protect us, defend us, encourage us and strengthen us.
And may we bless each other,
A blessing rooted in our common pilgrimage,
the blessing of a friend.
EXCHANGING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST *
CHORAL PARTING PRAYER # 212 (in More Voices) *
Sent out in Jesus’ Name Our hands are ready now
To make the world the place In which the Kingdom comes.
Sent out in Jesus’ Name Our hands are ready now
To make the world the place In which the Kingdom comes.
The Angels cannot change A world of hurt and pain
Into a world of love, of justice and of peace.
The task is ours to do To set it really free
O, help us to obey And carry out your will.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE CHURCH COMMUNITY
MUSICAL POSTLUDE
Sunday June 4th at 10 am, David Hewitt, DM, the Regional Minister for Region 15 (Nova Scotia and Bermuda), will be joining us for Worship and participating in a “Q and A” Sermon time.
The Regional Minister is responsible for assisting a Pastoral Charge with the transition between ministers and ministries.
Together, David and Ivan will answer your questions about the transition we are beginning.
Our Minister, the Rev. Ivan Gregan, is planning to retire July 2024. This will be a time of change as we journey together to his retirement and our future.
Our relationship has been a long and faithful one. This will be a difficult time for all of us but we need to see where the Spirit will lead us as we journey onward with God.
David will stay for tea/coffee afterwards as we get to know him and he us. He will also briefly meet the Transition Team.