Sunday Service June 28, 2020

photo by Shauna Meek

June 28, 2020 - Gary Johnson & Verna Kocski

Let us worship together as we read!

You can follow along with today’s sermon with Gary & Verna on Unity United Church and Evesham Community Church page:
https://www.facebook.com/Unity-United-Church-and-Evesham-Community-Church-233687243347894/
or Gary Johnson's page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1654663852

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

·     - GARY & VERNA WILL BE ON HOLIDAYS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

·     - Coffee & Connect will continue thru July…with Helena & multiple hosts.

·     - We are uncertain of how things will be in August…but – likely – one way or another … we will carry on with “Coffee & Connect”

·    -  Online Sunday services will resume August 2nd - AND Sunday Services in Unity United Church are tentative to start August 23rd (with the intent to continue with online services as well)

OPENING PRAYER:

We gather in the presence of God, where everyone is welcome. O God who is greater than the most powerful forces in this world, enable us to be still and know that You are God.

O Lord who answers out of the whirlwind of everyday life, breathe in us Your Holy Spirit to strengthen, comfort, and guide us in the midst of the storm.

O still, small voice, speak to us during this time of worship that we might become makers of Your peace in our homes, in our communities, in our world.

We pray all this in the name of the One who cares and loves us deeply.

Amen.

OPENING HYMN:

Voices United #637 “Jesus, Saviour Pilot Me”

SCRIPTURE READING:

Psalm 46 - God Is with Us

REFLECTION:

“Holding Too Tightly or Learning to Float…?”

CLOSING PRAYER:

Lord God of heaven and earth You are our hope and strength. Our very present help in trouble. You govern all things and sustain all things. Be near us to hear our collective prayer.

Thank you for the beautiful rain we had recently. What a heavenly gift for the parched land.

Your nourishment comes to us in all kinds of different forms, for that we are grateful.

We pray for the grads of 2020. That you would direct their steps and that your plans for them will prosper. Bless them with wisdom, hope, courage and strength to become leaders and vessels of love and peace. Give them boldness and courage to face challenges set before them; fill them with the confidence and peace that can only come from your spirit.

Inspire us all to love and look out for one another. To break down barriers of hate and injustice in our world.

We pray for the lonely and broken-hearted, the elderly, the sick and the dying. May they feel your healing presence and gentle spirit through those who love and care for them.

For Connie’s family and friends to find hope and peace during this difficult time of loss.

Help us to be patient and understanding as we continue to deal with Covid19 re-openings and restrictions that are still in place. Giving thanks and showing respect for front-line workers and health officials, who are making sure we are all kept safe.

We surrender all that we are into the life-giving streams of living waters; that are permeated with your all-encompassing love and forgiveness. In you we find our strength and our hope, our song and our dance. Teach us to be still and know that you are God.

We pray to you...

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

CLOSING HYMN:

Voices United #577 “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”

CLOSING WORDS:

The Lord bless you and keep you:

The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.