Sunday Service July 12, 2020

A mini-worship service prepared with resources from The United Church of Canada and The Whole People of God curriculum.

Call to Worship:
  We are all different yet God invites us to journey together.
  If we set our sights on God's spirit, we will have life and peace.
  If we hear God's word and respond to it, we will do great things.
  Loving God, go with us.

Opening Prayer:
  Sow your seeds in us today, O God, and water them with your love, so we may bring forth good fruit.  Amen

Hymn:
Voices United #481  Sent Forth by God's  Blessing

Scripture:
Matthew 13: 1-9,18-23
"Parable of the sower"

Reflection:
  Today's reading reflects the turmoil that seems to be inherent in the faithful life - the struggle to maintain faith and growth in the midst of conflict. The sower used good seed, but the soils were not always able to bear it.
  Two ways of living can be represented by two soils in which we can choose to grow.
  Our lives oriented and focused on ourselves and the material world around us, or seeking to focus our lives in tune with God's will.
  Seed planted in the first soil can shrivel and die when we put worldly cares and gain first. The second soil produces a harvest of joy, freedom and peace, with the same seed if we are open and ready to receive it.
  God's love grows wherever it can find good soil and flourish.

Prayer of the People:
Loving Creator,
  You pour your love out for us and ask us to journey with you in hope.
  May we feel your presence and trust in your promises.
  The land, waters, skies and creatures surrounding us are filled with beauty.
  We give thanks for the many blessings of creation.
  May we be caring and thoughtful stewards for this precious gift.
  We know that many in our world suffer in mind, body and spirit. We ask that your healing love would embrace each one.
  May we embody your compassion to the brokenness in our world.
  Holy One, speak into and through our lives, show us how to walk with you in grace.
  May we be your hands and hearts in this world.
  Hear us as we pray: ( The Lord's Prayer)
  Amen

Benediction:
  Go into the world to nurture all aspects of God's creation, caring for them and helping them to grow in love.
  Go into the world to blossom and grow the way God wants.
  We go to serve our God!
Amen