Welcome & Announcements:
This Sunday’s service will not be live-streamed or recorded. Please contact us if you would like a copy of the reflection.
*prayers courtesy of Canadian Foodgrains Bank worship resource “So That All May Flourish”
Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 66)
One: Shout out to God, all the earth! Break into joyful songs to the one true God! Sing of the glory due His name, and offer the most magnificent praises!
All: All Your works are wonderful! The entire earth bows down to worship You, singing songs of praise and glory to Your name.
One: Come, let’s bless God together! Let’s praise the One who gives us life who watches over us, and keeps our feet from stumbling.
Opening prayer: (unison)
The world is filled with the glory of God, and we say, Thank you!
The hills and valleys are filled with colour, and we say, Thank you!
The fields and bins are filled with grain, and we say, Thank you!
Our tables are overflowing with food, and we say, Thank you!
Our life is filled with love of family and friends, and we say, Thank you!
We have our church family to share worship, and we say, Thank you!
We fill this house of God with our voices, saying, Thank you!
May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, as we enter into this service of thanksgiving and praise. Amen
Opening Hymn:
Voices United #460 – All Who Hunger
Theme Time:
Today is World Food Sunday, a time when we think about all the wonderful food that can grow on our planet.
Almost half of the people in our world don’t have enough to eat. The problem isn’t that there is not enough food. The problem is that some have more than enough to eat while others go hungry. What can we do?
We can start by making donations to the Food Bank, being careful to not waste food, or take more than our share. We can also help when we donate money in the offering which sends aid to developing countries through Mission & Service.
World Food Day (October 16) was created with the goal that “food for all” should become a human right for present and future generations and is observed every year by over 150 nations around the world.
Prayer of Confession:
O God, so often we take you for granted. We take for granted that you will answer our prayers, that you will heal us and make us whole. We take for granted that you love us. Forgive us for not appreciating your grace and presence in our lives. Help us to be more thankful. Give us faith to see you in everything and everyone around us, so that we may be truly grateful. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon:
Give praise to God, who accompanies us on our journey, who hears our cries and anguish, and who remains faithful and answers our prayers. Give glory to God, who brings life out of death and joy out of sorrow!
Scripture Readings:
Philippians 4:4-9
Matthew 22:1-14
Reflection:
When is Enough, Enough?
Offering Invitation & Prayer:
For food in a world where many walk in hunger;
for friends in a world where many walk alone;
For faith in a world where many walk in fear,
we give you thanks, O God.
Bountiful and gracious God, we share what you have given us with love, joy, and commitment, that your love may root and grow, wherever needed in the world. Amen.
Joys and concerns:
Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer:
God, we thank you for your harvest which feeds us so many times each day. We are nourished with your forgiveness and hope. We are sustained with your strength and patience. We are filled with your grace and compassion.
God, we thank you for feeding us with a harvest of plenty. We are restored through your generosity and healing. We are replenished with your abundance and joy.
We pray for the health of the earth, upon which all of life depends. We pray for all who touch the earth as farmers, miners, foresters, fishers, and backyard gardeners, that we all may remember that you are with us, and that this is your world.
Let us pray for all nations and people who already enjoy the abundance of creation and the blessings of prosperity, that their hearts may be lifted up to the needs of the poor and afflicted, and partnerships between rich and poor for the reconciliation of the world may flourish and grow.
We ask these things through Jesus Christ, who taught us when we pray to say:
The Lord’s Prayer:
Going Forth Song:
Voices United #661 – Come to My Heart
Blessing/Sending Forth:
Rejoice in the Lord always I will say it again –Rejoice! Let us rejoice with kind thoughts and gentle acts; Let us rejoice as we pray hopefully and reflect carefully; Let us rejoice when life is wonderful and when it is a trial; And let the peace of God be with us now, today and tomorrow, and always. Amen
Benediction:
Voices United #820 – Make a Joyful Noise
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