Sunday Service - April 19, 2020

April 19, 2020 – Gary Johnson

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

WELCOME:

Good morning! We welcome you to our service this morning. Although distant from each other; in spirit we are united, forever close to God and each other. For this we are grateful.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: “Coffee & Connect” online Wednesdays @ 10 am

OPENING PRAYER:

God of hope and love, we come into this space of worship with so many different thoughts and emotions. Some of us are pausing to reflect, to give thanks and praise for your steadfast love and compassion. Some of us are pausing to reflect, because we are searching for meaning and purpose. Some of us are pausing to reflect, because we are scared of the unknown and are looking for comfort. Some of us are pausing to reflect, because we find this time of isolation and social distancing lonely and sad, and are looking for strength and encouragement.

God of passion and determination, strengthen us when we stumble. Encourage us when we doubt. Fill our hearts with songs of praise. Inspire us today with your words of love. Amen.

HYMN: VU#670 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Message: “Are You Yoked with a Critic or a Friend..?”

CLOSING PRAYER:

We thank you Lord for the invitation to come to you and rest. How fitting it is to hear these words of wisdom during this time of upheaval and uncertainty in our lives. We see the pain of death and sickness played out on newscasts and social media, leaving us wondering will we, or our loved ones be next. We fear the unknown of what Covid-19 will do to our friends, our families, our neighbors and the world. We get stressed out over the effects it will have on the economy and the well-fare of all humanity. To you we surrender our doubts, our fears, our worries and concerns.

With your gentle voice you nudge us, to come to you and find refuge. We confess sometimes we take on too much, because we haven’t learned to say “no” because we don’t know our limits and we want to do it all.  But other times there’s a convergence of important things that demands more time, mental focus and energy than we have. Thank you that you don’t reprimand us for our poor time management, but offer us to yoke with you. 

We pray for those who are overburdened, exhausted, and barely have energy left to spare. We lift up healthcare and essential service workers. Parents of children who are home-schooling, principals, teachers and support staff who are teaching from a distance.

We pray for those who are lonely and depressed because they can’t see their loved ones, grant them your peace and mercy Lord Jesus.

We pray for the elderly, the sick, the dying and the grieving. Uphold them and uplift them in their pain and sorrow.

When we get frustrated and angry because of limitations, give us understanding and clarity to do what is right and just. To be kind and caring to all creation.

Letting go of all that is out of our control.

May we find peace and rest, knowing that we are anchored to you.

Through your Son Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER

CLOSING HYMN: VU#674 “Fight the Good Fight”

To those of you wondering how you can help:

For Kerrobert United Church donation inquiries please call Sandra 306-834-7735 or Brenda 306-834-5556. You can mail your cheque to Box 626 Kerrobert, SK S0L 1R0

We thank you for any donation you are able to make.

CLOSING WORDS:

May the grace of Christ, the love of God and the Power of the Holy Spirit be with you all.