| Minister: the Rev. Dr. Steven Davis Organist/Music Director: Henry Remiz Children & Youth Program Leader: Moira Robertson Office Administrator: Arleane Ralph Custodian: John Herscheid August 23, 2026, 10:00am Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost |
WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
HONOURING THE LAND
THE LIGHTING OF THE RAINBOW CANDLE
THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
INTROIT: “Come Touch Our Hearts” (#12 More Voices – verse 4)
WE APPROACH GOD
CALL TO WORSHIP
Minister: Even in the midst of uncertainty, we lift our eyes to the God who is our refuge and strength.
People: And so, we trust in God, who defends us and shelters us.
Minister: We are always filled with hope, because the Lord still reigns.
People: And so, we trust in God, who is our stronghold and our comfort.
Minister: We know that our God is always with us.
People: And so, we trust in God, and we worship in faith.
OPENING HYMN: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (#262 Voices United)
OPENING PRAYER
God of refuge and strength, we come before you this morning with hope and reverence. In uncertainty, you shelter us; in fear, you defend us; in every season, you reign. Hear us as we gather to worship in faith, trusting that you are with us, and that your Kingdom still stands. O Lord, we confess that against our deep desire to trust your vision, we often neglect our responsibility for one another. We fail to do justice, to love kindness, and to be humble. We close our hearts when you would have us open our hands. And yet you remain merciful toward us, not overlooking our sins, but forgiving them. So now, O God, restore us. Renew our minds and turn our praise and gratitude into an act of faithful worship. O Lord, prepare us for your work, unite us in your purpose and heal us from all indifference, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
WE LISTEN FOR GOD
SCRIPTURE: Mark 13:14-20
HYMN: “All My Hope On God Is Founded” (#655 Voices United)
SERMON: For The Sake Of God’s People
WE RESPOND TO GOD
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY HYMN: Improvisation, followed by “Grant Us, God, The Grace” (#540 Voices United)
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
God of abundant mercy, you have fed us with the bread of redemption and set us free to share our lives with the world for Jesus’ sake. And so we dedicate the offering we have presented, and the gifts we have shared and will share, for the sake of your service. Through our lives, may we make your promises real and offer your hope to all, through the work we do together as your people, doing it all for the glory of your name. Amen.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Back to the Church in the Wildwood” (traditional) Duet – Celeste Miller, Mary Grace Milton
200TH ANNIVERSARY SLIDE
THE WORLD THIS WEEK SLIDES
PASTORAL PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN: “Be Thou My Vision” (#642 Voices United)
WE SERVE GOD AND GOD’S PEOPLE
COMMISSIONING
Minister: The Lord who warns us in times of pressure also calls us to be alert.
People: May God make us watchful, faithful, and courageous in the days ahead.
Minister: May we keep our eyes on Christ when uncertainty shakes our world.
People: May our hands constantly offer justice, kindness, and mercy for all.
Minister: Remember that God always sends us outward.
People: In faith, we will serve our neighbours and honour God in all that we do.
BENEDICTION
CHORAL CLOSING: “Forth in Your Name, O Christ” (#416 Voices United – verse 4)
POSTLUDE
| Thought of the Day “The safest place in all the world is in the will of God, and the safest protection in all the world is the name of God.” (Warren Wiersbe) |
Music reproduced with permission under licenses: OneLicense A610919 and CCLI license #11269798
