| Minister: the Rev. Dr. Steven Davis Organist/Music Director: Henry Remiz Children & Youth Program Leader: Moira Robertson Office Administrator: Arleane Ralph Custodian: John Herscheid September 20, 2026, 10:00am Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost |
WE GATHER IN GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE: Improvisation
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
HONOURING THE LAND
THE LIGHTING OF THE RAINBOW CANDLE
THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
INTROIT: “See the Morning Sun Ascending” (sung by choir, #406 Voices United, verse 3)
WE APPROACH GOD
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Give thanks to God who is good.
People: We will call on God’s name and make known God’s wonderful works.
Leader: Seek the Lord continually.
People: We will watch and listen for signs of God’s grace.
Leader: Together let us worship God.
People: We will rejoice in God’s presence and praise God’s holy name.
OPENING HYMN: “All Things Bright And Beautiful” (#291 Voices United)
OPENING PRAYER
God of all creation, you have filled the world with mountains that declare your majesty, with oceans that display your power, with birds who bear witness to your freedom, even with creatures as simple as the ant that demonstrates your persistence. You have also created us. In some ways we are the pinnacle of your creative work, in other ways we mar and abuse your creation, thinking of ourselves as the masters who control creation rather than as the stewards who care for creation. We confess this today with confidence in your grace, knowing that, while our generosity and compassion are limited, yours never fails us—and that you are the giver of every good gift. Even as we ask for your forgiveness, we pray that you will grant us generous hearts that will trust you and follow you day by day. May our works honour your justice, our relationships display your compassion, and our whole lives declare your praise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
WE LISTEN FOR GOD
HYMN: “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands”
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands,
He’s got the wind and the rain in His hands.
He’s got the tiny little baby in His hands,
He’s got the tiny little baby in His hands,
He’s got the tiny little baby in His hands,
He’s got the tiny little baby in His hands.
He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands,
He’s got you and me, sister, in His hands.
He’s got everybody here in His hands,
He’s got the whole world in His hands.
TIME WITH THE KIDS CHURCH: A Backpack For The Journey
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 37:23-25 (read by Rob Smith); Philippians 4:10-13 & 19
SERMON: Why Are We Thankful? Because God Provides!
WE RESPOND TO GOD
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
ANNIVERSARY HYMN: “How Firm A Foundation”
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who to Jesus for refuge have fled?
‘Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!
I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
‘When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
‘When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply:
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
‘The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not—I will not desert to His foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
I’ll never—no, never—no, never forsake!’
OFFERTORY HYMN: Improvisation, followed by “What Can I Do?” (#191 More Voices)
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
Generous God, you are the source of all good things, of life itself and all that sustains it. Bless the gifts we offer on this day, so that the work and outreach of St. Mark’s may continue to be a blessing to those around us and to our neighbours everywhere. By your Spirit, multiply their impact to support your purposes in this world you love in the name of Christ, our Saviour and Friend. Amen.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Sacred” (L. Doyle)
200TH ANNIVERSARY SLIDE
THE WORLD THIS WEEK SLIDES
PASTORAL PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN: “The Lord’s My Shepherd” (#747 Voices United)
WE SERVE GOD AND GOD’S PEOPLE
COMMISSIONING
Leader: Go, remembering God’s generosity to us in Christ and in creation.
People: We go, carrying the abundance we have received.
Leader: Be generous and kind to all who reach out to you.
People: We will meet each need with an open hand and an open heart.
Leader: Go now to live as those who trust in God’s provision.
People: Thanks be to God, who sends us out in grace.
BENEDICTION
CHORAL CLOSING: “Saviour, Again to Your Dear Name” (sung by congregation; #426 Voices United – verse 3)
POSTLUDE: “Voluntary in D” (W. Croft)
| Thought of the Day “Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty.” (Socrates) |
Music reproduced with permission under licenses: OneLicense A610919 and CCLI license #11269798
