| St. Mark’s United Church, Whitby Minister: the Rev. Dr. Steven Davis Children & Youth Program Leader: Moira Robertson Music Director & Organist: Henry Remiz Office Administrator: Arleane Ralph Custodian: John Herscheid Eighth Sunday after Pentecost July 19, 2026, 10:00 am |
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: “God, Reveal Your Presence” (#391 – Voices United – verse 3)
WE APPROACH GOD
CALL TO WORSHIP
Minister: It is easy to see a world in upheaval. Nation rises against nation, headlines breed anxiety, and the foundations we rely on seem to shake.
People: But Jesus calls to us: “Do not be afraid!” And so, we will not give fear the final word!
Minister: In worship, we re-center our hearts and re-focus our gaze.
People: We praise the Lord not because the world is perfect, but because our God is faithful.
Minister: May we worship with bold confidence and stubborn hope.
People: For God is already bringing forth something beautiful, something powerful, and something new!
THE LORD’S PRAYER
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
WE LISTEN FOR GOD
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:1-8
HYMN: “Kum Ba Yah”
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s crying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s singing, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone’s praying, Lord, kum ba yah!
O Lord, kum ba yah!
SERMON: Chaos With A Purpose
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
Generous God, when the world around us feels chaotic, we are tempted to hold tightly to what we have out of fear. Instead, today, we offer these gifts as a bold act of faith that triumphs over fear and uncertainty and with a commitment to face all the tomorrows to come with confidence. Bless these offerings to support the ministries of St. Mark’s. May they be tools of comfort, healing, and hope in this community, proving that the confusion of today is not the end, but beginning of your new creation. In Jesus’ reassuring name, we pray.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Just as I Am” (W. Bradbury) Singers: Ada O’Connor-Pinti, Karianne Keith, David Keith, and Peter Hazlett
200TH ANNIVERSARY SLIDES
THE WORLD THIS WEEK SLIDES
PASTORAL PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN: “When Peace, Like A River”
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control:
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul.
My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend;
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul.
WE SERVE GOD AND GOD’S PEOPLE
COMMISSIONING
Minister: No matter what may happen in the world around you, remember to carry the peace of God into the coming week.
People: We will not fear. We will live our faith boldly and with the assurance that God is making all things new.
Minister: May our lives bear witness to hope so that all around us will see God’s peace at work.
People: We will share the love of Christ, working for justice and knowing that our work is not in vain.
Minister: Remember that what has been is passing away, and that God’s future is already unfolding.
People: We go in faith, we go in peace, we go in joy!
BENEDICTION
CHORAL CLOSING: “May the God of Peace” (#224 – More Voices)
RECESSIONAL: “Rondeau” (J.J. Mouret)
Music reproduced with permission under licenses:
OneLicense A610919 and CCLI license #11269798
Thought for the Day
“Adversity is like a strong wind. It knocks a tree down,
but it strengthens the root.”
(Scottish proverb)
