Maple Grove United Church
August 6, 2023
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
God Invites Us To Gather
Words of Welcome
Prelude: “Preludio” by Enrique Granados
Acknowledgment of the Land
Call to Worship:
ONE: Rejoice, folks, Jesus is in our midst.
MANY: Feed us, Jesus, and fill us with hope.
ONE: Be glad, friends, Jesus has bread and fish to spare.
MANY: Free us from the pursuit of food that does not satisfy.
ONE: Sing for joy, people of God.
MANY: God gathers up the pieces of our life.
ONE: So nothing will be lost.
MANY: Thanks be to God.
ONE: We are here to worship and to be transformed in the image of God.
(adapted words from Ministry Matters website www.ministrymatters.com)
*Hymn: Come, Let Us Sing VU 222
Prayer of Approach & The Lord’s Prayer:
God of every good gift:
we come to worship today seeking many things.
Some of us are seeking peace,
some are seeking healing,
some are seeking answers,
and others are looking for the right questions.
We trust you, that you will give us
what we need;
food for our deepest hunger. Amen.
(Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com)
(Followed by The Lord’s Prayer)
Our Creator
in heaven
Hallowed be your name
Your kindom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
for yours is the kindom
The power and the glory
Forever and ever
Amen.
Children leave for Light Connection with Alex
Prayer of Confession: Loving God, we confess there are times we do not gather, but exclude. We do not welcome, but ignore. We do not share, but stash and hoard. There are times we close doors and turn our backs, rather than receive and embrace. And other times, we hide ourselves away, frightened and protected, rather than risk reaching out.
Give us courage, God, to take chances and be bold where love is concerned, to trust you are with us when we feel vulnerable. Forgive us when we are fearful and uncertain, or simply unaware of the needs of others around us. Embolden us to step up and offer what we have, whether loaves and fish, a listening ear, or a capable skill.
You have already graced us with everything we need to love and serve our neighbours. Make us grateful and generous. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
(from Gathering Worship Pentecost 1 2023, words by Elise Feltrin, Chemainus U.C., B.C.)
Assurance of Pardon
The Word of God Proclaimed
Prayer of Illumination
Reading: Responsive Psalm 17:1-7, 15 (VU p.739)
Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:13-21
Sermon: “Is It Enough?”
Hymn: All Who Hunger VU 460
Our Response to God
Offering Prayer
Meditative Music: “Largo – Ombra mai fu” from the opera “Serse” by G.F. Handel
Prayers of the People
*Hymn: All the Way My Saviour Leads Me VU 635
*Benediction
Sung Blessing: Go Now In Peace