OUR MISSION
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Crawford and Knox United Church
ON-LINE WORSHIP SERVICE
ON-LINE WORSHIP SERVICE
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Order of Service – Sunday, September 20, 2020
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: We give thanks to the Holy one. God is great and God is the source of all good. Spread the word about all God has done. God’s encouragement is continually there for God’s faithful people. God’s covenant holds fast for a thousand generations. |
PRAYER: You call us to a generous way of being, O God. When our praise and prayer come from the heart, you cheer us on. When we listen carefully and encourage with sensitivity, your presence is felt. When we help carefully, and share our rewards sacrificially, your word is heeded. And as we look up at the cross, we know how far generosity can go.
CONFESSION: You give us all we need for the life that is good, Living God. So, when we hoard selfishly, and refuse to acknowledge the needs of others, forgive us! When we take our Christian community for granted, when we ignore the Bible’s teachings, forgive us! When we will not spare time for reflection, and refuse the ways that lead to peace, forgive us! When we share generously, praise lavishly, and give without the thought of getting, you cheer us on, Loving God. Amen.
HYMN: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” VU 264
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 145: 1-8
Jonah 3:4; 4:1-11
Philippians 2: 1-11
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: How Great Thou Art – Amy Krauter
MESSAGE: Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
PRAYER: Why is it that you offer your gifts to God? We give not because it is our duty, but because of God’s unlimited generosity to us. We give not just to help those in our fellowship and neighbourhood who are needy, but to bring hope to persons unknown to us. We give not just these gifts of money, but our best talents and abilities, and a priority of time, to be used in God’s service. We give loving God, always mindful of your measureless gift in Jesus Christ. Amen
HYMN: “Take My Life, and Let it Be” VU 506
BENDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
CONFESSION: You give us all we need for the life that is good, Living God. So, when we hoard selfishly, and refuse to acknowledge the needs of others, forgive us! When we take our Christian community for granted, when we ignore the Bible’s teachings, forgive us! When we will not spare time for reflection, and refuse the ways that lead to peace, forgive us! When we share generously, praise lavishly, and give without the thought of getting, you cheer us on, Loving God. Amen.
HYMN: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” VU 264
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 145: 1-8
Jonah 3:4; 4:1-11
Philippians 2: 1-11
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: How Great Thou Art – Amy Krauter
MESSAGE: Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
PRAYER: Why is it that you offer your gifts to God? We give not because it is our duty, but because of God’s unlimited generosity to us. We give not just to help those in our fellowship and neighbourhood who are needy, but to bring hope to persons unknown to us. We give not just these gifts of money, but our best talents and abilities, and a priority of time, to be used in God’s service. We give loving God, always mindful of your measureless gift in Jesus Christ. Amen
HYMN: “Take My Life, and Let it Be” VU 506
BENDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Worship Service – Sunday, September 13, 2020
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: God’s call comes clearly to us; God’s support is there for us in times of stress and peril; God’s challenge is before us. We will listen and respond to the call, and we will find a secure place in Jesus as we return our thanks to God. God will give us the courage to meet the challenges, in the way of Jesus Christ. |
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PRAYER: Loving God, you sustain us when our world crumbles. You are there for us when other supports fall away. Even when we feel like giving up, even though the way ahead seems without hope, you, O God, are “our rock” that will not move.
Enable us to search out the unseen glory and strength that will keep us secure when the hard times come home to us. In our darkness, you are light; in our uncertainty, you are always the same; in our despair, you are simply hope; in our fear, you will not give in; and you put us back on the faithful path that Jesus pioneered. Yes, you are there for us! Amen.
HYMN: “Jesus, Stand among Us” VU 396
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Exodus 14: 19-31
Psalm 114
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:21-35
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”
– by Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Prayer: These are our purposeful gifts, O God; they are given so that the faith community may be strengthened. Through them, the lonely will be befriended; with them, the suffering will be supported; with them the bereaved will be comforted; with them, the cause of justice will be addressed, and glory will be given to your name. Praise to our gracious God! Amen.
HYMN: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” VU 333
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
Enable us to search out the unseen glory and strength that will keep us secure when the hard times come home to us. In our darkness, you are light; in our uncertainty, you are always the same; in our despair, you are simply hope; in our fear, you will not give in; and you put us back on the faithful path that Jesus pioneered. Yes, you are there for us! Amen.
HYMN: “Jesus, Stand among Us” VU 396
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Exodus 14: 19-31
Psalm 114
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:21-35
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”
– by Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Prayer: These are our purposeful gifts, O God; they are given so that the faith community may be strengthened. Through them, the lonely will be befriended; with them, the suffering will be supported; with them the bereaved will be comforted; with them, the cause of justice will be addressed, and glory will be given to your name. Praise to our gracious God! Amen.
HYMN: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” VU 333
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sun. Sept. 6, 2020
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: Even with a congregation of two or three, you are present with us, O Christ. You are even present when our record shows that we ignore and neglect. Even when we have questions and doubts and we risk in adventure. Even when the world is turned upside down, you are present. Therefore, we will worship the ever- present God. |
PRAYER: We rejoice that we can bring thanksgiving and praise to you, O God, because you have challenged us with the needs of family, friends and the vulnerable. You have spoken to us through the prophets, Jesus Christ, and some of our modern-day leaders. In the midst of this community of faith, God, you have given us fellowship; and you call us to act in a world where inequality reigns, and the powerless struggle.
When we are tempted to evade our struggles and our calling, or when we are tempted to take advantage of the powerful position, forgive us, O Lord! When we are tempted to ignore the demands of our Christian faith, and our decisions are made without proper reflection; deep thought, and prayerful meditation, forgive us, O Lord.
We confess our sins to God; we convince one another of our opportunity to begin again as we walk confidently in a new direction. Pardon and peace are ours. Friends, believe deeply in your heart that God accepts and forgives us. We believe in God’s acceptance and forgiveness through Christ. Thanks be to God! Amen.
HYMN: “O Christian, Love” VU 594
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Ezekiel 33: 7-11
Psalm 119: 33-40
Matthew 18: 21-35
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “How Long Has It Been” - Melanie and Anaiah Hackshaw
MESSAGE: Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Prayer: We do not ask, O God, that through our gifts all will be made perfect. We ask that through our gifts comfort will be experienced, friendship will blossom, neighbours will be discovered, and those whose names we will never know will find hope and courage. We pray in the name of God’s sharing one, Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC
HOLY COMMUNION
HYMN: “Fight the Good Fight” VU 674
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
When we are tempted to evade our struggles and our calling, or when we are tempted to take advantage of the powerful position, forgive us, O Lord! When we are tempted to ignore the demands of our Christian faith, and our decisions are made without proper reflection; deep thought, and prayerful meditation, forgive us, O Lord.
We confess our sins to God; we convince one another of our opportunity to begin again as we walk confidently in a new direction. Pardon and peace are ours. Friends, believe deeply in your heart that God accepts and forgives us. We believe in God’s acceptance and forgiveness through Christ. Thanks be to God! Amen.
HYMN: “O Christian, Love” VU 594
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Ezekiel 33: 7-11
Psalm 119: 33-40
Matthew 18: 21-35
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “How Long Has It Been” - Melanie and Anaiah Hackshaw
MESSAGE: Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Prayer: We do not ask, O God, that through our gifts all will be made perfect. We ask that through our gifts comfort will be experienced, friendship will blossom, neighbours will be discovered, and those whose names we will never know will find hope and courage. We pray in the name of God’s sharing one, Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC
HOLY COMMUNION
HYMN: “Fight the Good Fight” VU 674
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sun. Aug. 30, 2020 Announcements: Drive in Service at Knox, Sunday Aug. 30, 6 pm. Drive in Service at Crawford, Sun. Sept. 13, 7 pm. PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: Give thanks to God and be faithful! God provided for the people of Israel in the midst of the desert. God stood with the prophets when everyone was against them. God was with Jesus as wholeness was restored, and evil defeated. God stands with us in the celebrations, and the testing times of life, and will not quit when time ends. |
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PRAYER: O God we have decided to follow Jesus because the cross teaches us how to sacrifice self and value others. The cross teaches us what God wants: to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. The cross teaches us how to sometimes burden ourselves for others to find freedom. It is in carrying the cross that we realize you, the light in our dark world, and we find a clear path in life. Source of inspiration, giver of hope, peace, and love, we worship you by taking up our cross.
God you have given us life, nourishment, laughter, and friendship through which we enjoy life. You have given us a sense of purpose and a life journey to take with confidence and trust. But sometimes we neglect to offer thanks for your many blessings. Sometimes we forget your way and have been slow to respond to your call. Sometimes we allow fear to hold us back and have been half-hearted in our thanksgiving. Forgive us, O Lord, and turn us around that willingly and without reserve we may follow you with our mind, soul, and body. May your praise be on our lips and our hearts. May we daily ask the question: What more can I do for you, O Lord? Amen.
HYMN: “One More Step Along the World I Go” VU 639
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Exodus 3:1–15
Psalm 105:1–6
Matthew 16:21–28
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “I'll Fly Away” – United Voices Choir
MESSAGE: Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: We trust you, O God, for you will provide for us in good and bad. God will use us to provide for others, near and far. We know that through our generosity, others will trust God. So, we give joyfully, and we give generously, for we are about holy work. May God bless us in our giving; and bless those touched by our gifts. Amen!
HYMN: “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah” VU 651
BENDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
God you have given us life, nourishment, laughter, and friendship through which we enjoy life. You have given us a sense of purpose and a life journey to take with confidence and trust. But sometimes we neglect to offer thanks for your many blessings. Sometimes we forget your way and have been slow to respond to your call. Sometimes we allow fear to hold us back and have been half-hearted in our thanksgiving. Forgive us, O Lord, and turn us around that willingly and without reserve we may follow you with our mind, soul, and body. May your praise be on our lips and our hearts. May we daily ask the question: What more can I do for you, O Lord? Amen.
HYMN: “One More Step Along the World I Go” VU 639
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Exodus 3:1–15
Psalm 105:1–6
Matthew 16:21–28
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “I'll Fly Away” – United Voices Choir
MESSAGE: Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Offering Prayer: We trust you, O God, for you will provide for us in good and bad. God will use us to provide for others, near and far. We know that through our generosity, others will trust God. So, we give joyfully, and we give generously, for we are about holy work. May God bless us in our giving; and bless those touched by our gifts. Amen!
HYMN: “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah” VU 651
BENDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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WORSHIP Service – Sun. Aug. 23
Announcements: Drive in Service at Crawford, Sun. Aug. 23, 7 pm. Drive in Service at Knox, Sunday Aug. 30, 6 pm. PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: The cloud-clapped hills are silent evidence of God’s power. The color and variety of trees and flowers bear witness to the Holy One. The smile on a baby’s face speaks of God’s renewing miracle in humankind. The |
knowing glance of an older person mirrors the wise, accepting God. Praise and glory, honour and blessing, be to the God who has created us, the God who has formed us as a community of faith, the God whose love goes beyond the boundaries of time and space. Let us worship God
PRAYER: O God, you rejoice with us in the warmth and relaxation of summer. Meet with us in worship this day; give us the peaceful space, which will allow us to reflect on your many gifts to us. Meet with us in this our summer worship; give us the openness, which will enable us to hear the appropriate word. Meet with us as a fellowship of friends; give us the courage to walk the hard road of Christian discipleship together. Meet with us as members of the worldwide Christian family; give us the willingness to share from our plenty with our needy brothers and sisters of towns, cities, and nations.
Silence
O God, you call us to be “rocks” like Peter, but often we are more like clay, sand, or piles of stones. Sometimes we are cracked and fragmented. We make clear our principles, but then compromise and give in. We go in several directions at once when we need focus and a goal, like Jesus. Forgive us! God of all our days, you are with us. You strengthen us as we receive insight into our failings; you encourage us as we are ready to take a stand; you bless us as we work joyfully with others; you renew us as faith gets the upper hand.
With God, peace and a fresh start are realities. We rejoice in God’s graciousness! Amen
HYMN: “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” VU 822
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 138
Romans 12:1-18
Matthew 16:13-20
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” - Anaiah and Melanie Hackshaw
MESSAGE – Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Prayer: We celebrate the ability to give for our fellowship, and to care for others. Receive our gifts, O God, and bless them. Give us joy in our giving, satisfaction as we see our money go to work, and a reminder of all you have given to us, in life, death, and rising of Jesus. Amen
HYMN: “In Christ There is No East or West” VU 606
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
PRAYER: O God, you rejoice with us in the warmth and relaxation of summer. Meet with us in worship this day; give us the peaceful space, which will allow us to reflect on your many gifts to us. Meet with us in this our summer worship; give us the openness, which will enable us to hear the appropriate word. Meet with us as a fellowship of friends; give us the courage to walk the hard road of Christian discipleship together. Meet with us as members of the worldwide Christian family; give us the willingness to share from our plenty with our needy brothers and sisters of towns, cities, and nations.
Silence
O God, you call us to be “rocks” like Peter, but often we are more like clay, sand, or piles of stones. Sometimes we are cracked and fragmented. We make clear our principles, but then compromise and give in. We go in several directions at once when we need focus and a goal, like Jesus. Forgive us! God of all our days, you are with us. You strengthen us as we receive insight into our failings; you encourage us as we are ready to take a stand; you bless us as we work joyfully with others; you renew us as faith gets the upper hand.
With God, peace and a fresh start are realities. We rejoice in God’s graciousness! Amen
HYMN: “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” VU 822
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 138
Romans 12:1-18
Matthew 16:13-20
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” - Anaiah and Melanie Hackshaw
MESSAGE – Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: ‘Give Thanks’
Prayer: We celebrate the ability to give for our fellowship, and to care for others. Receive our gifts, O God, and bless them. Give us joy in our giving, satisfaction as we see our money go to work, and a reminder of all you have given to us, in life, death, and rising of Jesus. Amen
HYMN: “In Christ There is No East or West” VU 606
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service – Sunday, August 16, 2020
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: How wonderful it is for God's people to live together in harmony: to gather for worship, and to rejoice in thanksgiving, to encourage each other to be good friends; to work together to support the troubled, near and far away; and to have the promised blessing in a life that never ends. |
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PRAYER: God, you are gracious, and your wonders can be seen and experienced in the entire world. We rejoice that we can proclaim that we are followers of Jesus Christ. We see Christ's example as clear for us because his death challenges us, and his risen presence is eternal hope for us. We have come to envision Christ in the most unlikely places and people.
Lord, many choices await us in the daily routine of life. In the will to make faithful decisions, in our rejection of selfishness, may persistence be our watchword. Forgive us when we act like cowards, afraid to face the foe because we refuse to act with your word. Forgive us when we put our selfish agenda above your agenda, and when we operate hastily out of a lack of knowledge and prayerful reflection. Sometimes, Lord, our silence contributes to the suffering of the dispossessed, the marginalized, and the outcast.
Lord, we stretch our hands to you, as we ask you to shepherd us through these difficult times in life. Please give us the assurance that you will never leave us nor forsake us. May your peace be ours. Amen
HYMN: “O Worship the King” VU 235
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133
Matthew 15: 21-28
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “In the Bulb There is a Flower” - Amy Krauter
SERMON – Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY:
Offering and ‘Give Thanks’ Song
Prayer: We celebrate the ability to give for our fellowship and to care for others. Receive our gifts, O God, and bless them. Give us joy in our giving, satisfaction as we see our money go to work, and a reminder of all you have given to us in the life, death, and rising of Jesus. Amen
HYMN: “He Leadeth Me” VU 657
BENDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
Lord, many choices await us in the daily routine of life. In the will to make faithful decisions, in our rejection of selfishness, may persistence be our watchword. Forgive us when we act like cowards, afraid to face the foe because we refuse to act with your word. Forgive us when we put our selfish agenda above your agenda, and when we operate hastily out of a lack of knowledge and prayerful reflection. Sometimes, Lord, our silence contributes to the suffering of the dispossessed, the marginalized, and the outcast.
Lord, we stretch our hands to you, as we ask you to shepherd us through these difficult times in life. Please give us the assurance that you will never leave us nor forsake us. May your peace be ours. Amen
HYMN: “O Worship the King” VU 235
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133
Matthew 15: 21-28
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “In the Bulb There is a Flower” - Amy Krauter
SERMON – Rev. T. Hackshaw
PRAYER
LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERTORY:
Offering and ‘Give Thanks’ Song
Prayer: We celebrate the ability to give for our fellowship and to care for others. Receive our gifts, O God, and bless them. Give us joy in our giving, satisfaction as we see our money go to work, and a reminder of all you have given to us in the life, death, and rising of Jesus. Amen
HYMN: “He Leadeth Me” VU 657
BENDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Worship Service Sunday Aug. 9, 2020
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: Giver of dreams, inspirer of faith, just and wonderful friend, our eternal God, allows our prayers and praise to soar, and our imaginations to venture. Encourage us to hear your Word, and make the word live in our actions. Come with us to comfort the suffering and give us hope. Put time in its place, pointing us towards a glory that never ends. |
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PRAYER: God you do not remain apart from us, you are involved. You enter into our struggle in hearts and mind, you enable us to stand firm, when we take the principle path. You are worthy of our worship, and our service, O God.
So when we are tempted to give in to the popular but unjust way, and we leave the tough but necessary support to others, when the powerful ones pressure us to compromise our principles, and we are tempted to ignore the needs of the community of faith; friend of the oppressed, God of never- ending compassion, Source of inspiration of the church, forgive us.
HYMN: “O Jesus, Think On Me” VU 607
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 85: 8-13
Matthew 14:22-33
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Jesus Loves Me” – Anaiah and Azrael Hackshaw
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERING AND SONG Give Thanks
OFFERING PRAYER: God, your support of us is constant and reliable, and in Jesus we have the assurance that he was there for those who needed him. You will never let us down. We make these offerings for the work of God in this faith community and far beyond. May they provide support, learning, challenge, confidence, and the opportunity of new ways. Bless these gifts and bless us as we share in the work these gifts make possible. To God be the glory! Amen
HYMN: “My Faith Looks Up To Thee” VU 663
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
So when we are tempted to give in to the popular but unjust way, and we leave the tough but necessary support to others, when the powerful ones pressure us to compromise our principles, and we are tempted to ignore the needs of the community of faith; friend of the oppressed, God of never- ending compassion, Source of inspiration of the church, forgive us.
HYMN: “O Jesus, Think On Me” VU 607
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Psalm 85: 8-13
Matthew 14:22-33
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “Jesus Loves Me” – Anaiah and Azrael Hackshaw
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERING AND SONG Give Thanks
OFFERING PRAYER: God, your support of us is constant and reliable, and in Jesus we have the assurance that he was there for those who needed him. You will never let us down. We make these offerings for the work of God in this faith community and far beyond. May they provide support, learning, challenge, confidence, and the opportunity of new ways. Bless these gifts and bless us as we share in the work these gifts make possible. To God be the glory! Amen
HYMN: “My Faith Looks Up To Thee” VU 663
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
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Order of Service - Sunday Aug. 2, 2020
PRELUDE LIGHTING OF CANDLES CALL TO WORSHIP: We seek truth and acceptance, as we offer thanksgiving, and encounter love in our worship, O God. Your truth is always relevant, and we know that in Christ all are welcome. As you search us, please embrace us, for we know that your love will never let us go. |
PRAYER: We long for your sanctuary, O God, to praise you in the company of your faithful people. In your sanctuary, your word is read and fearlessly proclaimed as it directs us in the way of Jesus, your chosen one. We are called to serve widows, children, the abused and despised, those denied justice and peace by the powerful ones.
Forgive when we remain silent in the midst of wrongs all because we are more concerned about our security, our tranquil atmosphere. Forgive us for misusing or abusing our privilege, sometimes in doing so, we ignore the needs of others. Forgive us for wasting our time and energy on things that could easily be solved, rather than using our time to help to empower the needy, seek out the lost, comfort the bereaved, feed the hungry, and pray for the depressed and distressed. Lord, if we have been hard and cold with the mistakes we make, break us, and point us to you the source of all good things. Amen.
Peace, your own peace, such as the world cannot give, is what we seek, in our world, in our homes, in our hearts. Banish our fears and set our hearts to know your peace, O God; the peace that passes all understanding. Amen. Thanks be to God!
HYMN: “O God of Bethel” - VU 650
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 17:1-7, 15
Matthew 14:13-21
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “For the Beauty of the Earth” - Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: Give Thanks
Offering Prayer: Our loyalty to you, O God, is reflected in our offering. Serving you, we will rejoice in worship. Serving you, we will care for the friendless, and confront the evil ones. Our love for God finds expression in serving others in the name of Jesus. Amen.
HYMN: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” - VU 670
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
Forgive when we remain silent in the midst of wrongs all because we are more concerned about our security, our tranquil atmosphere. Forgive us for misusing or abusing our privilege, sometimes in doing so, we ignore the needs of others. Forgive us for wasting our time and energy on things that could easily be solved, rather than using our time to help to empower the needy, seek out the lost, comfort the bereaved, feed the hungry, and pray for the depressed and distressed. Lord, if we have been hard and cold with the mistakes we make, break us, and point us to you the source of all good things. Amen.
Peace, your own peace, such as the world cannot give, is what we seek, in our world, in our homes, in our hearts. Banish our fears and set our hearts to know your peace, O God; the peace that passes all understanding. Amen. Thanks be to God!
HYMN: “O God of Bethel” - VU 650
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 17:1-7, 15
Matthew 14:13-21
MINISTRY OF MUSIC: “For the Beauty of the Earth” - Spencer Bristow
MESSAGE: Rev. Tessica Hackshaw
PRAYER and LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
Offering and Song: Give Thanks
Offering Prayer: Our loyalty to you, O God, is reflected in our offering. Serving you, we will rejoice in worship. Serving you, we will care for the friendless, and confront the evil ones. Our love for God finds expression in serving others in the name of Jesus. Amen.
HYMN: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” - VU 670
BENEDICTION
GO NOW IN PEACE
BEAUTIFUL CHURCH ON THE HILL
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Some time ago, Annabelle Neuman, a member of the Knox congregation wrote a lovely song about the history and meaning of this church. Press the button to the right to hear that selections sung by the 2019 congregation. To return to this site, press the "back" arrow. This song is included on the "2019 Sampling" CD completed to commemorate the congregations 160th anniversary in 2019.
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Sunday Worship
Due to the current virus outbreak
Sunday worship, and all other activities,
cancelled until further notice
SPECIAL MESSAGES
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The 23rd Psalm is a perennial favorite.
And yet for all its familiarity, there may be some nuances to the Psalm we have missed, some reflections scholars might share to deepen our sense of the most comforting words ever composed. Consider one four letter word in verse four: thou. The second-person pronoun "thou" is old English, a relic from the 1611 King James Version. The vast majority of the time we prefer modern translations of the Bible—but Christians cling to a 400-year-old translation of Psalm 23. Why is this? Could it be that elevated language, words with some lineage and dignity, are appropriate to the grandeur, the majesty, the immeasurable grace of God who is indeed our shepherd? And here is a fascinating item: James Limburg points out that, in the original Hebrew of Psalm 23, there are exactly twenty six words before and after, "Thou art with me."2 Perhaps the poet was boldly declaring that God being with us is at the very center of our lives. God is with us. We are not alone down here. The whole Gospel is that God is with us. Jesus was called "Emmanuel," which means "God with us." John Wesley's dying words were, "The best of all is, God is with us." God doesn't shelter us from trouble. God doesn't magically manipulate everything to suit us. But the glorious with is unassailable, unchangeable, the only fact that matters. This marvelous news draws our attention again to the Thou. For the first three verses of the Psalm, God is spoken of in the third person: "The Lord is my shepherd... he leads me... he restores my soul." But with the Thou, the third person shifts to second person: "for Thou art with me, thy rod... thou preparest a table..." Instead of talking about God, the Psalmist begins to talk to God; instead of God in the head, God is a friend in the heart. A conversation happens, a relationship grows. This is faith, the only true comfort. If we genuinely and in the marrow of our being believe that God is with us, then the only logical consequence would be, "I shall not want." We've read it, uttered it, delighted in it: but have we thought about it? Or lived it out in reality? I shall not want? Our whole life is about wanting: I want, I shop, I look, and when I have it, I want new stuff. In our consumer culture, I shall want, I shall always want. I shall never stop all my wanting because the mall entices me with ever new, shiny, unnecessary objects, and I am instructed from childhood on to want—and not merely to want, but to have. I shall not want? "The Lord is my shepherd." If the Lord is the shepherd, then I am a sheep, and the reason sheep need a shepherd is simple: sheep nibble themselves lost. Sheep are not brilliant creatures, and we cannot be flattered that the Psalm thinks of us as sheep. Leave a sheep without a shepherd, and he nibbles a bit of grass here, wanders over there for some more, sees a patch just past that rock; and before you know it the sheep is lost, or has fallen into a ravine, or been devoured by a wolf. The Hebrew original is perhaps better translated, "I shall lack nothing," or "I shall lack no good thing." What do I lack? Well, I lack an iPhone or a house at the coast. I lack a fully-funded pension and I lack... We can fill in the blank endlessly. But it is more to ask "What do I lack?" in the sense of "What really matters that I do not have?" What, at the hour of death, would I dare not lack? The answers aren't iPhones or vacation houses. Jesus spoke with the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-30), who claimed to be good, and had plenty of stuff. What did Jesus say? "One thing you still lack." We don't lack lots of things: we lack just one. The one thing we lack is intimacy with God. The one and only thing that can cause us to say, "I shall not want," or "I lack no good thing," is God. Nothing else. Just the Lord who is a good shepherd to his sheep. God is our satisfaction. God is good enough. Or, to be truer, God exceeds whatever we may think we desire. If "Thou art with me" is the focal point of the Psalm, and if "I shall not want" is the beginning of a new life of being satisfied with God, then the end of our life with God is this: "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Why do we want stuff like iPhones and vacation homes? Is it sheer coveting? I don't think so. We want communication devices because we long to connect. We want a house, or a better house, because no matter how far we travel, no matter how happy or sad our nuclear family might have been, we carry inside a yearning for home. In our mobile society, we may be clueless about where that might be, or if it really exists. But we still want, above all else, to go home. Perhaps T.S. Eliot was right: "The end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."3 Or consider this: if you are lucky, you have fond memories of summertime junkets to the home of your grandparents. For me, it was a house that is factually small, but as a child it was large in love, in special treats, in cousins and fun. It was another home, one without problems or homework or chores, a special place of a more unconditional kind of love. Does God give us such places in our memory so that we will learn to desire the home for which God destines us when this life is over? Isaac Watts often recast Psalms into slightly different language. His metric version of the 23rd Psalm is eloquent, elegant, and moving: "The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days; O may Your House be my abode, and all my work be praise. There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come; no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home."4 Like a child at home. Yes, some children bear the misfortune of a home that is more warfare than peace, more division than love. They gaze at the television and hear the news of the spread of covid19, and they are scared, they are worried. But the fact that we recoil at the idea of any child anywhere not enjoying peace and love at home is evidence that God has wired into our hearts a keen sense of a proper destiny. Various happenings in our life strike us as urgent. They make us anxious, or perhaps we have some fun or face trials. But it is all a preparation for a grand homecoming, when we will "find a settled rest... no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home." Or as the Psalmist sang, "And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (23:6). |
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 
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WORSHIP AT KNOX
... Experiencing the sacred in our sinful midst
The Knox United church meets on Sunday mornings for worship services.
I know we can encounter the sacred presence of God at anytime in any place. As we integrate our faith with our daily living, everything we do can be an act of worship, bringing joy and hope to life and allowing us to experience God’s presence. But when we come apart to a place of worship, dedicated to the glory of God, we come with greater intention, expecting to receive something more powerful than we have not received during our daily routine. This is why worship becomes so important to our lives and Knox United, Durham, ideally located on the hill, offers a glorious opportunity for us to encounter such glorious experience. The doors to the sanctuary are widely opened for all and anyone to come in and worship. We at Knox are intentional about worship; we pause to be still, to listen, and to hear God’s word, to sing praise, offer prayers of thanksgiving, to lift the world and other people’s concerns to God, to participate in the Holy sacraments of baptism and communion and to reflect on God’s calling to us and God’s world.
I am cognisant that people come every Sunday morning for a variety of reasons. Some come with joyful hearts, eager to sing praise and give thanks. Some come with heavy hearts, seeking comfort and encouragement. Some bring their confusion, looking for clarity. Some come feeling depleted, looking for nourishment and renewal. Some come longing for meaningful connection with others. Regardless of the reasons for coming to Knox United, Durham, on a Sunday Mornings, we try to create welcoming and engaging worship opportunities where people can satisfy their yearning for God and encounter the Holy.
People can encounter God in a variety of ways during the worship services. At different times, different elements of the worship service can help us experience God’s acceptance, encouragement, guidance, challenge and calling, healing and support. Here are some things we can expect to experience in a Sunday morning worship service:
At Knox United Durham, we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion monthly as well as on special Sundays such as Easter Sunday. We also celebrate the sacrament of Baptism throughout the year, welcoming new members to the church.
Our largest gather for worship during the year is on Christmas Eve night service when we celebrate Holy Communion, act out the Christmas stories and bring a Christmas message.
Worship is also experienced at special times of the celebration, including Weddings, Anniversaries and celebrations of life.
We are an inclusive Christian community with a deep passion for God and God’s vision of equity, justice and well-being for all.
The feeling of knowing that we are in the sacred presence, when we enter this sanctuary for worship, leaves us with a sense of awe and refreshment. Come join us and celebrate God’s sacred presence in the midst of our sinful nature.
... Experiencing the sacred in our sinful midst
The Knox United church meets on Sunday mornings for worship services.
I know we can encounter the sacred presence of God at anytime in any place. As we integrate our faith with our daily living, everything we do can be an act of worship, bringing joy and hope to life and allowing us to experience God’s presence. But when we come apart to a place of worship, dedicated to the glory of God, we come with greater intention, expecting to receive something more powerful than we have not received during our daily routine. This is why worship becomes so important to our lives and Knox United, Durham, ideally located on the hill, offers a glorious opportunity for us to encounter such glorious experience. The doors to the sanctuary are widely opened for all and anyone to come in and worship. We at Knox are intentional about worship; we pause to be still, to listen, and to hear God’s word, to sing praise, offer prayers of thanksgiving, to lift the world and other people’s concerns to God, to participate in the Holy sacraments of baptism and communion and to reflect on God’s calling to us and God’s world.
I am cognisant that people come every Sunday morning for a variety of reasons. Some come with joyful hearts, eager to sing praise and give thanks. Some come with heavy hearts, seeking comfort and encouragement. Some bring their confusion, looking for clarity. Some come feeling depleted, looking for nourishment and renewal. Some come longing for meaningful connection with others. Regardless of the reasons for coming to Knox United, Durham, on a Sunday Mornings, we try to create welcoming and engaging worship opportunities where people can satisfy their yearning for God and encounter the Holy.
People can encounter God in a variety of ways during the worship services. At different times, different elements of the worship service can help us experience God’s acceptance, encouragement, guidance, challenge and calling, healing and support. Here are some things we can expect to experience in a Sunday morning worship service:
- A friendly welcome from our greeters as you arrive
- Music- singing hymns, listening to the choir as they offer an anthem, listening to the different musical instruments play.
- Prayer- Individual silent prayer, collective prayers, prayer requests, prayer candles
- Scripture- listening for God’s Word to us from the Bible
- Sermon-Hearing the minister reflect on the Bible reading and relate it to our present lives
- Life and Work of the church- hearing about upcoming activities, events, and opportunities to get involved
- Parting Blessing
- Coffee and fellowship following the service –a time to connect with others
- Our minister, Rev Tessica T. Hackshaw, leads the worship service and offers a weekly reflection
- Our music directors and members of the choir lead us in singing
- Members of our Worship Committee
- Scripture Readers
- Greeters and ushers
- Those who prepare and serve the bread and wine for our monthly communion service
- People who operate the sound and projection equipment
- Those who share their lives’ testimony on third Sundays
- Individuals who design and create banners and who decorate the sanctuary for special services
- Those who prepare the refreshments for coffee time
- Those who donate cakes every first Sunday for monthly birthday celebrations . . .
- Those who meet every week for prayer meetings and Bible study
- The two youth groups (5-12) and (12- 22) who meet every Friday for Spiritual nourishment and socialization
At Knox United Durham, we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion monthly as well as on special Sundays such as Easter Sunday. We also celebrate the sacrament of Baptism throughout the year, welcoming new members to the church.
Our largest gather for worship during the year is on Christmas Eve night service when we celebrate Holy Communion, act out the Christmas stories and bring a Christmas message.
Worship is also experienced at special times of the celebration, including Weddings, Anniversaries and celebrations of life.
We are an inclusive Christian community with a deep passion for God and God’s vision of equity, justice and well-being for all.
The feeling of knowing that we are in the sacred presence, when we enter this sanctuary for worship, leaves us with a sense of awe and refreshment. Come join us and celebrate God’s sacred presence in the midst of our sinful nature.
