June 21, 2020: Grateful For Our Fathers!
OPENING PRAYER
Loving God, you who are our root and our core, you who keeps our hearts beating second by second even though we are seldom aware of it, enable us to reach past the fear and worry that can so easily dominate.
In a world that has much pain and fear, and that seems to want to cascade it even more, remind us that you have our back, that you made us in love in the first place, that you have a dream for us, and that you give to us your trust and your presence.
Enable us to remain firm in your values of love and compassion for ourselves as well as for others, to be strong enough to listen and notice the cries around us, and to discover where we can be your community and then to live it.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Peter Lander, while at Castleton-Grafton P.C., Grafton, Ont.,
The Gathering May 31- Sept.6, 2020
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
Light a candle and say the following:
Peter stepped out of the boat into rough seas.
He discovered that Jesus gives us both the permission and invitation to be his disciples, and also the grace to answer that call and to grow our faith.
Today we light this Christ candle acknowledging Jesus as the one who gives permission, issues the call, and nurtures our faith in grace.
Bill Perry, Havelock-Trent River P.C., Havelock, Ont.
The Gathering May 31- Sept.6, 2020
SCRIPTURE READING
Prayer of Illumination:
May these words we are reading and this meditation of the heart
be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.
Proverbs 4:1-4
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
Luke 15:20-24
So, he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.”
MESSAGE: Grateful For Our Fathers
This message was adapted from: https://lynndove.com/2017/06/09/25-encouraging-scripture-verses-for-fathers-day/
The other day I heard two little boys arguing on the playground about how brave and strong each of their Dads were. It almost came to fisticuffs between them as they tried to regale one another about how “great” their Dad was over and above the other Dad. I love the fact that in each of those little boys’ eyes, their Dad was a super hero.
While Mother’s Day still surpasses Father’s Day in popularity (at least amongst the card sellers and florists), fathers are equally deserving of praise. Accordingly, some credit the first Father’s Day celebration to Sonora Smart Dodd for honouring her father, a veteran of the Civil War, who raised his family as a single dad when his wife died giving birth to their sixth child. To show her appreciation for her father’s efforts, after listening to a church sermon on Mother’s Day in 1909, Sonora initially suggested that there should be a day to celebrate him and other dads like him in the State in which they lived and farmed. After much campaigning, the first Father’s Day was held in Washington State on June 19, 1910.
I have enjoyed these many years seeing what tokens of appreciation my three kids will come up with to honour their dad. I usually get flowers and overly-sentimental cards for MY special day, but my husband can get anything from cards that emit bodily noises when opened, to power tools. Unfortunately, while I am pampered for the most part on Mother’s Day, my husband stations himself at the BBQ grill on HIS special day and hosts the family dinner. Somehow, he never seems to mind!
So, to all the great Dads out there, have a Happy Father’s Day! Let these verses encourage you today and every day!
HYMN – You Are the Shepherd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5ThwVGrt80
CLOSING PRAYER
In the name of the Creator, Spirit, and only Begotten,
Go in peace to be who you really are,
To do what you were gifted to do.
Fulfill your destiny as the Beloved Child of God you are.
God bless you!
Amen.
Jani Francis, St. Andrew’s U.C.., Indian Head, Sask.
The Gathering May 31- Sept.6, 2020
SENDING FORTH
You were called here to worship, and now you are just as surely called into the world to share the love of God with your neighbours, opening your heart to them, whoever they may be, wherever they may be found, just as Jesus did.
George Allen, Chatham, Ont.
The Gathering May 31- Sept.6, 2020
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord. Alleluia
CLOSING HYMN: Spirit God Be Our Breath, from More Voices 150
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1ZB8Yl6e_
BACK TO TOP