Keeping in Touch
with Ebenezer United Church
Our worship service at Ebenezer as well on Zoom is led by Clyde Harris & guest preacher Rev. Lawrence Nyarko from Alderwood United Church in Etobicoke. We also welcome our Regional Council Liaison, Catherine Hions, who has prepared the Covenanting Action Service for Rev. Nicholas Forrester, Christine Hanson and Susan Ryman with Ebenezer United Church community of faith.
Christine Hanson, Margaret Tribe, and our choir provide the musical accompaniment. We thank Susan Ryman for the slides and recognize the broadcast support provided by Shaun Balasubramaniam, James Tribe, and Doug Mark.
Scripture Readings (NIV)
Exodus 28:15–30 The Breastpiece
John 21:15–19 Jesus Reinstates Peter
Sermon: "You are Called by God” Rev. Lawrence Nyarko
Today's Hymns
All Glory, Laud and Honour VU122
Take My Life and Let It Be VU506
I Have Called You by Your Name MV161
Go, Make A Difference MV209
Go Now in Peace
Here're links from the United Church of Canada this week:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TODAY
Please stay for refreshments and fellowship following the service prepared by Manique Jayasinghe, Mae Belvett and Valerie Clarke.
Floral Arrangements in the sanctuary were hand made this week by Valerie Clarke and Mae Belvett. Thank you for sharing your talents.
Out of the Cold program is run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at Ebenezer United Church. Volunteers support the BlueDoor staff with various duties. If you wish to help, please volunteer, by emailing Janet Dunham at janet.dunham@sympatico.ca
THIS WEEK
Office Hours: Susan will be working in-office Wednesday & Friday 10am-2pm and from home Tuesday & Thursday
Monday – Decorating for Advent 7 p.m. with Vernon Clarke
Book Club meeting via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. ( Yes, it is this week)
Tuesday – Out of the Cold program run by BlueDoor & volunteers
Board Meeting via Zoom at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday – Out of the Cold program run by BlueDoor & volunteers. If you would like to help, please email Janet Dunham
Thursday – Out of the Cold program run by BlueDoor & volunteers
Choir Practice 7-9 p.m. Please use the outside entrance to the sanctuary from the parking lot rather than the main doors.
Sunday – In-person/Zoom with Rev. Nicholas Forrester and Worship Leader Margaret Tribe as we celebrate the First of Advent - HOPE. There will be a Sunday School program in classrooms 1&2 with Diane McLean. “Helpers” are encouraged to speak with her today.
Upcoming Services and Celebrations
December 4 – Second Sunday of Advent ~ PEACE
December 7 – Good Food Box delivery and pick up 12:30 - 2 p.m.
December 11 –Third Sunday of Advent ~ JOY
December 11 – UCW mini bake sale after church service
December 18 – Fourth Sunday of Advent ~ LOVE
December 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight, Communion Service
Bagged Lunches for “ Out of the Cold” is a beautiful way to reach out into to the community. Please speak with Marilyn & Jane to learn how you can organize your family and friends in this project for 2023.
Justice and Outreach Marilyn and Jane will be collecting NEW daily needs items every Sunday during the month of November in support of Julliette’s Place and the Crisis Pregnancy Centre. We hope to have everything collected by Sunday November 27, 2022, to enable both centres time to prepare for Christmas. If you wish, you may give your monetary gift to Jane and she will purchase daily needs items such as body lotions, soap, body wash, toothpaste, feminine products etc. using her Avon discount (at cost) so that your donation can be used to the maximum. Please see the “Wish List Items” if you wish to do some shopping for these centres this week.
Here is the wish list for Julliette’s Place: NEW ITEMS PLEASE
Women’s Needs:
Body Lotion, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Deodorant, Facial Cleanser, Body Wash/Soap (Bar), Shampoo and Conditioner, Pads/Tampons (especially overnight, heavy flow pads), Loofahs, Lip glass/balm, Make up kits, Gift cards (especially during the holidays for our moms and teens), Socks
Baby/Child/Youth Needs:
Enfamil Gentle Ease Formula or Enfamil A+ Formula, Children’s underwear (all sizes), Baby Wipes, Bibs, Rice rusk, Rice cereal (assortment of flavours), Colic bottles, Sippy Cups (with straws), Thermos & Lunch containers + cutlery for the Thermos’, Sweaters + Sweatpants (sizes 2T-14), Winter coats + Snow pants (sizes 2T-14), Gloves (thick), Winter boots (all sizes), Barbie/Dolls
Here is the wish list for Crisis Pregnancy Centre:
For the children: 100 NEW board books for babies and toddlers,
100 NEW small stuffed animals for babies and toddlers.
For the parents: NEW self-care items for 80 parents (lotion,
bubble bath, journal, stress ball, etc.).
For the families: $25.00 Walmart Gift Card.
IN THE COMMUNITY
United We Stand: An Anti-Asian Racism Forum
United Way Chinese Community Advisory Council is proud to present United We Stand, a virtual conversation about the impacts
of anti-Asian racism in today’s context and how communities can
be empowered to stand together against racism.
Date: Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 from 7:00-8:30 PM
If you have any questions, please contact jqin@uwgt.org
South Markham Housing Summit is taking place at 6pm Thurs. November 24th at YSpace (169 Enterprise Blvd). Call or email our Community Ambassadors (Siva and Vathana) to register for the event. 647-209-9981 or southmarkhamcat@gmail.com
Markham Stouffville Crisis Pregnancy Centre It’s once again
time for our annual online fundraising campaign Hand to Hands! When you give you are helping families face and rise above their challenges! Please note that any general donations received from now until December 31 will go towards the Hand to Hands 2022 fundraising goal. DONATE at https://mscpc.org/donation-form/
Dessert Night Fundraiser for the Markham Stouffville Crisis Pregnancy Centre. The event is taking place on Friday Dec 9,
from 7:00-8:30pm at Cornerstone Christian Community Church. We only have a limited number of tickets for $22.23.
Click here to Get your tickets online before they are gone
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Have a wonderful week and stay safe,
Doug Mark
PS Please always remember to support your Ebenezer United Church by giving your time and talents as well as through your offerings. Click here to learn more from our website and remember we accept Interac e-Transfers to treasurer@ebenezeronline.ca. Thank-you!
PPS Click here to check our our new CanadaHelps donation link found on our website as well.
If you want to be added to our Ebenezer eNews list, click here to subscribe and feel free to share this link with others. |
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Ebenezer United Church
Reign of Christ Sunday,
the 24th After Pentecost
November 20, 2022
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Prelude “Carillon” by Herbert Murrill
Notes on prelude:
The organ prelude is composed by Herbert Murrill, an English musician, composer, and organist. His organ piece, Carillon, is a vibrant showstopper, and one of his most popular compositions. All aspects of an organist's technique are challenged by this piece - footwork, keyboard, and orchestration skills - to bring this piece to a successful and celebratory conclusion.
Acknowledgement of the Land (All)
We acknowledge this land on which Ebenezer United Church serves our community. For thousands of years, this land has been on the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to worship, pray, and practice our faith on this land.
Welcome ~ Clyde Harris
Chime ~ Margaret Tribe
*Call to Worship (Responsive) (Please stand as you are able)
Minister: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
People: And also, with you.
Minister: Say among the nations, the Lord is King. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
People: For, the Lord is coming to judge the earth.
Minister: God will judge the world with righteousness and the people with God’s truth.
All: Come, let us worship God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lighting of the Christ Candle & Fellowship Candles
(Lighting by Zachary Tankard McLellan, reading by Clyde Harris)
The Christ Candle is a sign to us that Jesus Christ has come into this world as the Eternal Light. The Fellowship Candles remind us that Jesus’ people are the people of Light in this world. As we light the Christ Candle, let us hear the voice of Jesus say, “I am the Light of the World.” And, as we light the Fellowship Candles, let us also hear the voice of Jesus say, “You are the light of the world.”
*Hymn of Praise “All Glory, Laud and Honour” VU 122
Prayers of Adoration & Invocation (Together) (Please be seated)
Almighty God and King of the universe, we come today to give you thanks and praise and to magnify your most holy name. We praise you for the power of your love at work around us and within us, that is able to do more than we can ask or even imagine. As we pray for your second coming to reign in power and might and justice, remind us that the whole earth is already yours. As we pray for things not yet seen, help us celebrate your eternal reign. We pray that your Spirit might attend us and dwell within us as we worship you now – you who are our Saviour, Redeemer, Sustainer, and King! We ask it in Jesus' name, amen!
Prayer of Confession (Responsive)
Minister: Merciful God and King, we confess that while we name Jesus as King of our lives, we follow the ways of lesser kings.
People: We do not submit ourselves to your rule, we fail to participate in your reign, and we have not followed the example you set forth.
Minister: We follow worldly powers and stray from the good path you desire for all you have created.
People: We spend our days grasping at control and seeking opportunities to gain power.
Minister: We ignore your rule and try to build up our own kingdoms through our possessions and identities.
All: Forgive us, O Sovereign Lord, and give us grace in this hour that we might amend our foolish ways. Through Christ, our King, we pray, amen!
Assurance of Pardon
Minister: Beloved in the Lord, this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance: “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn. 1:9). To all who turn to the Lord then, he says, “your sins are forgiven.” He also says, “Follow me.”
All: Thanks be to God!
The Lord’s Prayer (Sung Together) VU 959
Celebrating the Act of Covenanting
Statement of This New Ministry (Catherine Hions & Clyde)
We are here to join into a covenantal relationship with God and between Rev. Nicholas Forrester, the Ebenezer United Church community of faith, and the wider United Church as represented by Shining Waters regional council. Although God’s covenant with us never changes, our covenants with one another evolve as we seek ways to faithfully deepen our commitment to Jesus and live into our call to embody God’s love in the world.
After prayerful discernment, and the approval of the Ebenezer community of faith, we present Rev. Nicholas Forrester, who has been appointed to ministry here in our community of faith. We believe that his skills and talents complement our faithful witness, ministry needs, and community context.
Nicholas, you are here in response to the needs of the Ebenezer community of faith and Shining Waters regional council. We come together to mark this new relationship within our regional council for the sake of our shared ministry.
Nicholas, you have undertaken ministry in this place. You, the members of this community of faith, are called to join Nicholas in worship, study, prayer, and action. We, Shining Waters regional council, will be responsible for supporting this ministry. Let us pray for God’s grace as we covenant together:
Prayer of Faith (In unison)
(A prayer for the church inspired by John 17:21 and based on The United Church of Canada’s “A New Creed” and The United Church of Christ’s “Statement of Faith (in the Form of a Doxology).” Written for the full communion service of these two denominations.)
Uniting God, you call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship:
to celebrate your presence, to live with respect in creation,
to be your servants in the service of others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table,
to proclaim Jesus crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
Send your Holy Spirit to bind us in full communion
so that we may be a uniting church embodying your love for the world.
As one, we proclaim: In life, in death, in life beyond death, you are with us, we are not alone, all glory and power be unto you. Amen.
*Hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be” VU 506
Promises of the New Minister (Catherine & Rev. Forrester)
Nicholas, do you, in the presence of this community of faith, take on the new trust and responsibility of ministering with Ebenezer?
Rev. Nicholas Forrester: I do.
Will you accept the guidance of Shining Waters regional council and, together with its other members, be responsible for the health of the Ebenezer community of faith?
Rev. Nicholas Forrester: I will.
Will you share in the ministry goals and faith story of this community of faith?
Rev. Nicholas Forrester: I will.
Will you accept the support and encouragement of this community of faith and this regional council?
Rev. Nicholas Forrester: I will.
Will you work cooperatively with the wider church and wider community to embody God’s love in the world?
Rev. Nicholas Forrester: I will.
Promises of the Community of Faith (Catherine Hions & All)
Will you join with Rev. Nicholas Forrester in a ministry of worship, study, prayer, and action within the Ebenezer Community of Faith, Shining Waters regional Council and within the wider church?
All Members of the community of faith: We will.
Will you support him as he serves among you in this ministry?
All Members of the community of faith: We will.
Promises of the Ministry Team (Catherine Hions & Ministry Team)
Nicholas, Christine and Susan, you have been called by God to work together in this community of faith. Will you, the members of the team, work in a collegial relationship knowing that this shared responsibility is in the best interest of yourselves and the congregation?
Rev. Forrester, Christine Hanson, Susan Ryman: We will.
Will you respect one another’s gifts and support and encourage one another in your ministry with Ebenezer?
Rev. Forrester, Christine Hanson, Susan Ryman: We will.
Promises of Regional Council, Wider Church and Community (Catherine Hions)
The members of Shining Waters regional council and members of the wider community will join with Rev. Nicholas Forrester and this community of faith in the ministry that is both theirs and ours. We will support and encourage you in this ministry.
Presentation of Symbols
A BIBLE - Margaret Tribe lifts up a Bible and says:
Be with us as one who teaches and proclaims the Word.
All People: Amen.
WATER - Ian Carreon lifts up a pitcher of water and says:
Be with us as one who baptizes in the name of Christ.
All People: Amen.
WATER, TOWEL, AND BASIN - Tissa Jayasinghe lifts up these symbols and says: Be with us as one who seeks justice.
All People: Amen.
BREAD AND WINE - Vernon and Valerie Clarke lift up a loaf of bread and a cup of wine and say:
Be with us as one who cares for those who hunger and thirst.
All People: Amen.
Catherine Hions says: Rev. Nicholas Forrester and Ebenezer United Church community of faith, let all these be signs of the ministry that is and that will be in this community. All People: Amen.
New Minister’s Prayer
The new minister prays in thanksgiving and supplication for all who have entered this covenant for the ministry of the community of faith.
Response to Covenant (Catherine Hions)
Let us rejoice in the covenant we have made.
Choir Anthem “Mold Me, Teach Me, Use Me, Lord” by Besig & Price
Notes on anthem:
This week's anthem, by composers Don Besig and Nancy Price, is a devotional on God's plan for our lives. The music has a gentle 3/4 time signature that adds to the warmth and meaning to the lyrics: "Mold my life with your hands, Lord".
(Children are welcome to go with Diane McLean to classrooms 1&2 for a Sunday School program after the Choir Anthem.)
Prayer for Understanding (read by Rev. Forrester)
God of wisdom, send us your Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds as we hear the Scriptures read and interpreted. Through your Word, grant that we might see your reign unfolding among us in the world you love in Christ, your Living Word, in whose glorious and powerful name we pray, amen.
Scripture Readings (read by Clyde)
Old Testament: Exodus 28:15–30 (NIV)
15 “Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz and a beryl; 18 in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and an emerald; 19 in the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; 20 in the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx and a jasper. Mount them in gold… filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. 22 “For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.
29 “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.
New Testament: John 21:15–19 (NIV)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Reader: This is the word of the Lord!
All: Thanks be to God!
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"You are Called by God"
Ebenezer United Church
Exodus 28:15–30 & John 21:15–19 (NIV) | November 20, 2022
Rev. Lawrence Nyarko
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*Hymn of Reflection “I Have Called You by Your Name” MV 161
Prayers of Thanksgiving, Intercession, and Supplication
Minister: God of hope beyond despair,
People: we pray that you will comfort this broken world. May the vision of your peaceable Kingdom take root in your Church, in families, and in countries that are marked by violence and struggle for human power.
Minister: God of wholeness beyond fracture,
People: we pray for a world where differences are overcome and where all find a place. Make our hearts soft and open to your shaping, and let our actions be guided by the leading of your Spirit so that we may work courageously alongside you as you mend the world.
Minister: God of life beyond death,
People: we pray for people who are grieving the loss of loved ones, the loss of hope, or the loss of a dream. Be present with them as they live through this time of sadness, and help them find comfort in you and in those around them.
Minister: God of the Church, the Bride of Christ,
All: We pray especially for your Church, Christ’s body, that we may be a visible symbol of your desired unity and wholeness. Gather us as one flock under one Shepherd, obedient to him alone. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Invitation to the Offering (read by Rev. Forrester)
The story of Christ reaching out from the Cross reminds us of all we have received from God in mercy and compassion. We offer our gifts in response to this love, so the world will continue to be touched by such mercy and compassion. Your offering will now be received.
Offering Our Gifts
Offertory Music “Jesus Loves Me” arranged by Roger Summers
*Offertory Hymn “Grant Us, God, the Grace” VU 540
Prayer of Dedication (read by Rev. Forrester)
Almighty God, we celebrate your goodness to us each and every day. We offer our gifts to you in gratitude for what we already enjoy. Bless them and bless us so that your goodness will be spread to touch other lives in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, we pray, amen!
Announcements ~ Clyde Harris
*Closing Hymn “Go, Make A Difference” MV 209
Benediction (Please stand as you are able)
Minister: Blessed be the Lord our King, who has given rest to his people according to all that he promised; not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke through his servant Moses. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our ancestors; may he not leave us or abandon us, but incline our hearts to him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments. Go with God, my friends. Amen.
*“Go Now in Peace” by Nancy Price and Don Besig
Postlude “I Will Sing Your Glory and Praise” by Besig and Price
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Sung by Susan Ryman with accompaniment by Murphy Hung.
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Last week's sermon by Rev. Nicholas Forrester
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Prayer of the Week
Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV)
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
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Food for Thought
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
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Inspiration
from Doug Mark
Enjoy this video called "Carol of the Bells / Wayfaring Stranger | BYU Vocal Point / Mat & Savanna Shaw" just in time for Advent.
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Heavenly Humour
by Vernon Clarke
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