Sunday, July 31, 2022
July 31, 2022 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
GOD BRINGS US TOGETHER
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship (responsive from Psalm 107)
O let us give thanks to the Lord,
For the love of God will never end.
Let we who love God be unashamed to declare it,
Because God has answered our cries for help.
The Lord our God has met our every need,
We will therefore proclaim the love of the Lord!
Prayer of Approach (together)
Generous God,
you give us an abundance
of both spiritual and physical gifts.
Help us to hold lightly
the fading things of this earth
and grasp tightly
the lasting things of your kingdom,
so that what we are and do and say
may be our gifts to you
as we follow in the way of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymn: 296 VU This Is God’s Wondrous World
Children’s Story and Lord’s Prayer.
GOD SPEAKS THROUGH SCRIPTURE
Responsive Reading: Psalm 107:1-9 (p.831 Part 1)
First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-11
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21
Anthem
Sermon “Rich in the Right Ways”
GOD CALLS US TO RESPOND
Hymn: 371 VU Open My Eyes
Prayers of the People
Hymn: 562 VU Jesus Calls Us
Commissioning and Benediction
Postlude
A warm welcome to everyone who is joining us for worship. May this be a time for us to draw closer to each other and God. We recognize that we gather in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, and we seek to be good neighbours to the First Nations.
The Rev. Peter Smith will be on holidays from August 1 – August 30. If there is a pastoral emergency during that time please contact the Rev. Doug Stewart at (902) 735-2102 or through the St. Martha’s Hospital Switchboard during the day (902) 867-4500
Next Sunday we are pleased to welcome the Rev. Doug Stewart who will lead our service of worship.
August 1 st was designated in 2021 by a unanimous vote in our House of Commons as Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire. Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved in this land. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in helping our society become as diverse as it is today.
Therefore, on 1 August, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities throughout Canada.
The church office at St. James is closed for the summer. The church voice mail (902-863-2001) and email (office@stjamesuc.com) as well as the secure mail slot in the office door are being checked on a regular basis. The office will reopen Tuesday, September 6th
How can you help support the life and work at St. James? If you are attending in person worship there are boxes at each door for you to make your offering. If you are worshiping online you can make your offering via Credit Card through Canada Helps or by interact e-transfer to eft@stjamesuc.com
Traveling this summer? Going to be away from Antigonish on a Sunday? Feel welcome to take part in our online worship. The services from Sunday morning are posted around 3:00pm and linked through our website (www.stjamesuc.com) and facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/StJamesAntigonish)
Brunswick Street Mission: Ever wondered what happens at the United Church Mission on Brunswick Street in Halifax? You only need a Facebook account; then visit their page and hit the “LIKE” button at the top. You will then receive updates including pictures, videos and stories; Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/BSMHalifax
Stewardship Thought for July 31, 2022
How we spend our money reflects our priorities. It is not only voting with our wallet; where we place our treasure reflects our spiritual priorities too.