Third Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, June 10, 2018 Why Church? An Invitation to Mission Vision Transforming lives through God s grace Mission Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we grow disciples of Jesus Christ to love our neighbours and effect social change. Minister The Rev. Dr. M. Jean Morris Interim Executive Minister Presbytery Representative The Rev. Mark Tremblay minister@knoxcalgary.ca Musicians Susan Woodward, Music Director Donna Holoboff, Organist
Order of Worship * Please stand as you are able. Prelude Aria (Church Cantata) S. Karg-Elert Bell Symphony H. Purcell/R. Hebble O Rest In The Lord F. Mendelssohn/N. Rawsthorne Announcements *Entry of the Bible *Lighting of the Christ Candle *Choral Introit I Was Glad Jim Campbell, Elder Isabella Weiss David Telfer I. R. Charter *Call to Worship (Congregation will respond saying the bolded portions) Jake Van Pernis God is the giver of all good gifts! God gives us life! God gives us love! God s love holds a plan for our lives! All of life is a call and response. We listen for God s voice, praying our hearts would be open to respond to the call of faith. We listen for the rhythm of each day so we are not overwhelmed by thoughts about the future or by longing for the past. God guides each day with grace. We will listen for God in our lives. We will listen for God s voice in shared stories of faith. We will listen for God s voice in words of guidance and encouragement. We will listen for God s voice in plans and hopes. We will listen for God s voice even when we want easy answers. God calls us to be in relationship with one another and with God. May our answers to God s call reflect our trust in and our willingness to share God s love and grace. We are called to listen for God s voice as we grow and change. God is the giver of all good gifts! We want to follow God and serve God with the gifts we have been given!
*Hymn 799 God is Here! As We Your People Meet (Tune: Abbot s Leigh) Prayer of Adoration and Confession and The Lord s Prayer Surely God is our salvation, we will trust in God and not be afraid, as we come with hope and certainty, bringing the confessions and thanks from our lives to God in collective prayer: Faithful God, our hands are open to your lead. Our ears are listening for the call of your voice. Our eyes are watching for your movement. Guide us. Speak to us. Move in our midst. Fill us with the power of your Spirit. Bind us together in common mission and hope. Touch our hearts so we would be servant leaders to our neighbours near and far. Instill courage in us in areas where we need to grow and encounter change. Ground us in the love you share. Help us listen to one another and to work together. Bring us together to share gifts, strengths, and needs, as your collective body, embracing our identity as your beloved children. Help us to both carry and share the grace you give. As we gather, we confess our sins and ask God to forgive us for what we have done and what we have left undone. We admit the rush of our lives has blinded us to your presence. We forget to place our troubles at your feet, and instead carry on as if we are the ones sustaining our lives by our strength alone. We fear the cost of your call to kindness and generosity and behave in thoughtless and selfish ways with others. Forgive us for the times we have turned away from you and from others. Strengthen our resolve to make choices that honour you, the people we love and the world which we inhabit. May the Holy Spirit carry these words to God s hands, so in the midst of all that is going on we may know God s peace and presence, and embolden us to live into the prayer Jesus taught his followers to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Assurance of God s Love Friends, in God s love we are being made new! God s grace opens us up to be faithful in small and large ways! Let s rejoice in God s promises and share the Good News: God is calling us, redeeming us, and renewing us in the Spirit to reflect the love and grace of Christ! Hallelujah! *Hymn 632 Help Us Accept Each Other Conversation with Young Christians (All children ages 4 to Grade 6 may leave for Sunday School classes downstairs. Youth from Grade 7 to 12 will also meet together downstairs.) Prayer for Illumination Living Word, in grace speak to us so our eyes may be opened to the movement of the Spirit and your presence would guide us to know the way of truth and love. Amen. Scripture Psalm 138: 7-8 Isaiah 43:16-21 (page 632, Old Testament) Matthew 9: 35-38 (page 8, New Testament) Ephesians 4:11-16 (page 171, New Testament) Sermon *Hymn 587 Why Church? An Invitation to Mission Called as Partners in Christ s Service Prayers of the People Anthem By Your Mercy S. Boersma/C. Courtney Offering (envelope in box on pew in front) There is a Balm in Gilead arr. G.M. Martin *OFFERTORY RESPONSE: Hymn 79 - Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow *Offertory Prayer Raymond Kellough
*Hymn 491 God Bless Your Church With Strength *Benediction and Choral Amen Postlude Holy God arr. D. Bish Life and Work at Grace Church The flowers in the sanctuary today have been placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of Bill Ritchie by Maureen and Bruce Cameron. We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Jake Van Pernis who is Preaching for the Call today. Rev. Van Pernis is the candidate for Associate Minister, Engagement and Service. Today s parish nurse, Robin Tomlinson, will be available at the front of the sanctuary to discuss any minor medical concerns. A Memorial Service for James (Jim) Porter will be held at Grace on Saturday, June 16 at 2:00 pm. Thank you from Florence MacKenzie and family - Thank you to the congregation for the beautiful flower arrangement and for your prayers and kindness during our difficult time. Thank you, as well, to the ushers who helped out during the service. A Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 17 following worship to consider the 2017 Financial Statements and facility improvements. The Session has invited a candidate for the position of Lead Minister, Vision, Worship and Discipleship to Preach for the Call at morning worship on Sunday, June 24. There will be an opportunity for the congregation to meet the candidate on Saturday, June 23 at 10:30 am.
Sunday, June 24 following morning worship Congregational Meeting and Votes regarding Lead Minister and two Associate Ministers Following worship on Sunday, June 24, we ll hold a congregational meeting to vote on the three positions. There will be a separate vote for each candidate. The Rev. Jake Van Pernis Candidate for Associate Minister, Engagement and Service Position Description: Available on www.gracechurchcalgary.com Congregational Vote on the Call: Sunday, June 24 following worship Rev. Jake Van Pernis studied Psychology and Sociology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan and has a Certificate of Youth Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. He graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Jake was a staff leader at a Christian camp for several years, as well as providing care, education, support and welcome to students while holding the role of Director of Youth Ministry at two different churches. Jake has experienced both large church and team ministry, and most recently, has been the sole pastor at a smaller rural church in Minnesota. He enjoys baking bread, gardening, photography and hiking. His wife, Kate, and he are excited at the prospect of living so close to the Rockies. Given that the Rev. Van Pernis is not currently ordained in The Presbyterian Church in Canada, a Call from Grace would be conditional upon the candidate s successful completion of the requirements for eligibility to be a Minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Approval from Canadian immigration authorities would also be required. It is anticipated that these steps might be accomplished by November 2018.
Search Process for Associate Minister, Engagement and Service Session formed this Search Committee in fall 2017 and mandated them to seek out and interview candidates for the full-time ministry position of Associate Minister, Engagement and Service, and to recommend a suitable candidate to Session. Committee members are Andy Burnett, Riley Doherty, Mark Durieux, Heather-Rose Locken, Mary Cristina Rozsa de Coquet, Zoe Say, Cindy Stephenson, Justin Thurn, Henrietta van Huigenbos, and Jim Campbell as Convener. The Rev. Mark Tremblay represents the Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod and is a key resource to the committee. This vacancy was advertised on our website, through the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Presbyterian Church USA, and by word of mouth. The Search Committee received and considered expressions of interest from seven candidates. After due consideration, the committee focused on and interviewed three candidates. The candidates provided written answers to Session questions. The Search Committee agreed that one candidate was a better fit with the position and this candidate was invited to meet informally with Session members and the Rev. Tremblay. The Search Committee members and Session members are enthusiastic about the candidate s capabilities, experience and vision for this position.
Maren McLean Persaud Candidate for Associate Minister, Children and Youth Meet and Greet Opportunity: Saturday, June 16 from 10:15 am to 11:45 am Preaching for the Call: Sunday, June 17 at 10:30 am Position Description: Available on www.gracechurchcalgary.com Congregational Vote on the Call: Sunday, June 24 following worship Maren McLean Persaud grew up in Pictou County, Nova Scotia and pursued her studies in music and theology at Mount Allison University and then Knox College, Toronto School of Theology. Most recently, she worked as Director of Camping Ministry for the Anglican Church in New Brunswick, where she currently lives with her husband, the Rev. Christian Persaud and their cat, Fig. Maren is actively involved in the New Brunswick Camping Association as a board member, as well as the Women s Institute of New Brunswick and helps to coordinate children s ministry for the Parish of Gagetown. Before living in New Brunswick, Maren worked as a Master of Divinity Honours student at St. John s Presbyterian Church in Medicine Hat where she studied the ways that summer camp can teach the wider church to be more creative in community building and spiritual formation. Maren is most passionate about ministry with children and youth and incorporates her experiences in camping and her musical training into that work. She loves spending time outdoors, drinking her coffee black and laughing until she cries.
Search Process for Associate Minister, Children and Youth Session formed this Search Committee in fall 2017 and mandated them to seek out and interview candidates for the half-time ministry position of Associate Minister, Children and Youth, and to recommend a suitable candidate to Session. Committee members are Fran Cormack, Richard Kim, Jenni Lee, Irene Robinson, Kim Reid-Smith, Mary Cristina Rozsa de Coquet, and Len Wolstenholme as Convener. Rev. Mark Tremblay represents the Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod and is a key resource to the committee. This vacancy was advertised on our website, through the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Presbyterian Church USA, Ambrose University, other denominations and word of mouth. Expressions of interest were received from four candidates and considered by the search committee. After due consideration, the search committee focused on and interviewed one candidate. The candidate then provided written answers to Session questions and met informally online with 15 Session members and Rev. Tremblay. At every stage of the process search committee members and Session members have been struck by the candidate s suitability for this position at this time at Grace.
Calling All Gardeners - If you can lend a hand at a work bee to weed in the church gardens tomorrow, Monday, June 11 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, please contact Cindy Stephenson, cindys@gracecalgary.org so we can arrange for sufficient supplies. Connaught School Snack Program Through the Engagement and Service Committee, Grace continues to serve families in our community alongside Connaught School and Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids. Together, we provide healthy snacks for students who need them. Thank you to our current volunteers who make that work possible. Summer brings two additional ways to get involved: 1. A mini food bank to assist children and families with food over the summer. On Sundays, June 10 and 17, we re collecting staple items (rice, oatmeal, pasta, tuna, fava beans, beans, cereal, Ichiban noodles, granola bars, flour, sugar) and $25 grocery cards (Wal-Mart, Superstore, Safeway, or Calgary Co-op). Families will pick up needed items from the school in the last two weeks of June and the last week of August. a. Food donation boxes will be at Grace s north and south sanctuary doors. b. $25.00 gift cards should be submitted in offering envelopes or in another envelope with your name and envelope number so you can receive a tax receipt. 2. On Friday, June 22, Connaught school is hosting an activity morning from 9:00 to 11:00 am. We re looking for volunteers to help distribute a healthy snack to the children. We re also looking for volunteers to supervise activities. Can you help? Contact Cindy Stephenson at cindys@gracecalgary.org or 403.244.5
Service Opportunities at Grace English Language Learners (ELL) will be meeting one day a week over the summer, on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am to 12:00 noon. Volunteers are welcome. Self Service Coffee Volunteer Request We continue to request volunteers to assist after the morning service with setup of the self-service coffee stations. We are looking for two or three people to help each Sunday. If you can help, please sign the list posted in the Family Room. Thank you! Complete instructions for setting up the coffee stations can be found in the kitchen. Plans are underway by the Spiritual Expression and Development Committee for the Annual Stampede Breakfast on Sunday, July 8. Volunteers willing to help with set up and pancake flipping are welcome. Please contact Cindy Stephenson, Coordinator of Volunteers, at 403.244.5861 or cindys@gracecalgary.org if you are willing to help in any of the above areas. Spirit Wind RCCO (Royal Canadian College of Organists) 2018 Calgary Organ Festival is happening July 2 to July 6. Grace Presbyterian Church is one of the host venues on Wednesday afternoon, July 4. Registrants of the festival will be coming to Grace for the RCCO College Convocation. We are looking for volunteers to welcome registrants to our wonderful church building on July 4. Also, before the start of the Festival the RCCO sponsors a Student Academy. The Academy dates are June 29, 30, July 1 and 2. Students will receive lessons from internationally acclaimed teachers here at Grace using both organs in the church on June 29 and June 30. On Sunday, July 1 one student will have the opportunity of playing during our church service. A student recital will be held at Central United on July 2. Again, volunteers are needed to help with driving students and hosting students in our church as they practice and take lessons. If you are able to help please contact the office at office@gracecalgary.org, 403.244.5861, or speak with Susan Woodward, Music Director or Donna Holoboff, Organist. All evening concerts during the Festival are open to the public. Please go to www.calgaryorganfestival.ca for more information.
Upcoming Worship Services Sunday, June 17 10:30 am Preach for the Call, Candidate for Associate Minister, Children and Youth, Maren McLean Persaud Recognition Sunday for Children and Youth Congregational Meeting following worship to consider the 2017 Financial Statements and facility improvements 7:00 pm Evening Grace in the Chapel Preacher: The Rev. Mark Tremblay Presbytery Representative to Grace; Minister at Knox Presbyterian Sunday, June 24 10:30 am Preach for the Call, Candidate for Lead Minister, Vision, Worship and Discipleship Congregational Meeting following worship to consider the three calls for: Lead Minister, Vision, Worship and Discipleship Associate Minister, Children and Youth Associate Minister, Engagement and Service Sunday, July 1 10:30 am Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Nancy Cocks Retired Presbyterian Minister and Professor of Pastoral Theology 7:00 pm Evening Grace in the Chapel Preacher: The Rev. Rod Ferguson Pastoral Associate, Varsity Acres Presbyterian