HYBRID WORSHIP, PENTECOST VI, 05 JULY 2026, Rev Mona Smart, Musician Ian Cox

HYBRID WORSHIP

PENTECOST VI

05 JULY 2026

 

Minister: Mona Smart

Music: Ian Cox

 

We acknowledge that these lands upon which we worship are the

traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw

First Nation. Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey,

you are welcome here!

 

Words for Worship

Words of response are in bold & italics

 

Prelude

 

Gathering Words

Today’s gospel reading from Matthew explores various responses to Jesus and his message, and concludes with an invitation to accept him and find rest.

 

Acknowledgement of the Land

We prayerfully acknowledge with thanksgiving that we gather on the unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw people. Gracious God, help us to seek a new relationship with the first peoples here, one based in honour and respect. Amen.

 

Call to Worship                                                                                     

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Sprit, be with you all.

And also with you.

 

Lighting of Candle                                                                                                

Loving God; by your light we see light.

Lead us to walk in the light of Christ,

strengthen us to walk the path of his teaching,

so that by word and deed and in the power of the Spirit

we may manifest the gracious news of your love,

and the light of your justice. Amen

(candle is lit)

As we walk together in the light of Christ and the path of his teaching, may we be as a collective light to shine like a beacon in the world. Amen

 

Opening Hymn: Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom        MV #10

 

Prayer of Forgiveness

Gracious God,

as people called to be your presence in the world,

we search our hearts, and ask your forgiveness;

for opportunities not taken, for care not given.

Forgive us we pray.

For sorrow not shared, for joy not celebrated,

Forgive us, we pray.

For love not offered, forgiveness not extended,

Forgive us, we pray.

For those failings we cannot speak aloud.

Forgive us, we pray.

 

Assurance of Grace

Most merciful God,

We take comfort in the assurance that even those things that are hidden from memory, or are too deep for our words, are not beyond God’s forgiving love. God, who knows us completely, bestows pardon and peace. Amen.

 

Affirmation of Faith

The Lord our God, the Lord is one,

love the Lord your God with all your heart,

with all your soul,

wall your mind,

and with all your strength.

This is the first and great commandment.

the second is like it:

Love your neighbour as yourself.

These is no greater commandment than these.

 

Peace of Christ

May the peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you.

Let us share the peace of Christ with one another.

 

Prayer Before the Reading of Scripture (ACC & UCC )          Reader: Mona Smart

O God, your Word is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path.

Give us grace to receive your truth in faith and love.

 

Psalm 145:8-14 (VU 866)                                           Reader: Mona Smart

Refrain: We praise you, O God: we bless your holy name!          (sung refrain)

 

Every day we will bless you

and praise your name forever.

            O God, you ae great and highly to be praised,

            your greatness is beyond all measure.

One generation shall praise your works to another,

and declare your marvellous deeds.

            I will speak of your splendour and glory,

            and all your wonderful works.   R

 

 

You, God are righteous in all your ways,

and loving in all your deeds.

            You are near to all who call to you,

            to all who call on you in truth.

You fulfil the desire of those who revere you;

and hear their cry and you save them.

            You watch over all who love you,

            but the wicked you will destroy.

My mouth will speak your praise, O God.

            Let every creature bless your holy name forever.   R

 

Scripture: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 (NRSV)             Reader: Don Moser

The King Comes in Peace

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.

 

This is the Word of God

            Thanks be to God.

 

Gospel Reading                                                              Reader: Don Moser

As is your custom, please stand or sit for the reading of the gospel.

 

God be with you.

And also with you.

The Good News of Jesus the Christ according to Matthew.

Glory to you, Christ Jesus.

 

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’;  the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

 

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

 

This is the Gospel of Christ.

Thanks be to God

 

Word: A Reflection

 

Hymn of Response: God Who Gives to Life its Goodness         CP #428

 

Life & Work of the Church

 

Prayers of the People                                                         Paddy Waymark                                                                                                   

In Your Light,

            Hear our Prayers.

 

The Lord’s Prayer (sung)                                                        VU #959

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

now and forever.

Amen.

 

Offering (offering now to be collected)

 

Offering Prayer                                              Book of Alternative Services, ACC

Living God, receive all we offer this day as a symbol of our love. Increase in us our desire to work according to your will and show the fruits of your love at work in the world.

 

Closing Hymn: God Be With You till We Meet Again          VU #423

 

Closing Prayer

God, we humbly seek your divine wisdom

that we may grow in faith and trust.

Illuminate our hearts and minds with your truth,

guiding us in our decisions and actions.

Grant us discernment to navigate life’s challenges

and the grace to embrace your will.

Help us to use our faith to grow in knowledge and insight,

reflecting your love and light in all we do.

Amen.

 

Blessing & Sending

Glory to God,

whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen

 

Postlude