South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge...We Are Linked In LOVE!!
Whether you attend the Courtland United Church or Cultus United Church, you will be met with warmth and sincerity. We are a 2 point charge known as the South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge. We welcome ALL to join us on Sunday mornings, or anytime...for worship and friendship! Under the loving and brilliant guidance of our Minister Ted Smith, you will be enlightened and moved.
CULTUS UNITED CHURCH: Located at 748-6th Concession Road ENR, Cultus, Ontario WORSHIPS on Sundays at 9:00am
COURTLAND UNITED CHURCH: Located at 133 Talbot Street, Courtland, Ontario WORSHIPS on Sundays at 10:30am
Our Mission Statement: The South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge is called to be a Christian community empowered and inspired by the Holy Spirit and to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
CONTACT US: EMAIL: swnpc@yahoo.ca Office Phone: 519-688-4050
OUR MAILING ADDRESS: South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge, P.O.Box 129, 119 Talbot Road, Courtland, On., N0J1E0
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CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/pages/South-West-Norfolk-Pastoral-Charge/1607350796216192?sk=timeline
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CHECK US OUT ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SWNPC _________________________________________________________________
Celebrate God's delight in us as we follow God's way......
Great lessons for life come to us through the Gospel message, a way to show and reflect God's way in our lives. We are directed and encouraged to grow in the direction of God's vision for the world by these lessons. We have been called to be the in the “salt of the earth”, flavoring the world with God's love; to be the “light of the world”, that all people may see God's light shining in the world. We have also been called to love our neighbor and to love our enemies; that we can't really honor God in our living and our worship, if we are not open to forgiveness and restoration of broken or struggling relationships. This week's lesson from the Sermon on the Plain, (Luke 6: 17 – 26) makes the point that life is not about striving for the material goods, but for working for God's reign of justice and peace. The challenge is to see the world as God sees it and then to live that way. Jesus is very clear about this: " No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth"
What does this mean in the 21st century as we strive for happiness and balance in our lives. The world we live in and the culture we are a part of literally forces the gospel of material accumulation and monetary wealth on us. Success is measured the size of your house, what’s parked in your driveway, where and when you took your last vacation, how much money is in your bank account. Jesus teaches that this way of life will not be fulfilling. We never get enough! The high from the material grab does not last and we are never really satisfied, but rather distracted and always left wanting more.
When we see the world in the way that God does, we live in a Gospel of abundance, rather than with a fear of scarcity. This is yet another invitation from Jesus welcoming us to full life, realizing God’s reign of justice is fulfilling, satisfying, enduring and eternal. Hallelujah and thanks be to God for always being there for us. We are blessed! Our journey continues......
Yours in Christ’s service........ Pastor T
South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge of The United Church of Canada
CULTUS / COURTLAND UNITED CHURCHES
MINISTER: PASTOR TED (P.T.) SMITH
Music Leaders: Judy Dekorte / Lynn Jennings
Office Administrator: Leslie Pettinger Office Phone: 519-688-4050 Email: swnpc@yahoo.ca
Sunday February 17, 2019 You’re Blessed
WE GATHER AS GOD’S BELOVED
GREETINGS AND WELCOME
CENTERING MOMENT AND COLLECT
INTROIT: “A light is gleaming, spreading its arms throughout the night, living in the light. Come share it’s gladness, God’s radiant love is burning bright, living in the light” (VU# 82, refrain, used with permission)
CALL TO WORSHIP: (Responsive)
Bring your thirsty souls before God to be drenched in love and kindness.
Blessed are those who trust in God.
Like a tree planted by the water, our lives shall be nourished and nurtured by the love of God.
O God, in this worship time, stretch our minds and search our hearts. Be to us a stream of living water, nurturing our souls so that we can do the work you call us to do in this world. Amen.
HYMN: “Spirit of Life” VU# 381*
PRAYER OF RENEWAL: (Unison) God of love, you love us and teach us to love others. Yet too often our love falls short of the example you set for us. Sometimes we are jealous of each other. Sometimes we insist we are right and others are wrong. Sometimes we want to be appreciated and resent it if others are recognized. Sometimes we forget your way of love. Show us again the gift of love that forgives. In the example of Christ we pray. Amen. (Time of Contemplative Silence)
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
God loves us more than we can imagine and calls us back over and over again. God forgives us and loves us
We give thanks for this amazing gift! Amen.
MINUTE FOR MISSION
MISSION HYMN: “This Is God’s Wondrous World” VU# 296
WE LISTEN
1st Testament Reading: Jeremiah 17: 5 - 10
Ministry of Music
Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 17 - 26
HYMN: “Seek Ye First” VU# 356*
MESSAGE: “You’re Blessed When….”
WE RESPOND
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
THE LORD’S PRAYER
PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY: “Grant Us God the Grace of Giving” VU# 540*
HYMN: “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” VU# 481*
COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION *
CHORAL CLOSING: “I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me! If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be (VU# 87 refrain, used with permission)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The South West Norfolk Pastoral Charge is a Christian community empowered and inspired by the Holy Spirit, following the teachings of Jesus Christ and showing our faith by our actions and deeds.