Wesley United Church– Year A
September 27, 2026

18th Sunday After Pentecost
  Sacrament of Baptism
Worship Leader: Joan Chaisson

 

 

Reader:  Lucy Bragg
Music: Ross Cooper
Greeter: Myrtle Button
Bell Ringer: Ross Cooper
Music Before Service:  Ephraim Young

 

 

Gathering in the Spirit

Welcome to our worship service either online or in printed form.

 

Life and Work of the Church may be found at the end of the service.

 

Our Blessings & Birthdays for this week are:

 

Lighting of the Christ Candle

 

As we light this Christ Candle, we remember that Jesus is the Light of the World —a light no darkness can overcome, a light that guides our steps, and a light that welcomes us as a family of faith.
Today, as we celebrate the gift of baptism, we give thanks that Your light shines upon this child of Yours, marking her as beloved, calling her into the way of Christ, and surrounding her with the warmth of Your presence.
May this flame remind us that we are called to carry Your light into the world to shine with love, to walk in truth, and to live as children of the Light.
Amen.

 

 

*Introit:  VU  # 402  We Are One vs 1

 

1  We are one as we come,
as we come, joyful to be here,
in the praise on our lips
there’s a sense that God is near.
We are one as we sing,
as we seek we are found;
and we come needful of God’s grace 
as we meet, together in this place.

 

*Call to Worship:

 

L: The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders. 

 

P: We come to remember our baptism and to hear God’s voice again.

 

L: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.

 

P: We come ready for renewal by the Spirit.

 

 

*Opening Hymn: VU # 412 This Is The Day

 

1 This is the day, this is the day
that our God has made, that our God has made;
we will rejoice, we will rejoice,
and be glad in it, and be glad in it.
This is the day that our God has made,
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day, this is the day
that our God has made.

 

2  Open to us, open to us
your gates, O God, your gates, O God;
we will go in, we will go in,
to your holy place, to your holy place.
Open to us your gates, O God,
we will go in to your holy place.
Open to us, open to us
your gates, O God.

 

3  You are our God, you are our God,
we will praise your name, we will praise your name;
we will give thanks, we will give thanks,
for your faithfulness, for your faithfulness.
You are our God, we will praise your name,
we will give thanks for your faithfulness.
You are our God, you are our God,
we will praise your name.

 

Opening Prayer:

 

Today, Lord, we gather with hearts full of joy and gratitude, celebrating the gift of new life in You. 
May Your presence fill this place with peace, reverence, and joy. Bless the child being baptized today — strengthen her faith, guide her steps, and surround her with a loving community that will walk with her in her journey with You.
We pray that this service will not only mark a milestone in her and her family but also inspire all of us to renew our own commitment to follow You wholeheartedly. Let every word spoken, every song sung, and every prayer lifted bring glory to Your holy name.  Amen

 

Invitation to Confession:

 

Today we remember the waters of baptism—waters that cleanse, renew, and restore. Yet we confess we have not always lived as God’s children. Let us return to the One whose mercy washes us clean,
and confess our sins first silently and then together.

Silent Prayer

 

Prayer of Confession:

 

Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our sins that we have committed, whether known or hidden. Please forgive us, cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and renew our spirit. Help us to turn away from wrongdoing and walk in Your ways, guided by Your grace and mercy. Amen.

Words of Affirmation:

 

L. We are loved beyond measure by our Heavenly Father.  In Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made new.  Today, we walk in His light, strengthened by His Spirit, and united in His love.  We are not alone- God is with us, and we are with each other. 

 

P.  Thanks be to God! 

 

Hymn:  VU #365  Jesus Loves Me

 

1 Jesus love me, this I know, 
for the Bible tells me so;
little ones to him belong,
in his love we shall be strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!  Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!  The Bible tells me so.

 

2  Jesus loves me, this I know,
as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee,
saying, “Let them come to me.”

Yes, Jesus loves me!  Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!  The Bible tells me so.

 

3  Jesus loves me still today,
walking with me on my way,
wanting as a friend to give
light and love to all who live.

Yes, Jesus loves me!  Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!  The Bible tells me so.

 

Listening for the Spirit

 

Scripture Reading

  This Gospel reading tells us that we can have childlike faith in God by approaching Him with a simple, trusting heart, like a child would approach their parent without reservations or doubts.  Children have a natural tendency to trust and depend on their parents, believing that they will provide for and take care of them.  We can come to God with a sense of innocence and trust, knowing that He loves us deeply and wants what is best for us.

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

 

Message: A Child Belonging to God’s Love

 

 Today is a beautiful day.
We have gathered to celebrate a child, to surround this family with love, and to remember something which is at the heart of our Christian faith: every child is a gift, every person is precious, and God’s love comes to us before we are ever able to earn it.
In the United Church we have two sacraments.  One being the Sacrament of Communion and the other is Baptism which is the sole rite of initiation into full membership in the Christian community.   Baptism is Christianity’s foundational rite, in which we recognize the gift of new life in an infant or a youth or adult as she or he becomes a person in Christ. It is the official act of becoming part of the Body of Christ. 
Today, we are welcoming Rebecca into our family of faith. There is something wonderfully humbling about baptizing a baby.
Rebecca cannot yet understand what is happening today. She cannot make her own profession of faith. She cannot promise to follow Jesus or explain what baptism means. And that is part of the beauty of it. Because baptism reminds us that God’s love does not depend upon our ability to understand, achieve, or earn it.
 Our Christian faith tells us that God knows each of us more deeply than we know ourselves. God knows our hopes and our fears. God knows our strengths and our struggles. God sees the person we are today and the person we may yet become. 
Baptism is a time when we think of God’s promise as well as our own promises. The water of baptism is a sign of God’s love. During our regular life, we may look at water as something ordinary since we use it every day to drink, wash and to meet our need to live. But in baptism, ordinary water becomes a powerful symbol. It reminds us that God’s grace is continually washing over us, renewing us, and calling us into new life.
Today all our promises will not mean that Rebecca will have a perfect life; but it will mean that she will never have to walk through life alone. This is very important since raising a child is not something a family should have to do alone. We need grandparents, Godparents, relatives, friends, teachers, neighbours, mentors, and communities. And we need a church community that will say to Rebecca:
 You are welcome here, your questions are welcome, your laughter is welcome and if life becomes difficult, you will have people here who will stand beside you. We will always let you know that God is with you with love, understanding and forgiveness.
Jesus always welcomed the children. We just heard in the Gospel of Mark that people were bringing children to Jesus, but the disciples tried to send them away. Perhaps they thought Jesus had more important things to do. But Jesus disagreed. He said: “Let the little children come to me.” That simple sentence tells us something profound about the kingdom of God. The children were not an interruption. They were not unimportant. They were not people who had to wait until they were older or wiser or more accomplished before they could belong. Jesus welcomed them as they were. And that is the welcome we offer today.
To do this, we need to make a couple of promises- the first being a promise to the family.  We want to let you, Cindy and Shannon know, that you are not alone.  As you know, there will be days when parenting feels wonderful. But there will also be days when you are tired, uncertain, or wondering whether you are doing anything right.

On those days, remember this:
None of us here were perfect parents. Through God’s strength, we just kept on loving as our children grew and moved through all the stages of life.  We kept on listening, forgiving, beginning over again, and praying to God for guidance. We also allowed others to help us.  We, as a community of faith, are here today to let you know that you have our support.  By being a part of this congregation, you can share your celebrations, fears and challenges with us and we are here for you physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Next, we have a promise for Rebecca.
One day, when Rebecca is old enough to look back at photographs of this day, she will know some of the people gathered here but she will not remember her baptism.  However, we will remember it for her.  We will remember that on this day, a community of faith gathered around her and said:
You are loved. You are precious. You belong. You are never alone. So, today, we promise that Rebecca will always know there is a place for her here.
I learned there is an old Christian understanding of love that is especially meaningful at baptism: God’s love comes first. Before we know how to pray, God is already listening. Before we know how to love, God already loves us. Before we know how to find our way, God is walking with us. Before we know who we are, God sees us and calls us beloved.
That is the gift we celebrate today. As we baptize Rebecca, we should not think of this as the beginning of God’s love for this child since God’s love has already begun. Today, we are simply recognizing it, celebrating it, promising to live within it and today we are asking God to see that Rebecca will grow surrounded by his love. May she have the courage to ask questions. May she discover her gifts. May she know the joy of friendship and community. May she learn that kindness is a strength. May she know that mistakes do not make her unworthy of love. May she always have people who will remind her of her worth. And may she come to know the God whom Jesus revealed to us—a God of compassion, forgiveness, justice, hope, and love.
As Jesus said:
“Let the little children come to me.”
And so, we bring this child with joy.
We bless this child with hope.
We surround this child with love.
And we trust this child into the care of God. Amen.

 

Responding to the Spirit

*Hymn VU #450 Here At This Font Vs 1 & 2

 

1  Here at this font, Source of all life,
we bring a child for you to bless.
Met in our worship, may we know
the gospel’s way of happiness.

 

2  Pour out this water, fresh and clear.
Make it a sign of life and love.
Now, as at Jordan long ago,
show your approval, Holy Dove.

 

Sacrament of Baptism

 

Statement of Purpose

We gather today in the presence of God and in the company of this Christian community to celebrate the gift of life and to mark a child with the sign of baptism.
Baptism is a sacrament of the Church and a sign of God’s gracious love. Through baptism, we proclaim that God claims us as beloved children and calls us into a life of faith, hope and love.
We baptize with water as a sign of new life in Christ. The water reminds us of God’s renewing grace and of the promise that God’s love surrounds us throughout every season of life.
Today, Cindy and Shannon will bring their daughter  to the waters of baptism.  They will do so trusting in God’s grace and promising to nurture this child in the Christian faith, to teach by word and example, to pray with and for this child, and to encourage their daughter to grow in the knowledge and love of God.
The church will also receive this child with joy.  We recognize that baptism is not simply a private family celebration, but it is an act of the whole community of faith.  We will therefore be asked to promise to support this child and family, to offer a welcoming community of worship and fellowship and to help her grow in faith and discover the gifts God has given.
As we celebrate this baptism, we will remember Jesus, who welcomed the children and who called his followers to receive them in God’s kingdom with trust and humility.
With joy and thanksgiving, I now ask the parents to bring their daughter, along with her Godparents, any family members and friends to the waters of baptism.  I also ask Mrs. Bev Bragg, Chair of our Church Board, to come forward for the presentation of our candidate.

 

Presentation of Candidate

On behalf of the congregation of Wesley United Church, I present the following person for initiation into the body of Christ through baptism:
Rebecca Marie Bragg-Currie the daughter of Cindy Bragg and Shannon Currie.

 

Profession of Faith and Promises

We will begin with the parents’ statements of their beliefs and then their promises which are given based on these beliefs.

Sacrament Elder:

Do you, Cindy and Shannon, the parents of Rebecca, believe in God, who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh to reconcile and make new, and who works in us and others by the Spirit? 

Parents: I do, by the grace of God

Sacrament Elder: Will you follow the way of Jesus Christ?

Parents:  I will, God being my helper.

 

Sacrament Elder:  Will you join with your brothers and sisters in this community of faith to celebrate God’s presence, live with respect in creation, and love and serve others?

 

Parents:  I will God being my helper.

 

Sacrament Elder:  Will you, Linda and Elliott, Rebecca’s Godparents, share your faith with Rebecca, growing with her in faith, hope and love?

 

Godparents:  I will, God being my helper.

 

As you heard, our Community of Faith is an important part of this child’s life.  At this time, I would like for our congregation to please stand as I ask for your commitment to Rebecca.

 

Sacrament Elder:  We have heard the will of Cindy and Shannon for Rebecca to be received in Christ’s name, as we ourselves have been received.  We all belong to the one household of faith in Jesus Christ.  Will you support Rebecca with constant love, wholesome example, Christian teaching, and faithful prayer?

Congregation:  We will, God being our helper.

 

River, Rebecca’s brother, will pour the water in the font.

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Pouring of Water

Gracious and Holy God, we bless you for the gift of life, and, within it, the gift of water.  By water, comes the growth of the earth.  Through water, you led the children of Israel to freedom.  In the waters of the Jordan, your Child Jesus was baptized.  Now may your Spirit be upon us and what we do, that this water may be a sign for all of new life in Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen 

 

The Act of Baptism

Sacrament Elder:  What are the given names of this child?

Parents: Rebecca Marie 

 

Sacrament Elder:

 

Rebecca Marie, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

 

Blessing

May the blessing of God, Source of Love, Jesus Christ, Love incarnate, and the Holy Spirit, Love’s power, be with you today and always.  Amen 

 

Presentation of Candle and Certificate

Rebecca Marie, Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works, and give glory to God.  Amen 

Presentation of Baptism Bib from UCW member Lucy Bragg

 

Declaration and Congregational Welcome

Sacrament Elder: In the name of Jesus Christ, I declare that today Rebecca Marie Bragg-Currie has been received into the holy catholic church, the body of Christ in the world.

 

Congregation:

We are members of the Body of Christ.  We are inheritors of God’s promise.  In the name of Christ, we welcome you.

Video: A Baptism Blessing

Welcome now, welcome here
We welcome you into this family.

The name of God upon you now
To say “You belong to me”

 

He is your God, you are His child
Through every joy and sorrow come what may
And so we lift our voices to heaven to pray:

May the Lord bless your life
Bless you with the peace of Christ
May he ever guide your ways
And walk with you for all your days.

May He fill your life with love
And ev’ry blessing from above
May His presence strengthen you
In ev’rything you say and do
May his light not only shine upon; but shine through you
And make of you a blessing to this world.

May the Lord bless your life, bless you with
The peace of Christ as today you’re baptized in 
His name. 

Grace and mercy, Life and peace
These are His gifts to you today.

Ever present, ever near
To give His ear to ev’ry prayer you pray.
Through ev’ry shadow He’ll be your light
To guard you and to guide you on your way
From this moment until your resurrection day.

 

May the Lord bless your life, 
bless you with the peace of Christ
May he ever guide your ways
And walk with you for all your days.

May He fill your life with love
And ev’ry blessing from above
May His presence strengthen you
In ev’rything you say and do
May his light not only shine upon; but shine through you
And make of you a blessing to this world.

May the Lord bless your life, bless you with
The peace of Christ as today you’re baptized in 
His name. 

Father Son Spirit Three in one.
This is the name given you today.
Name of grace and love and mercy
The name in which we pray.

 

May the Lord bless your life
Bless you with the peace of Christ
May he ever guide your ways
And walk with you for all your days.

May He fill your life with love
And ev’ry blessing from above
May His presence strengthen you
In ev’rything you say and do
May his light not only shine upon; but shine through you
And make of you a blessing to this world.

May the Lord bless your life
Bless you with the peace of Christ
As today you’re baptized in His name.

Prayers of the People

 

Gracious and loving God, we give you thanks for the gift of this day, and especially for the joy of baptism and the new life it represents.  We pray for Rebecca who has been baptized today.  May she grow in faith, hope and love surrounded by people who will encourage, guide and care for her throughout her life.
We pray for her family and Godparents.  We ask for you to give them patience, wisdom and strength as they nurture her precious life and help her discover your love.
We pray for our church family.  May we be a welcoming and caring community, ready to walk alongside one another in times of joy and in need.
We remember those who are lonely, grieving, sick or facing difficult days.  May they know your presence and find comfort and strength through others.  Hear the names of those who we lift to you now either silently in our hearts or aloud______________
We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, who welcomes the little ones, who calls us all to live in love and service and who taught us to pray saying, “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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen”

 

Offering Invitation:

 

Today we have been reminded that God calls us into a community of love, faith and service.  Our offering is one way we respond to that call.  Through our gifts, we help nurture faith, care for one another and share God’s love with our wider community and world.
Let us now present our offering, remembering that all we have is a gift from God.

 

*Offertory Hymn MV # 191  What Can I Do?
What can I do?  What can I bring?
What can I say?  What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy.  I’ll say a prayer.
I’ll bring my love.  I’ll do my share.  (twice)

 

 

*Offertory Prayer:

 

Gracious God, we give you thanks for all the blessings you have given us.  Receive these gifts and use them to share your love, to strengthen your church, to care for those in need and to bring hope and healing to our world.
Bless these gifts and bless those who give them, that together we may be faithful to your call.  Amen

*Closing Hymn: VU # 577 I’ve Got Peace Like a River 

 

1  I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in -a my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in-a my soul.

 

2  I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in -a my soul.
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in -a my soul.

 

3  I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in -a my soul.
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in -a my soul.

*Commissioning and Blessing:

 

Let us go now in the love of God, remembering the promises we have made this day.
Let us go as people of faith, welcoming one another, caring for one another and sharing God’s love wherever we go.
May the blessing of God, the love of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit be with you this day and always.
Go in the peace and love of our Lord.  Amen 

 

*Sung Benediction  VU  # 402  We Are One vs 4

 

4  We are one as we hear;
as we hear, heart and hand unite;
in the word we receive
there’s a sense that God is light.
We are one as we leave,
as we love, we are loved;
and we seek justice in God’s ways
as we move together from this place.

 

 

 

 

Life and Work of the Church

 

Today, on our Memory Board, we are remembering Jim Bragg, Clyde Bateman and Edna Bateman

 

Today we welcome Rebecca Marie Bragg-Currie, the daughter of Cindy Bragg and Shannon Currie as well as the sister of River, into our Community of Faith and in the body of Christ.

 

UCW thank everyone who helped out and who attended their soup luncheon on Friday.

 

Sunday, October 11 will be a Musical Thanksgiving Welcoming Back Sunday. 
 
Dart Group are meeting on Tuesdays at 1:00pm.  Coordinators are David Davis and Debbie Moss

 

Walking Group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 am. Coordinator is Dinah Carter

AIM’s Empower Rangers Group will be starting the first week in October.  Coordinator Reed Bartlett

 

Daily Bread Booklets for September, October and November are on the Informational Table.

Wesley United Library- in our former Choir Room. Please take time before or after our services to borrow, exchange or donate books.

 

Previous bulletins have been placed on the Informational Table in case anyone would like one.  These are nice to give out to people who are unable to attend.  

Groups that will soon be starting:

Quilting, Sewing, Knitting, Crafts and Social get-togethers Coordinators Evelyn MacDonald and Ruth Deveaux

Recovery Is Possible Support Group- Coordinator is Andrea Feaver

Food Bank –The Food Bank needs sugar, can milk, tea bags, butter or any nonperishable item. You may bring your items to church or drop them off at the Thrift Store. 

 

Recycling Depot Thank you to those who have been donating their recyclables to our account. Our account total is now $108.95. You may donate by using the pin number 6953434 when you drop off your recyclables. 

 

Sunday Morning services on our web site. You are able to read our worship service by clicking on the following link: www.wesleyunitedchurch.sitew.ca Once you are on the site, click Sunday Worship which will take you to the service.

             
              

 

 

 

              Offerings Needed to Meet 2026 Budget
Local: $5000.00 Monthly
M & S: $200.00 Monthly

 

 

Date                           Local Account               M & S
January                          3739.00                      127.00
February                         2513.00                     258.00
March                             3644.63                      150.00
April                                3939.00                     206.00
May                                  4214.35                     252.00
June                                 2287.00                    447.50
July                                   2815.75                    1207.50
August                             2859.25                     207.00
September 6                     184.00                       41.00
September 13                   446.00                       30.00
September 20                   649.00                      48.00

Many blessings for this week and let us remember our promises which are given today in welcoming Rebecca into the Body of Christ.