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Wesley United Church– Year C
November 16, 2025, 11:00 am.
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Worship Leader: Evelyn MacDonald
Reader: Rowland Clarke
Music: Bev Bragg
Greeter: Gertie Clarke
Bell Ringer: Ross Cooper
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
L The world is often filled with turmoil and conflict. Christ came that we might have abundance of life and true peace. May this light remind us of the peace of Christ. Amen
*Introit: MV # 18 Lord Prepare Me A Sanctuary
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy tried and true;
with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
sanctuary for you. (Twice)
*CALL TO WORSHIP
L: I see a new heaven
P: and a new earth,
L. the promise of God for all,
P: a re-creation of life, and death, and life beyond death,
L: a re-creation of the here and now,
P. where the sound of weeping shall be no more
L. and the sound of rejoicing echoes throughout
P. God’s holy mountain.
L. Come, let us worship God!
*Opening Hymn: VU # 229 God of the Sparrow
1 God of the sparrow God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature say Awe
How does the creature say Praise
2 God of the earthquake God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature cry Woe
How does the creature cry Save
3 God of the rainbow God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say Grace
How does the creature say Thanks
4 God of the hungry God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say Care
How does the creature say Life
5 God of the neighbour God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature say Love
How does the creature say Peace
6 God of the ages God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children say Joy
How do your children say Home
Opening Prayer
Loving God, we come into this time of worship from many different places and states of mind. We come with shouts of joy and hearts filled with gratitude. We come weighted with burdens and hardened with hardships. May you receive our praise and relieve us of our burdens. Salt us with your grace and flavour us with your mercy. Bind our hearts together, that we may be at peace with one another and in unity, worship you. Amen
Invitation to Prayer of Confession
We say we love everyone, but too often we separate ourselves from family members, friends, or others for various reasons. Sometimes we let our differences separate us. Let us bring our confessions to God as we pray together.
Prayer of Confession
For hatred between peoples, for violence among nations, for breakdowns in civility, we pray: Why does it have to be this way, O God? What choices of ours could bring change?
For estrangement within families, for tensions among neighbours, we pray: Why does it have to be this way, O God? What choices of ours could bring change?
For divisions among Christians, for tension within our nation, for conflict within our community, we pray: Why does it have to be this way, O God? What choices of ours could bring change?
For our inner struggles with inflated ego or deflated self-worth, for the pressures that worries and fears bring to our lives, we pray: Why does it have to be this way, O God? What choices of ours could bring change? (Silence)
Words of Assurance
L. Receive the promise of God: through all these times, amidst all these conditions, God offers the Spirit’s transformative power as our companion, guide, and hope.
P. Thanks be to God!
Listening for the Spirit
*Hymn: VU # 292 Creating God, We Give You Praise
1 Creating God, we give you thanks
that this your world is incomplete;
that battle calls our marshalled ranks,
that work awaits our hands and feet.
2 You have not finished woman, man,
for we are in the making still,
as friends who share the Maker’s plan,
as those who know your loving will.
3 Beyond the present sin and shame,
wrong’s bitter, cruel, scorching blight,
we see the beckoning vision flame,
the blessed kingdom of the right.
4 What though the kingdom long delay,
and still with haughty foes must cope?
It gives us that for which to pray,
A field for toil and faith and hope.
5 Since what we choose is what we are,
and what we love we yet shall be,
the goal may ever shine afar,
the will to win it makes us free.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 65: 17-25
This reading states that God will create new heavens and a new earth, where former troubles will be forgotten. People will live long lives, enjoy the fruits of their labour, and experience peace, as even natural enemies like wolves and lambs will coexist harmoniously. This passage emphasizes a future of joy, security, and restoration for God’s people.
Isaiah 65: 17-25
For I am about to create new heavens
and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice for ever
in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
an infant that lives but a few days,
or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labour in vain,
or bear children for calamity;*
for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD—
and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer,
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
The wolf and the lamb shall feed together,
the lion shall eat straw like the ox;
but the serpent—its food shall be dust!
They shall not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
says the LORD.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Psalm 98
This psalm is a joyful hymn of praise that celebrates God’s mighty acts and calls all creation to worship Him. The psalm emphasizes God’s deliverance, likely referencing His salvation of Israel and foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah, which includes the Gentiles in His kingdom. Overall, it encourages believers to sing a new song to the Lord for His marvelous deeds.
Psalm 98
L. Sing to God a new song,
P. for God has done marvellous things.
L. Your right hand and your holy arm have brought victory.
P. You have made known your salvation, and revealed before the nations your saving power.
L. You have remembered your steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel;
P. all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Refrain:
Sing a new song unto God, who has done such marvellous things.
L. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
P. break into joyous praise, sing psalms.
L. Sing psalms to God with the harp,
P. with the harp and melodious vice.
L. With trumpets, and the sound of the horn
P. make a joyful noise before our sovereign God.
Refrain:
Sing a new song unto God, who has done such marvellous things.
L. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it,
P. the world, and its inhabitants.
L. Let the rivers clap their hands,
P. the hills sing together for joy before God.
L. you come to judge the earth, O God,
P. to judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
Refrain:
Sing a new song unto God, who has done such marvellous things.
Response to Psalm
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 5-19
In this passage Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and warns his followers about the persecutions they will face before the end times. He emphasizes the importance of enduring faith and perseverance amidst adversity, cautioning against false prophets who may mislead them. The passage highlights the challenges believers will encounter but reassures them that their endurance will lead to salvation.
Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 5-19
The Destruction of the Temple Foretold
When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’
Signs and Persecutions
They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and, “The time is near!” Do not go after them.
‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.
‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Message: The Peaceful Kingdom
By Rev. D. Rebecca Hansen
Who doesn’t love a mountaintop experience? There is something so wonderful and majestic, even holy, about mountains. Scripture is filled with references to mountains and they are often the location for important and holy moments: the Sermon on the Mount, the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed before his arrest, Mount Tabor, where the Transfiguration took place, the giving of the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai, the Mount of Transfiguration, and then the mountain in today’s reading from Isaiah, Chapter 65, that Isaiah refers to “God’s holy mountain.” It read, “Before they call, I will answer, while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox…They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.
This passage of Hebrew Scripture was written around 745 BC, when Assyria was at war and was attempting to conquer Israel. This was shortly after Israel’s own terrible war with Syria. The prophet Isaiah was given a vision of hope for the future, a vision of God’s “Peaceful Kingdom.” In this kingdom, the king is righteous, just and merciful, and the result is peace throughout the world. This vision is one that restores God’s original intentions and purposes for our world, just as it was in the Garden in Eden before sin and death entered in. It is a world where no one is in danger, where there is no war-only harmony between humans and other humans, between animals and humans, and even between animals and other animals, where literally no one hurts or destroys one another. This is the world, the Kingdom of God, that Isaiah describes as God’s will for us, and it is a vision we need to recall and uphold again today.
There is a famous painting by the Quaker Edward Hicks called “The Peaceable Kingdom,” based on this vision from Isaiah. In the foreground of the painting are little children, babies, really, playing and petting wild animals: a lion, tiger, leopard, wolf, and bear, right alongside sheep and an ox. These predatory animals are no threat to the other animals or to the children because there is peace and safety between them. In the background of the painting are European settlers talking to and signing a peace treaty with a group of Native Americans. This is Hicks’ portrayal of Isaiah’s prophetic vision, in which humans make peace with one another and war is ended, where the wolf lies down with the lamb, and an infant plays over the den of venomous snakes. We may shudder at the image of a child playing with or near snakes, and we might find it next to impossible to imagine a truly peaceable kingdom on earth today, because frankly, this world is anything but peaceful and safe. While we might at times have idealized notions of nature and we may find hints of peace in nature, we know nature is not actually peaceful or harmonious; even a short hike in nature carries with it risks to our safety- we should still bring bear spray and bug repellant.
It is also easy to despair when we observe the way we humans are interacting with one another today. We are witnessing the heartbreak of wars being waged throughout our world right alongside the horrors of escalating political violence in our nation and beyond. We humans continue to hate each other, commit genocide, and exert all kinds of violence and destruction upon one another. It is now to the point that we are no longer surprised to hear of violence or mass shootings, even in our own neighborhood because it has become so commonplace, even normalized. We might be tempted to think, “Shouldn’t we just accept it because what can we do?” or, “Isn’t that just our new reality?” or even, “Maybe we need to get used to it and move on.”
But this is precisely when faith is necessary and why we need, desperately, to hear again the prophets and Jesus saying, “No! Don’t stop striving to be peacemakers and to work for God’s peaceable kingdom!” We are called back up to higher ground again and again- back to the holy mountains of God. The stories from Scripture, like Isaiah’s vision, continue to invite us to return to the mountaintop to pray and commune with God in order to seek God’s vision and purpose for us and our world. The kingdom of Heaven has come near and is already in our midst. We cannot and should not accept this world as it is, and we don’t have to wait for the “end of the world” (as some are prone to predict) in order to start establishing peace. Blessed are the peacemakers! Peace begins with us and is possible because of God’s activity in the world and Jesus’ ministry in our lives. Jesus continues to call us to carry God’s love to the corners of the earth, so we do not and cannot accept the way things are. God has given us a vision of a future filled with hope and peace. So, what are some ways we can make peace here and now to align with God’s Peaceable Kingdom?
First, we can make peace with God. Through prayer, God is able to assist us if something is preventing us from having peace in that relationship, whether it’s because we’re angry at God, need to experience a renewal of faith, or need to receive or extend forgiveness. Second, we can make peace with ourselves. Is there anything keeping you from having peace within yourself? Perhaps you haven’t forgiven yourself for something or are still holding on to frustration or shame? If so, make peace by forgiving yourself today and accepting God’s loving forgiveness for you. See yourself through God’s loving eyes and know that there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Third, we can make peace with others, particularly those with whom we disagree, those we have been hurt by, and those whom we have hurt. Is there someone you need to make peace with in your life? A friend, family member, or even group of people? Take steps to move toward forgiveness; embrace peace and reconciliation with them with God’s help.
Fourth, we can make peace with God’s creation- from the animals to the oceans to the skies and all the flora and fauna of God’s earth. We can take up peaceable practices that refrain from further destruction and harm toward the earth and the creatures of God- from what we choose to eat to what we wear to what we drive. Our everyday choices can move us toward the Peaceable Kingdom.
When we make peace with God, with ourselves, with others, and with God’s creation, we are better able to extend that peace to the wider world. As followers of Jesus, we have been commissioned to bring the peace of the Lord and to help make the Peaceable Kingdom a reality in our lives and corner of the world. While the fullness of God’s peaceable will not be fully realized until later, we can make and know peace today, right here, right now. Making peace is the ultimate mountaintop experience. And together, as the church, we can inspire and give the world a renewed vision of God’s Peaceable Kingdom on earth!
Thanks be to God
Responding to the Spirit
*Hymn: VU # 713 I See A New Heaven
I see a new heaven.
I see a new earth
as the old one will pass away,
where the fountain of life flows
and without price goes
to all people who abide in the land.
1 There, there on the banks of a river bright and free,
Yielding her fruit, firm in her root,
The Tree of Life will be.
I see a new heaven.
I see a new earth
as the old one will pass away,
where the fountain of life flows
and without price goes
to all people who abide in the land.
2 There, there where death dies and our lives are born again,
body and soul, struggling but whole
like flowers after the rain.
I see a new heaven.
I see a new earth
as the old one will pass away,
where the fountain of life flows
and without price goes
to all people who abide in the land.
3 There, there where the darkness brings visions from above.
There where the night, bearing new light,
reveals the promise of love.
I see a new heaven.
I see a new earth
as the old one will pass away,
where the fountain of life flows
and without price goes
to all people who abide in the land.
4 There, there where we work with the love of healing hands.
Labour we must, true to our trust
to build a promised new land.
I see a new heaven.
I see a new earth
as the old one will pass away,
where the fountain of life flows
and without price goes
to all people who abide in the land.
Prayers of the People
We are glad and rejoice forever in you, O God. With joy we draw deeply from your well of salvation and pray that you may fulfill our story, the story of your love. Though the world has been gripped by trouble since early days, and life has often been short and tormented, you have given us a vision of a day beyond the terrors; a day when the heavens and earth will be new again, a day when the sound of weeping will give way to delight, a time when all creation will live in peace and people will long enjoy the fruits of their labours.
Help us, dear God, to hold to that vison when the temples about us are falling, and our world is shaken. Strengthen us for the telling of your truth and for keeping to your path, that we might not weary in doing what is right, but through endurance may gain our souls, even as you desire for us to do. As we pray for a new heaven and a new earth this day, we especially are aware of those among us and those beyond these doors who are in deep need of your peace, of your healing touch, of your just and bounteous kingdom. We pray for those who live in places of strife, need, and want; for those who have been bereaved; for those who are unemployed and those who fear layoff or termination; for those struggling with a burden in the workplace. We pray too for those others who we name now__________. Let us give thanks to the one who heals all who turn to Him in faith, the one who grants new life to us. Gracious God, we pray to you in the name of Jesus, our Saviour and friend, who came to show us the way and taught us 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 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
M & S Story
From Sleepless Nights to Shared Strength
Helping Children and Communities Grow
Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming, with the constant demands of caring for a newborn, sleepless nights, and the pressure to make the right choices for your child. The exhaustion of balancing daily responsibilities while navigating the unknowns of parenthood often leaves new parents feeling unsure and isolated. It’s a time filled with great joy, but also uncertainty, as parents adjust to their new roles and work to create a safe and nurturing environment for their little one.
At Fairview Resource Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the New Parents Support group aims to walk with parents as they navigate the complexities of raising a newborn. Once a week, parents gather to meet with a public health nurse who provides education and answers questions. From expectant parents to those with babies up to 18 months, the program provides resources for those who might not otherwise have access to in-person support or resources.
Parents connect not only with health professionals, but form deep bonds with each other, and some are still in contact many years later. Many of us have heard that “it takes a village to raise a child,” and Fairview Resource Centre is truly taking action to give a positive space for children in the community to flourish. Thank you for walking alongside our Mission and Service partners as they help children and communities grow.
Offertory Invitation
Our call as Christians is to participate in community, to support and offer care to others, and to proclaim the good news in word and deed. Our offerings support the ministry of Jesus in so many ways. Our offering will now be presented.
*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.
*Offertory Prayer
God of abundance, you have called us to be the church, and so we share our abilities, resources, and love. Committed to the way of generosity, kindness, and grace, we offer ourselves. Receive all we offer today. May each person who is touched by this offering know your love for them. Amen
*Closing Hymn: VU # 356 Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
1 Seek ye first the kingdom of God
and God’s righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
2 Ask and it shall be given unto you;
seek and you shall find;
knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, hallelujah.
3 We do not live by bread alone,
but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, hallelujah
*Benediction & Commissioning
Now may God who searches out our path, and knows us through and through, be known in us today that, wherever we go, we will journey with a sense of the presence of God deep within us and around us; that, wherever we go, we will live with God’s courage, God’s hope, and God’s justice in all the places life calls us to be.
May the love of God always sustain you. May the grace of Jesus Christ ever enfold you. May the wonder of the Holy Spirit grant you delight, this day and forevermore. Amen.
*Sung Benediction MV # 215 Peace Be With You
Peace be with you, peace forever,
Peace be with you, my friends.
Till we meet again, may God be with you.
Peace, peace, peace.
Peace be with you, peace forever,
Peace be with you, my friends.
Till we meet again, may God be with you.
Peace, peace, peace.
Life and Work of the Church
Donation received in memory of Frank Pike by Joan, Tony & Andrew.
Today, on our Memory Board, we remember Joseph Feltham (1907-1972), Chrissie G. Feltham (1914-2005) and Basil Anderson (1920-1977)
Christmas Hamper applications will be available at church or by contacting Joan or Evelyn. Applications have new information added this year. You will be asked for your house address, your total income and expenditure. Only one hamper per household. The deadline for these to be returned is December 1. The distribution date will be December 18.
UCW will be hosting a soup luncheon on Friday, Nov 21, 11:30am-1:00pm
November Tuesday Luncheons that are at the Salvation Hall and assisted by the churches will be available on November 18 and 25. It will then stop until January 6 and it will be our turn at this time to help with serving and clean up. It is cancelled for the month of `December due to the hall being used for the Toy Drive and Food Hamper collection.
Ecumenical Carol Service will be on Friday, December 5 at St. James’ Anglican Church at 7:00pm. Thank you to Johnny Sheaves for singing on behalf of our church and Ray Bown & Group for singing on behalf of St. Michael's church.
Memorial Tree Lighting service for Wesley United & St. Michael’s RC congregation will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 7:00 pm. Forms are on the Information table. We ask for them to be returned by November 30.
Wesley United Library- Please take time before or after our services to borrow, exchange or donate books.
Recovery Is Possible Support Group meetings are held in our church hall on Sunday nights at 7:00 pm. The coordinator for this group is Andrea Feaver.
Walking Group meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 am. Dinah Carter is the coordinator for this group.
Darts are played on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm. David Davis & Debbie Moss are the coordinators for this group.
Quilting, Sewing, Knitting, Crafts and Social get-togethers are held on Thursdays, at 1:00 pm. Evelyn MacDonald and Ruth Deveaux are coordinators for these groups.
Previous bulletins have been placed on the Information Table in case anyone would like one. These are nice to give out to people who are unable to attend.
New Copies of “Our Daily Bread” are available on the Information Table.
Columbarium Niches: There is just one niche left that can be reserved. Each niche, which can hold two urns, cost $2500.00. Please contact Mabel Spencer if you are interested in purchasing this niche.
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 $90.85. You may donate by using the pin number 6953434 (our telephone number) 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 2025 Budget
Local: $5000.00 Monthly
M & S: $200.00 Monthly
Date Local Account M & S
January 2542.00 262.00
February 3969.00 217.00
March 3544.45 288.00
April 3058.79 178.00
May 4711.85 199.00
June 2815.00 1389.00
July 1813.50 157.00
August 1850.50 179.00
September 2512.85 312.00
October 4006.09 127.00
November 2 221.00 68.00
November 9 715.00 33.00
Many blessings for this week and let us have a peaceful kingdom by making peace with God, with ourselves, with others and with God’s creations.
Memorial Tree Lighting 2025
In Memory of:______________________________________________
From: ___________________________________________________
Donation: ______________
Please return to Church by November 30, 2025
Website Created: December 29th, 2021
Website Designer, Creator And Administrator: Curtis Francis
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