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It was not the way we wanted to end our series of outdoor services, but due to the rain we had to cancel it. It was a blessing that we had been able to gather and worship together those four weeks and not something we take for granted. The reason for the delay getting the service posted was to incorporate some videos. There is a recording of Rev. Ned Wells reading the scripture and preaching the sermon. The second is Rev. Wells and his young "associate minister", Rev. Wells, praying the Lord's Prayer. Enjoy!
Scugog Island United Church
September 13th, 2020
Lighting the Christ Candle
As we light the Christ candle, may the light of Christ enter your hearts.
Lighting the Christ Candle
Jesus said, “where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” As we light the Christ candle we remember this promise and welcome him into our hearts.
Gathering Prayer
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Music- In the Garden
Prayer for Understanding
Eternal God, in the reading of the scripture, may your Word be heard; in the meditations of our hearts, may your Word be known; and in the faithfulness of our lives, may your Word be shown. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18: 21-35
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.
But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.
When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’
And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Music- Abide With Me
Sermon
Music- Take, O Take Me as I Am
Pastoral Prayer
O God, as we go to our homes and our work this coming week, we ask you to send the Holy Spirit into our lives.
Open our ears- that we may hear what you are saying to us in the things that happen to us and in the people we meet.
Open our eyes that we may see the needs of people around us.
Open our hands- that we may do our work well, and help when help is needed.
Open our lips- that we may tell the Good News of Jesus and bring comfort, happiness, and laughter to others.
Open our minds- that we may discover new truth about you and the world.
Open our hearts- that we may love you and others as you have loved us. Amen.
We pray for our church family and all those on our prayer list:
Doris Lynn and Bob Homji, John and Diane Findlay, Todd Green, Susie Baird and family, Gilford Pfrimmer, Brenda Stowell-Smith, Nancy and Don Scarrow, Debbie McIntyre, Anne Chillingworth, Linda Brunton, John Black
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as 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.
Blessing
Go out into the world in peace;
Have courage;
Hold on to what is good;
Return no one evil for evil;
Strengthen the fainthearted;
Support the weak, and help the suffering;
Honour all people;
Love and serve the Lord,
Rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Music- Go Now in Peace