As we gather, we celebrate with Thanksgiving
that we share these lands with
the Cowichan Tribes and Coast Salish People. 
We continue to commit ourselves
to the work of reconciliation and relationship-building,
and in a spirit of reparation
with our First Nations neighbours.

Call to Worship:

If you love me,
you will keep my word,
and my Father will love you,
and we will come to you.

~John. 14.23

O Come. Let Us Worship. 

Gathering

Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

May his grace and peace be with you.
May he fill our hearts with joy!

Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden.
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.

Collect for Today 

 Merciful God,
 you have prepared for those who love you
 riches beyond imagination.
 Pour into our hearts such love toward you,
 that we, loving you above all things,
 may obtain your promises,
 which exceed all that we can desire;
 through Jesus Christ our Lord,

The Proclamation of the Gospel:

John 14. 23 -29

May the words of my lips and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable to You, O Lord.  Amen. 

“ Love Is Our Neighbourhood ”

Amen. 

Let Us Pray

O God of peace,
grant us the grace to live in the hope inspired by Christ's resurrection, viewing it not merely as a future promise but as a call to transform our lives in the present.

Just as Christ endured hardship and death to bring salvation, may we follow His example by actively serving those who suffer and are marginalized.
God of compassion,
Hear our prayer.

Fill us with Your spirit of redeeming love.
Bless those who mourn, those who seek protection from inequality, and have mercy upon those facing hardship and persecution, knowing that ultimate victory belongs to You. 
God of mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Bless all who serve as beacons of hope and justice by addressing social issues and advocating for the needs of the vulnerable. Bless the ACW and their work with the House of Grace baby shower, and support those who continue in their ministry day by day. 
God of love,
Hear our prayer.

Let us pray for all who are discerning and preparing for baptism or confirmation; may they be bold believers drawn closer to You. 
God of steadfastness,
Hear our prayer. 

Bless those who work to assist in climate issues and help us to all find ways to protect our fragile home, rivers, streams and ecosystems, protect those who face danger from fire, flood and other weather-related calamities.
God of nature,
Hear our prayer.

Bless all of those who are on our hearts and minds and in our circle of prayer and make us steadfast in our proclamation of your grace for all people without exceptions.
We continue to pray for Sheila, John, Geoff and those on our hearts. 
God of tenderness,
Hear our prayer.

Help us to see others in our neighborhood and show them peace.  
God of peace,
Hear our prayer. 

We commend these and all our prayers to you, O God,
trusting that you are always with us; in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Saviour.  Amen.

We pray:
Our Father,
who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven. 
Give us today our daily bread. 
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those who trespass against us.
And lead us  not into temptation,
but deliver us fom evil.  
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power and the glory,
forever and ever.  Amen.

Father,
you restored us to life by raising your Son from death. May we who receive this sacrament always be strengthened to do your will, in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord.  Amen.

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord;

And the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you, and remain with you, always. Amen.