Parable of the Lost Son

Sunday, July 26th

This picture is showing the prodigal Son and His father when he came back, the father is embracing his son.

Preamble / info.

Welcome, Church! In these times we are reminded more than ever, that the church is not a building but the people who come together in Jesus’ name. Therefore, I’m not saying, “Welcome to church,” but, “Welcome Church!”

In the light of the good advice from health authorities that we practice ‘physical distancing’ during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are not worshiping in person at the church building.

However, Jesus promises that where two or three are gathered, He will be there. So, we can gather in spirit, sharing the Word, hymns, and prayers that bind us together as followers of Jesus and people of God.

We may not be in the same room, and we may not even be doing this at the same moment in time; but, along with millions of people around the world in any number of languages, we are worshiping God and caring for one another.

In preparation, you may want to have a candle handy (either a real candle or one of those little battery-operated ones). We always light candles in church because they remind us of the presence and beauty of God.

God be with you!

A Prayer:

All God's children are welcome and wanted here, no matter your need.

God will give you rest from your weariness,

comfort for your pain, ease for your burdens,

balm for your soul, food for your mind,

and hope for your tomorrow.

God's ability to tend and nurture, calm and inspire, knows no boundaries or borders;

it is endless and unending.

In the summer of these extraordinary times, let us open our hearts and minds to God's presence.

Amen.

Music: Our first piece of music today is an old favourite: Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) BYU Noteworthy (Chris Tomlin A Cappela Cove)

Lighting of your candle.

In the darkest of times, in the deepest shadows, the light of Christ shines brightly. The darkness cannot overcome it. So, we light a candle today, reminding us of the ever-present love of God that illuminates the world. May we be courageous in carrying this light within us, before us, and beyond us. Amen.

Scripture reading: This week's reading is from the Gospel of Luke 15: 11-32; "The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother" read by Sylvia Mohanraj.

Sermon on the Prodigal Son by Opah Ruth Murozoki

Psalm 128

Offering

The beauty of spring has given way to the sultry days of summer. The isolation and cautions of COVID linger like clouds that seem to block the sun, yet give no comforting shade.

In all this, we continue to be the church, to be Jesus' hands and feet in the world, to do what God will have us do to bring about God's kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven.

Our offering is both a practical and symbolic act of our commitment to serve Christ and build His church. Although we can’t actually ‘pass the plate’ online, you are encouraged to continue your gift to the church, as the work of the St Paul’s and the staff continues.

• Drop your envelope (cheque or cash) at the church;

• Mail your cheque to the church;

• Go on PAR (call Rosie for details);

• Use the 'Donate' button at the top of the page (it will take you to SPUC’s Canada Helps page where you can donate online and get an instant tax receipt)

Song: ‘He Ran To me’ ( The Prodigal Son)- Phillip, Craig and Dean

Closing prayer

Closing Song

Benediction

Let us go into the world with a daring and tender heart;

let us go in peace, the world is waiting.

And whatever we do, may we do it as a Resurrection People: followers of Jesus, bearers of God’s Light, and living signs of the Spirit’s fellowship.

Closing notes:

• Don’t forget to extinguish your candle!

• As an exercise in keeping in touch with your SPUC family, we’re inviting everyone to open their Church Directory, find your own name and then count up the list by 7 names and call that person. They might be a good friend, they might be a casual acquaintance at church, or they may be someone you don’t know. Give them a call and wish them peace in the name of Christ, and just see how they’re doing.

Have a blessed week.