Sunday Liturgy

CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 96

MUSIC
Curated by Curt Muller
Hillsong Worship - See The Light
Mission House - Whole Heart
Cody Carnes - Simple Kingdom
Hillsong Worship - Never Walk Alone

CANADA DAY PRAYER
Written by Yelena Pakhomova

Yesterday, we celebrated Canada Day. This holiday has some tension as it holds this complexity of interwoven stories: personal, cultural, and historical. For me, it was my second Canada Day as a Canadian citizen and an opportunity to look back at the 10-year journey that brought me to call this land home. And so today, I would love for you to join me in Prayer for Belonging. 

Let us pray.  

Creator God, 
We give you thanks for this part of the world we call home, 
for the magnificence of vast spaces, 
for the faithfulness of the land that sustains us.
We inhabit this beautiful place and a no less beautiful cosmic story 
that tells us that you are always with us, 
that we are secure in your love and in your care. 
Would you awaken us today to this profound sense of belonging 
so that, in turn, we may offer a welcome infused with it. 

Incarnate Christ, 
who embraced belonging with us in the flesh 
to set us free and to bring us together,
We pray for all those struggling with isolation 
and working hard to carve out a life of belonging here. 
We pray for the indigenous peoples who have called this land home long before us: 
Jesus, grant us the spaciousness of heart to seek deep and wide reconciliation.
We pray for people fleeing war and seeking refuge:
Jesus, may we be instruments of your peace. 
We pray for the people around us 
who could use an authentic conversation, a nice meal or a good laugh: 
Jesus, may our generous welcome break the chains that restrict our belonging.

Spirit who leads us into truth, 
As we navigate the complexities of the past and the present of this place we call home,
Grant us the courage to see and accept our responsibility for what it means to be good inhabitants of this land. Give us hope as we push beyond fear, celebrate diversity and welcome each other's humanity beyond race, class, gender and place of origin. May we find joy in honouring our interconnectedness with creation, each other and the divine as we build belonging together. 

Amen.