ST. COLUMBA
ANGLICAN UNITED CHURCH
Lent II
Holy Communion
March 16, 2025
Worship leader: Rev. Sheila Cook
Mission Statement
As followers of Jesus Christ, our church is a community called to love, honour, worship, and serve God. We invite others to share our Christian journey as we grow in faith and engage in ministry in our town and mission in our world.
9190 Granville Street
PO Box 1260, Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0
Office Phone: 250-949-6247
E-mail: admin@stcolumbaporthardy.ca
Ministers: Rev. Sheila Cook
(250)-230-7433 scook@bc.anglican.ca
and Rev. Bob Gilbert (250) 686-5695
Wardens: Robert Fyles and Heather Jones
Treasurer: Judy Fyles
Music Ministry: Roldan Yuipco
Video: Ammie Yuipco
Community Partner: Cathie Wilson
www.stcolumbaporthardy.ca
~ Leader: regular font
~ All: bold font
~ Sung words: bold italics
~ Asterisk* stand as you are able
† at this symbol in the service, the sign of the cross may be made.
If you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
-Psalm 95.7–8
Welcome and Announcements
Land Acknowledgement
Call to Worship
The psalmist sings,
One thing I asked of the LORD, that I will seek after:
to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the LORD,
and to inquire in God’s temple.
Sisters and brothers, God is good,
and in love and mercy greets us here!
Lent 2 – The Candle of Peace
Five candles plus the Christ candle are lit.
On the second Sunday of Advent, we lit a candle to remind us that we are called to be a people of peace. We rest in the glow of that candle now.
(a moment of silence)
As we reflect upon the wars and conflicts that are raging in many parts of our world today, we acknowledge how we have fallen short of our commitment to seek non-violent solutions to our problems with one another as neighbours in community.
We grieve our inability to get along with each other in lasting ways, as we seek refuge in tools and ways that will only cause more harm to those who are already hurting.
As we gaze upon this candle representing peace, we feel as if we are still so far away from the harmony and right relationship we know we are capable of, it is hard to believe that peace is still possible.
As the shadows of Lent come closer, we extinguish our candle of peace, just for today, as we seek to fully and faithfully make the dream of peace a reality for all and for all time.
VU 108 Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights Verse 1
Throughout these Lenten days and nights
we turn to walk the inward way,
where, meeting Christ, our guide and light,
we live in hope till Easter Day.
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 of the Day
*Hymn VU 703 In the Bulb There is A Flower
In the bulb there is a flower;
in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise:
butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
there's a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
There's a song in every silence,
seeking word and melody;
there's a dawn in every darkness,
bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future;
what it holds, a mystery,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning;
in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing;
in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection;
at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season,
something God alone can see.
Words and Music: Natalie Sleeth
Prayer of Illumination
The Proclamation of the Word
Hutłilala's! Let us listen as God’s Word is proclaimed!
First Reading Genesis 15:1-6
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?
And even when great evil comes circling round and closing in
it stumbles back and falls away to nothingness again.
Suppose that evil grows and becomes an army encamped and war begins,
yet my heart shall not be afraid;
and though war should rise up around me,
yet will I put my trust in God.
One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
beholding the fair beauty of the Lord
and seeking God in the temple.
For in the day of trouble, O God, you shall keep me safe in your shelter;
you shall hide me in the secrecy of your dwelling and set me high upon a rock.
Even now you lift up my head
in these troubled times I come to you.
Therefore, I will offer in your dwelling, an oblation with sounds of great gladness;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.
You speak in my heart and say , “Seek my face.”
Your face, Lord, will I seek.
Hide not your face from me,
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
You have been my helper; cast me not away;
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Though my father and my mother forsake me,
the Lord will sustain me.
Show me your way, O Lord; lead me on a level path,
and lead me safely through these shadowed lands of ambush.
Do not abandon me to evil or its servants, Lord,
And do not let their reckless wills be mine.
For I know this: that I shall see your goodness in a living Land.
This path you set me on, leads to a place alive with You!
So whether here or there, I shall remain in readiness for you.
Take courage in God’s presence, O my soul,
and God shall comfort your heart;
WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD.
Epistle Philippians 3:17-4:1
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
*Hymn VU 120 O Jesus, I Have Promised
O Jesus, I have promised
to serve you to the end;
remain for ever near me,
my Saviour and my friend:
I shall not fear the journey
if you are by my side,
nor wander from the pathway
if you will be my guide.
O let me feel you near me:
the world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
the tempting sounds I hear;
my foes are ever near me,
around me and within;
but, Jesus, then draw nearer
and shield my soul from sin.
O let me hear you speaking
in accents clear and still,
above the storms of passion,
the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me,
to hasten or control;
now speak, and make me listen,
O guardian of my soul.
O Jesus, you have promised
to all who follow you,
that where you are in glory
your servant shall be too.
And, Jesus, I have promised
to serve you to the end:
O give me grace to follow,
my Saviour and my friend.
The Gospel
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus according to Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
….. the reading, Luke 13:31-35
The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
*Hymn MV 90 Don’t Be Afraid (2 x)
Don’t be afraid.
My love is stronger,
my love is stronger than your fear.
Don’t be afraid.
My love is stronger,
and I have promised,
promised to be always near.
Affirmation of our Faith
We are not alone, we live in God’s world.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Prayers of the People
Mission story: Mission & Service or Alongside Hope
Response, Lord have mercy.
The Peace
Friends, Christ is our Peace, our infinite Peace. May the peace of God be always with you.
And also with you.
(We all share a sign of peace together.)
THE SACRED MEAL IS SHARED
*Offertory Hymn MV 44 Shadow and Substance
Shadow and substance, wonder and mystery,
spellbinding spinner of atoms and earth;
soul of the cosmos, person and energy,
source of our being, we sing of your worth.
We are your image, formed in community;
sisters and brothers of Adam and Eve,
You gave us colour, custom and history;
Teach us to honour what others receive.
Naming the nameless Spirit of unity,
scanning the heavens for signs of your care;
God of the ages, give us humility;
guide us to mystical union in prayer.
Words and Music: Daniel Charles Damon
*Response VU 542 We Give You but Your Own
We give you but your own,
what e’er the gift may be;
all that we have is yours alone,
We give it gratefully.
*Prayer over the Gifts
May God be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God our creator.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy God, Lover of creation, we give you thanks and praise, ...
… Therefore, with angels and archangels and all who have served you in every age, we raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
†Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Gracious God, in the fullness of time you sent Jesus the Christ...
...And now we gather at this table in response to his commandment, to share the bread and cup of Christ’s undying love, and to proclaim our faith.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Breathe your Holy Spirit, the wisdom of the universe, upon these gifts that we bring to you: this bread, this cup, ourselves, our hearts and bodies, that we may be signs of your love for all the world and ministers of your transforming purpose.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, Creator of all, and we bless your holy name for ever. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
Breaking of the Bread
We break this bread to share in the life of Christ.
We being many, are one body, for we all share in the one bread.
Communion
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
The elements are given out and we celebrate communion as one.
Jesus Christ, the bread of Life. (We take the host.)
Jesus Christ the cup of our salvation. (We take the wine/juice)
Prayer after Communion
*Hymn VU 660 How Firm a Foundation
How firm a foundation, you servants of God,
is laid for your faith in God's excellent word!
What more can be said than to you has been said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,
For I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen and help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
“When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with you thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.
“When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine.
“The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
*Doxology
Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
*Blessing
*Three-fold Amen
*Dismissal
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
NEXT WEEK’S READINGS:
Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63: 1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
-1 Thessalonians 5:11
Gilakas’la!
Announcements
- Coffee following the service!
- Canned and dried food are always appreciated
- Mission Focus: Camp Spirit
- March 18: 2:00 Join us in person at St. Columba's in Port Hardy for a Lenten bible study facilitated by Rev. Bob Gilbert. The 5 week study will feature a talk by renowned theologian John Dominic Crossan "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World." After viewing the video (about 1 hour) there will be time for discussion.
- April 1 deadline to order 100th anniversary commemorative edition of Broadview
Liturgical sources:
Cover Photo: Powered by Bing, Creative Commons only.
Call To Worship, Prayer of Illumination, Prayers of the People, Blessing: Kim Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion, Year C, Westminster John Knox Press. 154-8.
Bible Versions: NRSVUE, CEB, FNV
Psalm: NIV and Ancient Songs Sung Anew: The Psalms as Poetry, transl. by Lynn C. Bauman, (Telephone, TX: Praxis), 2000, 63-4. Adapted.
Eucharist Prayer 1, Eucharistic Prayers, Services of the Word, and Night Prayer: Suppl. to The Book of Alternative Services, adapted. 15-16.
Blessing, attributed to The Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong.
All other Prayers from: the Anglican Book of Alternative Services. Copyright © 1985 by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Music copyright:
Words for hymns reprinted, streamed and/or podcast with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-720359 or CCLI License # 11033010. All rights reserved.
Voices United 108 Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights Words: James Gertmenian; Music: Musikalisches Handbuch, Hamburg 1690; arr. W. H. Havergal 1864. Words copyright © 1993 Hope Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Reprinted, streamed and/or podcast with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-720359 (#12108). All rights reserved.
Voices United 703 In the Bulb There Is a Flower Words and music: Natalie Sleeth 1986. Words and music copyright © 1986 Hope Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reprinted, streamed and/or podcast with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-720359 (#52456). All rights reserved.
Voices United 120 O Jesus, I Have Promised Words: John Ernest Bode, ca. 1866 alt.; Music: James William Elliott, 1874. Copyright, public domain.
More Voices 90 Don’t Be Afraid Words: John L. Bell and Graham Maule, 1995; Music: John L. Bell, 1995. Words and music copyright © 1995, 2007 by WGRG, Iona Community, Scotland, administration GIA Publications, Inc., exclusive North American agent. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-720359 (#06322) or CCLI License # 11033010 (1531247). All rights reserved.
More Voices 44 Shadow and Substance Words and Music: Daniel Charles Damon 1989.
Words copyright © 1994 and music copyright © 1993 Hope Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Reprinted, streamed and/or podcast with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-720359 (#10050) or CCLI License # 11033010 (1882329). All rights reserved.
Voices United 542 We Give You but Your Own Words: William Walsham How, 1858; Music: Johann Balthasar König, 1738; adapted William Henry Havergal, 1847. Copyright: Public domain.
Voices United 660 How Firm a Foundation Words: “K” in John Rippon’s A Selection of Hymns 1787, alt.; Music: Welsh folk melody; arr. John Roberts (Henllan) in Caniadau y Cyssegr 1839. Words and music copyright: Public domain.
