CHRIST CANDLE LITURGY:
We light this candle to remember that God is present in all things. As surely as the smallest of lights transforms the deepest shadows of any room,
God is here, with us, always.
    Used with permission Gathering Pentecost 2 2026; Christine LeBlanc

Sung Response: VU 679 “We Praise You, O God” V 3
3. With voices united our praises we offer
and gladly our songs of thanksgiving we raise.
Our sins now confessing, we pray for your blessing,
to you, our great Redeemer, forever be praise!

1. CALL TO WORSHIP:
Today is the day in the life of the church that we remember the saints.
Let's remember those who suffered bringing the word of God to the world.
Let's remember those who lived what appeared to be perfect, pious lives bringing the word of God to the world.
But let's also remember that we are God's saints here on earth, sinners called to new life in Christ.
Yes, we are saints of God because we have been called to be living witnesses to God's purposes here and now.
We have been set apart for God. We know we are not perfect but we are being transformed.
So come, let us worship together, allowing the Holy Spirit to continue our transformation.
     Used with permission Gathering Pentecost 2 2026; Judy Sears

2. OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, we thank you for your presence today as we worship in the company of the saints who came before us. We thank you for the saints, past and present, who are here with us today, caring, comforting, and guiding. We ask you to bless us as we worship today and pray that we can become more saint-like ourselves.  Amen.
      Used with permission Gathering Pentecost - 2- 2026; Sue Carleton

3. LEARNING TIME:

4. HYMN: VU 707 “For the Faithful Who Have Answered
1.  For the faithful who have answered when they heard your call to serve,
for the many ways you led them testing will and stretching nerve,
for their work and for their witness as they strove against the odds,
for their courage and obedience we give thanks and praise, O God.

2.  Many eyes have glimpsed the promise, many hearts have yearned to see.
Many ears have heard you calling us to greater liberty
Some have fallen in the struggle, others still are fighting on.
You are not ashamed to own us. We give thanks and praise, O God.

3.  For this cloud of faithful witness, for the common life we share,
for the work of peace and justice, for the gospel that we bear,
for the vision that our homeland is your love - deep, high, and broad -
for the different roads we travel we give thanks and praise, O God.

5. PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
As we receive the readings from your holy word, Gracious God, open us to greater understanding. We ask this in Christ Jesus.  Amen.
     Used with permission from Gathering: Pentecost 2; 2025: Mary Anderson

6. SCRIPTURE LESSON:
Joshua 3: 7 -1 7
7 The Lord told Joshua, “Beginning today I will show the people that you are their leader, and they will know that I am helping you as I helped Moses. 8 Now, tell the priests who are carrying the chest to go a little way into the river and stand there.” 9 Joshua spoke to the people: Come here and listen to what the Lord our God said he will do! 10 The Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites control the land on the other side of the river. But the living God will be with you and will force them out of the land when you attack. And now, God is going to prove that he's powerful enough to force them out. 11-13 Just watch the sacred chest that belongs to the Lord, the ruler of the whole earth. As soon as the priests carrying the chest step into the Jordan, the water will stop flowing and pile up as if someone had built a dam across the river.
The Lord has also said that each of the twelve tribes should choose one man to represent it. 14 The Israelites packed up and left camp. The priests carrying the chest walked in front, 15 until they came to the Jordan River. The water in the river had risen over its banks, as it often does in springtime.[a] But as soon as the feet of the priests touched the water, 16 - 17 the river stopped flowing, and the water started piling up at the town of Adam near Zarethan. No water flowed toward the Dead Sea, and the priests stood in the middle of the dry riverbed near Jericho while everyone else crossed over.

Responsive Reading Psalm 107: 1 - 7, 33-37 Parts 1 & 4 page 831/32
REFRAIN: “O give thanks to God for steadfast love.”

Part One (1-9)
O give thanks, for God is gracious;
God's steadfast love endures for ever.
Let the redeemed of God say so, those redeemed from trouble,
whom God gathered in from the lands,
from the east and the west,
from the north and the south.  REFRAIN

Some lost their way in desert wastes, finding no place to settle;
hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to you, God, in their trouble; you rescued them from their distress.
You led them by a straight path, till they reached a place to settle.
Let them thank you, O God, for your steadfast love, for the wonders you do for us.
For you satisfy the thirsty, and fill the hungry with good things.  REFRAIN

Part Four (33-37)
You turn rivers into desert, springs of water into thirsty ground.
A fruitful land you make a salty waste, because of the wickedness of its inhabitants.
But you turn desert into standing pools, dry land into springs of water,
to give the hungry a home, a place where they can settle.
They sow fields and plant vineyards that yield a fruitful harvest.
You bless them and their numbers increase.
You do not let their herds diminish.
Whoever is wise, ponder these things.  REFRAIN

7. REFLECTION:

8. HYMN: VU 710 “Shall We Gather at the River”
1.  Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod;
with its crystal tide for ever
flowing by the throne of God?
REFRAIN: Yes, we'll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

2.  Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we every burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown.  REFRAIN

3.  Soon we'll reach the shining river,
soon our pilgrimage will cease,
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace.   REFRAIN

9. SCRIPTURE LESSONS:
1 Thessalonians 2: 9 - 13
9 My dear friends, you surely haven't forgotten our hard work and hardships. You remember how night and day we struggled to make a living, so we could tell you God's message without being a burden to anyone. 10 Both you and God are witnesses that we were pure and honest and innocent in our dealings with you followers of the Lord. 11 You also know we did everything for you that parents would do for their own children. 12 We begged, encouraged, and urged each of you to live in a way that would honor God. He is the one who chose you to share in his own kingdom and glory.
13 We always thank God that you believed the message we preached. It came from him, and it isn't something made up by humans. You accepted it as God's message, and now he is working in you.

Matthew 23: 1 - 12
Jesus Condemns the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law of Moses
23 Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law are experts in the Law of Moses. 3 So obey everything they teach you, but don't do as they do. After all, they say one thing and do something else. 4 They pile heavy burdens on people's shoulders and won't lift a finger to help. 5 Everything they do is just to show off in front of others. They even make a big show of wearing Scripture verses on their foreheads and arms, and they wear big tassels[a] for everyone to see. 6 They love the best seats at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues. 7 And when they are in the market, they like to have people greet them as their teachers.
8 But none of you should be called a teacher. You have only one teacher, and all of you are like brothers and sisters. 9 Don't call anyone on earth your father. All of you have the same Father in heaven. 10 None of you should be called the leader. The Messiah is your only leader. 11 Whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. 12 If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored

10. REFLECTION:

11. HYMN VU 582 “There's a Spirit in the Air” V 1 - 4
1.  There's a spirit in the air,
telling Christians everywhere:
Praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world.'

2.  Lose your shyness, find your tongue,
tell the world what God has done:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow's life today!

3.  When believers break the bread,
when a hungry child is fed,
praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world.

4.  Still the Spirit gives us light,
seeing wrong and setting right:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow's life today!

12. PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Loving God, the world is in need of saints. Those who came before us and gave so much are being remembered today. We too seek to be your saints in this world. Yet, we are travelling a path that is not easy. There are mountains to climb in serving the world, but we are taking it one moment, one action at a time. We are not perfect. We struggle at times. We even wander off the path you have put us on. We come together here today to remind ourselves that we are all your saints, to encourage one another and assist one another.
We reach out. We pray. We give. We strive to be your servants, your disciples, your saints. We are here to learn. Teach us, dear God. Guide us. Bless us. Amen.
     Used with permission Gathering Pentecost 2 2026; Eileen Masse

13. WORDS OF ASSURANCE:
The God of freedom is always present, always forgiving, ever loving. We are assured that we are forgiven, we are loved, and we will never be alone.
Thanks be to God.  Amen.
     Used with permission Gathering Pentecost - 2- 2026; Beth W Johnston

14. SUNG RESPONSE:VU 582 “There's a Spirit in the Air” V 6
6. May the Spirit fill our praise,
guide our thoughts and change our ways.
God in Christ has come to stay,
live tomorrow's life today.

15. PASSING OF THE PEACE:
When we keep our hearts and minds focused on things that are excellent and admirable, God blesses us with a peace that passes all understanding. Let us share signs of this peace with one another.
     From the Abingdon Worship Annual 2026.
     Copyright @2025 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission

16. OFFERING INVITATION:
A world in need awaits our offering. Our offering of time, talents, and treasures can make a difference, here and around the world. The needs of our community and of the world are many. We sometimes feel as if we cannot possibly make a difference. Yet, we are called to work together and to realize that, in caring together, the results are multiplied beyond our imagination. Let us give of our hearts, ourselves, and our lives. The offering will be received.

17. OFFERTORY: VU 544 “In Gratitude and Humble Trust”
Tune Forest Green VU 518

In gratitude and humble trust we bring our best today
to serve your cause and share your love with all along life's way.
O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ, your Son,
teach us to give ourselves each day until life's work is done.

18. PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
Holy One, thank you for blessing us in so many ways. Please bless our offerings: to bring your presence more fully into the world, to spread your love to far and wide, to bring hope and peace where despair runs deep. In loving gratitude, we pray.  Amen.
     From the Abingdon Worship Annual 2023.
     Copyright @2022 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission

19. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD'S PRAYER

20.  HYMN: VU 716 “My Life Flows On”
1.  My life flows on in endless song,
above earth's lamentation.
I hear the sweet, though far off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear the music ringing:
It finds an echo in my soul -
how can I keep from singing?

2.  What though my joys and comforts die?
My Saviour still is living.
What though the shadows gather 'round?
A new song Christ is giving.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
while to that Rock I'm clinging:
since Love commands both heaven and earth,

how can I keep from singing? 3.  When tyrants tremble, sick with fear,
and hear their death knells ringing:
when friends rejoice both far and near,
how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
our thoughts to them are winging:
when friends by shame are undefiled,
how can I keep from singing?

4.  I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
and day by day this pathway smooths,
since first I learned to love it.
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing:
all things are mine since I am Christ's -
how can I keep from singing?

21.  BLESSING:
Let us go from this place in strength and in determination.
We go to continue sharing the good news with those we meet each day everywhere.
Depart only to return faithfully again to this company of saints.
We commit to a resurrection life supported by the communion of saints.
Embark on a journey of discovery and danger as you share the faith.
We will dance our lives of faith by the Spirit's song, equal to any challenge by God's grace.
     Used with permission Gathering Pentecost 2 2026; Gord Dunbar

22. THREE FOLD AMEN

Next Sunday:  Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
        November 8, 2026:
         Joshua 24: 1 - 3a, 14 - 25   Psalm 78: 1 - 7;
         Psalm 78:1-7 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18;  Matthew 25:1-13.

1. SUNDAY, November 1, 2026  Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost / All Saints Sunday   5:00 - &:00 PM   Rev. Jo-Ann Hills  “RECOLLECTIONS”  ALL ARE WELCOME!


2. TUESDAY, November 3, 2026  BIBLE STUDY  10:00 AM   Main Office  ALL ARE WELCOME


3. TUESDAY, November 3, 2026  Jubilation Handbell Ringers  If you are interested in ringing some bells, come out and give it a try;   6:30pm in the Choir Room.


4. TUESDAY, November 3, 2026  “YOUTH ACTIVITY CLUB (YAC)”  7:00 - 9:00 PM.  Logie hall GYM  All Youth 12 years and older are welcome


5. SATURDAY, November 7, 2026  CRAFT & COLLECTIONS FAIR   10:00 AM - 3:00 PM   Lower Halls  COME ONE. COME ALL!!
   [SEE POSTER ON “HAPPENINGS” TAB FOR FULL DETAILS]


6. SUNDAY, November 8, 2026  Twenty - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost   10:45 AM   Rev. Jo-Ann Hills  “RECOLLECTIONS”  ALL ARE WELCOME!


7. SUNDAY, November 15, 2026  Twenty - Fifth Sunday after Pentecost   10:45 AM   Rev. Jo-Ann Hills  “RECOLLECTIONS”  ALL ARE WELCOME!


8. SUNDAY, November 15, 2026  SUNDAY BRUNCH   11:30 AM   Wesley Hall  ALL ARE WELCOME!
   [SEE POSTER ON “HAPPENINGS” TAB FOR FULL DETAILS]