Worship for May 3, 2020

Avondale United Church

10:00 a.m.

Listen Live Link on website

www.avondaleunitedstratford.com

Worship led by Rev. Keith Reynolds, Rev. Kathi Urbasik-Hindley, Music Director Dan Van Winden,

Tech Heather Herman

Prelude

Welcome and Announcements

Opening Prayer Creator and Creating God, we enter this time to worship, Setting aside what is before and behind us, Turning toward the gaze that is in front of us, the gaze belonging to You, You look at all of life with love and compassion, Help us catch a glimpse of Your gaze, Your voice, Your presence in Christ as we worship.

We are also mindful of how we turn away, Ashamed and guilty we stand helpless at times, Distracted and preoccupied we busy ourselves with mindless chatter, Worried and anxious, we grip these, forgetting to trust and let go, Trying to control and hold tightly, leaving ourselves embittered and resentful. Forgive us. Restore us once again. Set our lives on the healing path we pray. We pause to bring other prayers to this time of mercy and silence…(silent prayer)

Words of Hope and Healing Jesus comes as the good shepherd, tending to us with love and care. May we listen and trust the gate that is open, the way that is wide and the One who is Love. Amen.

Music (Instrumental Hymn): All Who Are Thirsty MV 4

All Who are thirsty, All who are weak, Come to the fountain. Dip your heart in the steam of life. Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away In the waves of his mercy As deep cries out to the deep. We sing Come, O Jesus come. Come, O Jesus, come. Come, O Jesus, come. Come, O Jesus come. All Who are thirsty, All who are weak, Come to the fountain. Dip your heart in the steam of life. Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away In the waves of his mercy As deep cries out to the deep. We sing Come, O Jesus come. Come, O Jesus, come. Come, O Jesus, come. Come, O Jesus come. Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit , come

Scripture Reading: John 10:1-10

Message Prayers of the People & the Lord’s Prayer

Music (Instrumental Hymn): The Lord’s My Shepherd VU p.747

1 The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want; he makes me down to lie in pastures green; he leadeth me, the quiet waters by. 2 My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make within the paths of righteousness, even for his own name's sake. 3 Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, yet will I fear no ill; for thou art with me; and thy rod and staff me comfort still. 4 My table thou has furnished in presence of my foes; my head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows. 5 Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me, and in God's house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be.

Sending Forth and Blessing Postlude: His Eye is On The Sparrow arr. Charles H. Gabriel