Blessing Is On You

6th Sunday after the Epiphany Sunday, February 17, 201910:30 a.m.

VisionTransforming lives through God’s grace

MissionInspired by the Holy Spirit, we grow disciples of Jesus Christ to love our neighbours and effect social change.

MusiciansSusan Woodward, Music DirectorDonna Holoboff, Organist

MinistersThe Rev. Dr. Nick Athanasiadis Lead Minister, Vision, Worship and Discipleship

The Rev. Maren McLean Persaud Associate Minister, Children and Youth

The Rev. Dr. M. Jean Morris Associate Minister, Pastoral Care

The Rev. Jake Van Pernis Associate Minister, Engagement and Service

Order of Worship*Please stand as you are able.

Large Print Copies of today’s hymns are available at the sanctuary entrances.

A warm welcome is extended to all, especially those who are worshipping at Grace for the first time. Your presence both enriches us and this time of worship together. You are invited to fill out one of the cards in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate, or to reach out to us through our website.

Prelude I Need Thee Every Hour R. Lowry/K. Kaiser It Is Well With My Soul/ I’ve Got Peace Like A River P. Bliss/K. Kaiser

Announcements Nick Athanasiadis

*Choral Introit I Am Welcome B. Sirchio

*Entry of the Bible Jean Clelland

*Lighting of the Christ Candle Duncan Funnell Jesus is the light of the world, The light that can never be put out. Jesus is the light of the world, The light of God is with us now

We gather as God’s people: Michelle Kim Come sleepers, come dreamers! Come even unbelievers! Come into God’s house, find a pew.

Hey wives, hey sisters! Hey neighbours, hey misters! Come in, find the place just for you.

Come serving, come singing. Come brokenness bringing. No blame will you find in this place.

Come laughing, come seeking. Come hoping, come weeping. Know all of your life’s held in grace.

*Hymn 420 Praise, I Will Praise

We Say Sorry To God: Responsive Prayer Dan Erhardt Creative and Loving God, Your world is full of beauty and glory. We rejoice in the way you created everything and called it good. You call us to discovery of all that is good in your world. We are safe in your strong love.

Holy and mysterious God, Your world is full of wisdom and wonder. You are full of surprises. You are in the world. You call us to share your blessing with others. We are safe in your strong love.

You call us, God. You ask us what kind of lives we are living and now, in the silence, we share our stories with you (Silence) For all the good things that have happened to us we thank you. For the mistakes we have made and the people we have hurt we are sorry. We ask for your help and your love. (Silence) God says to all who ask: I love you, I forgive you, come and walk with me. Thank you, God. Amen.

We remember the special prayer Jesus taught us by praying together: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory; for ever, Amen.

*Hymn 704 Teach Me, God, To Wonder

Prayer Before We Hear God’s Word Maren McLean Persaud Loving God, as we listen to your word read aloud, we pray that we will hear what you say to us with joy. Amen

The Word Luke 6: 17-26 (page 55, New Testament)

Conversation With Christians Of All Ages Blessing Is On You

*Hymn 624 Blest Are They

Prayers for the World and God’s People Hayleigh Kellough, Fidel Dau, Lucas Kim, Ben Stephenson, Helen Owen

Anthem Old Time Religion Medley arr. M. Hayes Drummer: Jeff Oman

Sharing our Gifts (envelope in box on pew in front) Surely Goodness And Mercy J. Peterson, A. Smith/P. Mickelson

*Response To Our Gifts:

*Prayer for our Gifts Barb Voynovich

*Hymn 775 Sent Forth By Your Blessing

*Blessing

*We Sing Amen

Postlude He Who Began A Good Work In You J. Mohr/M. Hayes

Today the flowers in the Sanctuary are placed to the glory of God and in loving memory of her parents, Adolph and Martha Wedman, by Barb Voynovich.

This morning we welcome Jeff Oman and thank him for his musical contribution on the drums.

Today is an All Ages Sunday! We all stay in the Sanctuary to worship together.

Today’s service will be like our other worship services in structure, but you will notice the language and feel is more playful. As a congregation we have a commitment to help each person here grow in faith. Today we welcome one another and welcome all the extra sounds and extra movements that come with such an exciting morning.

We are all children of God and learning how to worship together is important. All ages worship helps us learn and grow as a family of faith! Here are some ideas to make the most out of our time together:

*Greet the children around you before and after worship, not just the adults. Make it a goal to learn a child’s name each Sunday. Greet that child by name the next time you see them.

*If you are with young children, feel free to sit towards the front of the sanctuary. It is easier for kids to be engaged in what is going on when they can see what is happening and when they can see you focused on what is happening. Sit at the end of a row if you need an easy exit.

*We learn worship etiquette by participation. Feel free to whisper to children to teach what is happening. Explain the meaning of any difficult words in the music or liturgy. Share your own positive feelings about the different parts of the worship service.

*Help worshippers around you by handing them a hymnbook/Bible/bulletin if they don’t have one. Use your finger to point to the words or music to help younger worshippers follow along.

*Affirm the younger members of our congregation after the service. Let them know how wonderful it was to worship alongside them!

*After you leave this building, talk about worship at home during the week (“That’s like what the minister said during the lesson” or ”Do you remember the story we heard in church?”) Also, talk about the prayer concerns we raised during the ‘Prayers for the world and God’s people’ and pray for them during the week.

Following Worship• Refreshments will be served in the Family Room. All are welcome to be part of this

time of fellowship.

• Today’s Parish Nurse, Robin Tomlinson, will be available at the front of the sanctuary to discuss any minor medical concerns.

• 2018 Tax Receipts are available for pickup in the Family Room as well as personalized 2019 Offering Envelopes.

Upcoming Worship ServicesTONIGHT, February 17, 7:00 pm – Evening Grace in the Chapel “Belonging in Dysfunction” Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Jean Morris

Sunday, February 24, 10:30 am – Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Nick Athanasiadis

Sunday, March 3, 10:30 am – Transfiguration Sunday Communion Sunday Preacher: The Rev. Dr. Jean Morris

Sunday, March 3, 7:00 pm – Evening Grace, including Healing Prayer in the Chapel Communion Sunday Preacher: The Rev. Jake Van Pernis

Life and Work at Grace Church

Please pray for those in hospital: Keith Evans (Rockyview)

Elder Training – Tuesday, February 19, 7:00-8:30 pm The Pastoral Care Committee is offering a workshop for all elders. “The Visit”, will share expertise about the art and science of elders’ visits within their districts. Please advise Jean Morris if you are planning to attend at jeanm@gracecalgary.org.

BYOB – Bring Your Own Bible Study Wednesdays in February from 10:00 – 11:30 am Led by one of the ministers, we will be studying the Lectionary passages for the upcoming Sunday. February 20 Genesis 45:3-11,15; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50; Luke 6:27-38 Maren McLean Persaud February 27 Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9: 28-43 Jean Morris Please advise the church office if you plan to attend at 403.244.5861 or office@gracecalgary.org.

Thursday, February 21 – Beltline OASIS (Older Adults Sharing In Support) 11:30 am – 1:00 pm in the Family Room at Grace Church (lunch will be served)

How To Build Community - Being part of community is a gift. Let’s talk about how to build and strengthen the sense of community in our lives.

RSVP to either church office: Grace (403.244.5861 or cindib@gracecalgary.org) or St. Stephen’s (403.244.4879 or deacon@ststephenscalgary.org).

Saturday, February 23 – Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) fundraising walk. TODAY there will be a Grace CNOY Team table in the Family Room after morning worship. The Engagement and Service Committee invites you to stop by and sign up for our team or to ask any questions about this national walk being held in Downtown Calgary. Online donations (cnoy.org/location/calgarydowntown) made to the Grace Presbyterian Go–Getters Team are also very welcome and all donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt.

Saturday, February 23 Grace Quilters will meet in the Boardroom from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm or anytime in between. Bring a lunch; snacks and coffee are provided. All who are returning to our quilting bees are welcome, and others who are interested are invited to participate in sewing, fellowship, sharing and fun. The quilters share love and compassion by creating beautiful quilts that are given to families and individuals when facing times of struggle and loss and when celebrating joyful events.

Sunday, February 24 following morning worship, please plan to come to the Family Room to thank Lorna Thomson, Office Administrator, for fourteen years of fantastic service in the office at Grace Church and wish her well in her retirement.

PREACHING GRACE Book Study – Sunday, March 3 & Sunday, March 17 Meal 5:00 pm; Study 5:45 pm Tired Of Apologizing For A Church I Don’t Belong To by Lillian Daniel. Come ready to discuss ideas and themes from the book! Themes from the book will be carried into the Evening Grace Service of Worship. Author, Lillian Daniel, will be our guest for Preaching Grace which will take place in May. Sign up sheets are available online or on the Bulletin Board in the hallway. Books are available through the church office - suggested donation is $17.

LENT - Weekly Dinner and Book Study on Wednesdays, March 6 – April 3 Meal 5:30 pm; Study 6:30-7:45 pm God and Human Suffering: An Exercise in the Theology of the Cross, by Douglas John Hall

“The trouble with most answers – including the answers that popular Christianity is ready to offer at bargain prices, is that they are usually provided by persons who have not lived long enough with the questions.” –DJH

This text aims to be a thoughtful reflection on a complicated and emotional issue. Sign up sheets are available online or on the Bulletin Board in the hallway. Books are available through the church office - suggested donation is $25.

On March 17, 2019, immediately following morning worship, a Congregational Meeting will be held in the Sanctuary. The Congregation will be asked to consider the 2018 Annual Report and the 2018 Financial Statements, as well as other appropriate business.

English Language Learners (ELL) Program Volunteers - Our ELL program has been so popular that we are in need of additional volunteers to help newcomers to Canada improve their conversational English language skills. The program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Please contact Cindy Stephenson, Coordinator of Volunteers at cindys@gracecalgary.org for more information.

Stained Glass Window Update - The mandatory repairs continue on the stained glass windows in the Sanctuary. Two of the three panes in the window in the balcony at the rear of the Sanctuary have been removed and it is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks before the original glass is returned. When the weather warms, the stained glass window on the north side will be re-installed.

Grace is seeking an additional Facilities Assistant. Please refer to the website for the position description. Additional questions can be directed to Brad Kirby, Facilities Supervisor, at bradk@gracecalgary.org

Session Highlights (February 11, 2019)

• Positive response to the request for Sunday School volunteers—we now have a full complement!

• Appreciation was expressed for the visit of the Moderator of the 144th General Assembly.

• Engaged in discussion regarding the tension between the Vision, Mission and Values of Grace Presbyterian to engage the community and the current practice of the Presbyterian Church in Canada on the full inclusion of LGBTQI people.

• Reflected on 1 Corinthians 12, and the challenge of Christian community. How do we acknowledge and respect a variety of gifts and ways of being Christian in community? How far do we go to welcome those who are currently outside our community?

• Kelly Christopher has agreed to be named as a Young Adult Representative from the Presbytery of Calgary-Macleod to the next General Assembly in June 2019.

• The Human Resources Policy Manual has been updated and compliant with Employment Standards. Leading with Care training has been conducted. A philosophy of seeking first to maximize the role of volunteers versus paid staff was approved.

• 240 individuals are volunteering in at least one area in the life and work of Grace!

• Agreed that Grace Presbyterian is willing to work with the Government of Canada through PWS&D to provide financial support in order to facilitate the reunification of family members we are currently supporting with those who are currently residing in refugee camps abroad.

• Approved the Spiritual Expression and Development Committee proposal that further discussion on the matter of Unity and Diversity be held within the Grace congregation in the future at a time to be determined.

• Supported plans of the Spiritual Expression & Development Committee for Adult Education study opportunities through this winter/spring and for Lenten worship services and related activities.

• Approved a revised Pastoral Fund Policy

• Approved a motion that Session send a letter to the Presbytery stating full support for the decision of the Rev. Dr. Jean Morris to move to the 0.6 position of Associate Minister, Pastoral Care commencing in April of this year.

Phone: 403.244.5861 Website: www.gracechurchcalgary.com

Email: office@gracecalgary.org Twitter/Facebook: @calgarygrace

Update “On the Question of Unity and Diversity”During the fall of 2018, Grace received a request for input “On the Question of Unity and Diversity” from the Church Doctrine Committee of the PCC through the General Assembly Office. Session referred the request to the Spiritual Expression and Development Committee, requesting that the committee develop a process to gather input from the congregation and issue a response. In January 2019 a facilitated discussion with 26 participants from the congregation was held and additional input was received through six emails. Key findings that emerged from the consultation include:

• In a forced-choice poll of those who participated in the in-person discussion, 79% were in favour of full inclusion of LGBTQI and 21% were in favour of status quo where LGBTQI inclusion is limited to being welcomed into the congregation but not married, elected to office or ordained.

• Unity emerged as a very strong value, supported by the opinion that we can agree to disagree.

• If it is not possible to agree to disagree, Grace supports options that enable it to continue its ministry and work within its community. Grace would need more time and broader consultation to discern what their preferred route to that outcome would be.

• In a survey of those who participated in the in-person discussion, where it was assumed agreement could not be achieved, 24% of respondents favoured Respectful Divergence, 32% favoured Freedom of Conscience and Action, 0% preferred Sub-Denominations and 12% preferred Gracious Dismissal. In the same survey, 24% said another alternative, Full Inclusion and Unity, should be found and 8% said they preferred Status Quo.

• Participants stated that the national church should consider embarking on a consensus building discussion in order to maintain unity and address the needs of a changing world.

• Participants stated that not everyone will agree no matter what direction is taken, but it is necessary to make a decision and move forward, ideally as a unified church.

On January 26, 2019 Spiritual Expression and Development submitted a report to the Committee of Former Moderators through the General Assembly Office. The report included the above findings as well as some additional suggestions for consideration. We have also sent the full report to Session for information. A copy of the report is available to the congregation from the church office upon request (office@gracecalgary.org). Thank you to all who participated in this process!