Hymn Sing Sunday ~ Sunday, July 5th, 2026
Protestant church music during and after the Reformation was used as a way of bringing the worship alive. Not as a grand concert like practices found in the
Hymn: #461 – Be thou my vision
“Be Thou My Vision” is a centuries-old Celtic Christian prayer translated from ancient Irish. The English lyrics we sing today were pieced together in 1912 from a literal translation by Mary Byrne.
Anthem: ‘The Perfect Wisdom of Our God – Romans 11:33’ (Gabrielle)
Invitation of Offering:
The Book of Ephesians tells us that we have received an inheritance in Christ. God’s gifts to us in Christ and in creation allow us to be generous in response to the needs in God’s world. What we give to God speaks to the world of God’s generosity, as well as our own.
Doxology: #661, We give thee but thine own
We give Thee but Thine own, Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee.
Prayer of Dedication:
Generous God, growth in gardens and fields this summer speaks of the generosity you have planted within your creation. Bless the gifts we bring, that they too may grow in fruitfulness, and touch lives in need with your generous love, in the name of Christ, our help and our hope. Amen.
Hymn: #371 – Love divine all loves excelling
Written in 1747 by Charles Wesley, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling is one of the most enduring Christian hymns, reflecting Wesley’s core theology of God’s transforming, sanctifying grace. It is a prayer for spiritual renewal, asking God to remove “the bent to sinning” and guide believers into “perfect love”. The hymn has a fascinating historical and cultural background. Scholars strongly believe the opening line was inspired by the secular song “Fairest Isle” written by John Dryden for the 1691 opera King Arthur. Wesley essentially “Christianized” the meter and theme. He was a prolific traveling preacher who famously composed poetry on horseback, scribbling shorthand onto small cards carried in his pockets before writing them out fully at inns.
Hymn: #674 – In the bulb there is a flower
Also known as the “Hymn of Promise,” this widely beloved modern hymn was written by celebrated American church musician and composer Natalie Sleeth in 1985. Sleeth composed the piece at the request of the Hope Publishing Company for a women’s event. She was contemplating the themes of life, death, and the changing of the seasons. Her inspiration was drawn heavily from the famous poet T.S. Eliot’s line, “In my beginning is my end”. Sleeth flipped this concept to reflect Christian resurrection, famously coining the refrain, “In our end is our beginning”. The piece was initially titled “Hymn of Promise” and debuted as a choral anthem at the Pasadena Community Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tragically, Sleeth dedicated the original piece “To Ron,” for her husband, Dr. Ron Sleeth, who was diagnosed with cancer and passed away just weeks after the anthem’s premiere. The hymn is highly regarded for being both comforting and embracing of life’s mysteries. The lyrics explore paradoxes: winter vs. spring, doubt vs. belief, and death vs. resurrection.
Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer (Trespasses):
Blessed are you, O God, for all your goodness to us.
In Christ, we meet your love and wisdom, face to face.
Through the Holy Spirit, we recognize the abilities and opportunities
you create in us and for us to reach out to the world you love.
We thank you for all the ways friends and families,
neighbours and strangers,
reach out to us and to others,
offering support and kindness,
speaking up to confront wrongdoing,
celebrating when achievements bring happiness and healing.
Today we pray for courageous leaders in cities, countries and congregations
who strive to serve with integrity and honesty
in a world prone to self-interest.
We pray for those who struggle to create justice
where it has been compromised,
and to build understanding in divided communities.
We remember before you quiet and reliable leaders
who keep their word and meet their deadlines
so that we can depend on them in these unsettled times.
We pray for patient church members and community volunteers,
who work diligently to improve our life together.
And we pray for the creative, impatient change makers
who keep challenging us to be bolder and more determined
in righting wrongs and trying new strategies.
We pray for the troubled in mind or spirit,
for the angry and unhappy,
and for those who feel that every day is a struggle.
Soothe their concerns
and open their hearts to claim the hope and help you offer.
We remember before you the sick and the dying,
and the bereaved who must try to put their lives back together again.
We pray for those who are looking for better health,
a fresh start, more stability or a glimpse of hope.
Draw close to all these who suffer,
offering your comfort and courage to face whatever comes next.
Receive our prayers, both spoken and unspoken,
and embrace us all in your love.
Give us hearts to understand not only what you do on our behalf,
but also what you call us to do on your behalf,
for we are friends and followers of Jesus, who taught us to pray:
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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
Hymn: #774 God forgave my sin /Freely, freely
“God Forgave My Sin” commonly known by its refrain, “Freely, Freely”was written in 1972 by American Christian songwriter Carol Owens. It was originally composed for a musical titled Come Together and is deeply rooted in the Great Commission and the message of receiving and sharing Christ’s grace. Encapsulating the core theological message: having freely received the forgiveness of sins, believers are tasked with boldly going out to share that love so others may know that Christ lives. Despite being written in the 20th century, the hymn’s simple, scripture-based lyrics made it a beloved staple in church repertoires across the globe. It has since been published in numerous major hymnals.
Benediction:
Go in faith, ready to serve God, trusting that God counts your life as precious.
Now may the LORD keep us and bless us,
May the LORD make his face to shine upon us
and be gracious unto us,
Now and for ever more, AMEN.
Choral Closing: “Go Now in Peace”
Go now in peace. Never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true.
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.
June 28, 2026
https://pccweb.ca/knox-goderich/files/2026/06/The-Art-of-Welcome.docx