Rev Dr Richard Chung
August 9th, 2020
Based on Romans 8:19-25, Psalm 19:1-6 / Virtual Service Location: Third Beach, Stanley Park
Synopsis:
Apostle Paul says that the survival and the restoration of both humanity and creation are intimately related, that “the creation waits and longs for the revealing of God’s children,” that when God restores everything new, both humanity and creation will be restored. In other words, as followers and heirs of Jesus Christ, the children of God are called to suffer for the restoration of both humanity and creation, to live with respect in creation, and to participate in God’s work of mending and healing creation.
Welcome to: Pacific Spirit United Church,
Shaughnessy Heights United Church,
Marpole United Church and St. Stephen’s United Church
Prelude: “Morning Has Broken” Richard Proulx
Call to Worship: Psalm 19:1-6 (NEV) (read together)
The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays God’s handiwork.
2 Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals God’s greatness.
3 There is no actual speech or word, nor is its[f] voice literally heard.
4 Yet its voice echoes throughout the earth; its words carry to the distant horizon.
In the sky God has pitched a tent for the sun.
Like a bridegroom it emerges[n] from its chamber; like a strong man it enjoys running its course.
It emerges from the distant horizon, and goes from one end of the sky to the other; nothing can escape its heat.
The heavens declare the glory of God!
Hymn: “Creator God, You Made the Earth”
Words: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (St. Columba)
Scripture: Romans 8:18-25 (NRSV)
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in[o] hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Solo: “God is There!” Words and Music: Mary Kay Beall
Sermon: Live with Respect in Creation
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer VU916 A Paraphrase
Hymn: “O God of Life, Your Waters Flow”
Words: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (Candler)
Benediction
Postlude: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” J.G. Walther
We will meet after worship for our fellowship hour at 11:30 a.m., bring your coffee and tea. Below you will see an e-mail invitation to our fellowship hour……once you click the invitation link, just follow the instructions. The link to join in our virtual fellowship will also be on the home page. You are all invited!
Join Zoom Meeting by using: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87954144579
Meeting ID: 879 5414 4579
Local Call-in Number: +1 778 907 2071