Sunday Worship

Home , Joy to the World (House)

Laidlaw Memorial United Church Celebrating our 109th Year—1912-2021 155 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 3Z2 www.laidlawchurch.ca  905 544 6536 (not textable) laidlawuc@bellnet.  905 547 2021 (textable) [email protected]

 Our Mission: With respect, cooperation, and joy, through acts of love that build each other up, we seek to share the light of Christ as a Beacon from our corner in East Hamilton 

Laidlaw Memorial United Church Christmas in August Communion

We are at Step 3 of Reopening! In person Worship capacity is 150 people Temperature Check, Contact List, Masks and Social Distancing remain in place. Worship with us In Person, or by Livestream on YouTube, search “Laidlaw Live” Air Conditioned, Prayer Conditioned Sunday, August 22, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Livestream Starts at 10:45 a.m. Livestream URL: https://youtu.be/5FBrFhXuCQo

This Livestream is Licenced for Copyright under: C.C.L.I. Church Streaming and Podcast Licence CSPL028178 C.C.L.I. Church Copyright Licence 2585699

Ministers: All who follow Jesus Christ! Worship in Person, or Live from Laidlaw on YouTube! If you Log in to YouTube with a Google Account; You can join the chat! You may also text a message to 905 547 2021 (Rev. Doug will try to keep up with the messages!) Guest Musicians: Steve McRae Jazz Quartet Piano: Steve McRae, Bass: Joel Banks, Trumpet: Ash King, Drums: Mike Yates On Tech: Ben Moore Acolyte: James Hawkes Keeper of the Log Book: Carol Courtney Offering: Keith and Wendy Greeniaus Musician: Steve McRae, B. Mus, A.R.C.T., Dipl. A.A. Minister: Rev. Douglas C. Moore, B.Th., B.A. (Phil), M.Div.

Welcome to Step 3, But COVID-19 is Still with us! ➔ Only the Sanctuary is open, and the upstairs washroom, which is being disinfected weekly. Please do not go into other parts of the building on Sundays. No food or drink should be brought into the church. ➔ Enter the Church only by the front doors, or by the ramp if necessary. ➔ When you enter the church, there will be a temperature check. Please do not come if you are not feeling well. ➔ We must record the name and phone number of all worshippers for contact tracing. ➔ There will be hand sanitizer available, please use it! ➔ A Mask or Face Shield is mandatory. Please bring your own, we have a limited supply to give out! ➔ Physical Distance must be maintained. More open space has been created for this. ➔ Singing will be allowed, on the main floor of the church only. There will be no singing in the gallery, for those who do not want to be with singers. ➔ Paper bulletins, with hymns, touched only by the copy machine, will be available. Hymn books and Bibles are back in the pews—to be used by one person only, then returned to the rack. Bulletins are like facial tissue—we do not want them back, please dispose of them at home.

Prelude at 10:45 a.m. Please Log in to Chat; or send a text to 905 547 2021 Request a prayer, send your greetings, light a votive candle, share an announcement! Welcome and Announcements Don’t Forget to ‘Like Us’ on YouTube and Facebook! Please press the ‘Subscribe’ button and get notified of upcoming livestreams! URL’s are now embedded in announcements of coming events—click and you’re there!

God Gathers Us Together Chimes and Candles Call Call to Worship  Psalm 96, Mark 1, James 1 The Lord be with you! And also with you! God comes to us in Jesus! Let us tell of God’s glorious deeds! Today we rejoice as the Good News of Jesus Christ begins! The Spirit of God is with us, God takes pleasure in us! God gives us the perfect, generous gift—God gives us birth! Hymn of Praise 38 Angels We Have Heard on High 1. Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

2. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song? Refrain

3. Come to Bethlehem and see Christ whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain

4. See him in a manger laid, whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, while our hearts in love we raise. Refrain

Prayer of Approach (Unison) Loving God, you express your generosity by coming to us in Jesus, bringing us Good News of great joy for all people! Come to us again, God! Be born among us, so that we may see your loving kindness and mercy. Let your angels sing in our hearts, so that we may find endless peace. Mighty God, make our path straight. Prepare a way for us to find joy in following Jesus. By your Spirit’s power in us, make us thrive in generosity and peace! Amen! Popup Anthem Steve McRae, Piano and Vocals, with Rev. Doug Who Is This Tiny Child Words and Music: Jay Castelli Arranger: Jay Althouse

We Hear God’s Word Young People! Gather at the front, or near your screens! Youth and Scripture  James 1:17-18 Perfect Gifts from Above

1. And God said, Yes! Yes! Yes! Said yes to the world once more, Said yes with a cosmic roar, said open that other door Said Yes! Yes! Yes! Friend, Yes!

2. For God said, Yes! Yes! Yes! Let’s splash the sky with light, Let’s float the earth in space, Let’s dance away the night. Said Yes! Yes! Yes! Friend, Yes!

3. And God said, Yes! Yes! Yes! Let’s make a people free, Complete the mystery, and loving Earth with me. Said Yes! Yes! Yes! Friend, Yes!

4. And God said, Yes! Yes! Yes! Let Jesus Christ be born! Let’s find him in the straw! Let’s blast the shepherd’s horn! Said Yes! Yes! Yes! Friend, Yes!

5. And God said, Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes to his broken son! Yes to his open wound! Yes to the broken tomb! Said Yes! Yes! Yes! Friend, Yes!

6. And God said, Yes! Yes! Yes! We’ll leap the swirling sky, We’ll leap the hungry grave! We’ll never stop to die, Said Yes! Yes! Yes! Friend, Yes!

7. And God said, Yes! Yes! Yes! Said yes to that other door! Says yes when we say no! Says yes with a cosmic roar! Says yes, yes, yes, with me!

There are colouring pages and puzzles for the children at the back, and in the Bulletin, if you print it out! Lesson from the Hebrew Scriptures  Genesis 5:1-32 (Hebrew Bible, page 4) This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Psalm Response Tune: God Rest You Merry 8686868 with refrain  Psalm 96 1. Sing to the LORD a brand new song; all earth—sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD and bless God’s name—salvation tell again! Declare God’s glorious, marv’llous works in every peopled place!

Refrain: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy!

2. For great is God who came to us, and greatly to be praised! All other gods are idol stones— our God the heavens made! Our God is strength, and beauty too—these are his holy place! 3. Tell of God’s glory and God’s strength—all families may join in! Give God the praise we ought to give, with off’rings and our lives! Worship our God in Holy hush—bowed heads and trembling hearts. 4. Let every nation know our God—declare “Our God is king!” Creation stands—the earth remains— God’s justice will prevail! Let heaven be glad, let earth rejoice, let roaring seas give praise! 5. Let every field and flower thrive! Let forest trees rejoice! For God, the Lord is coming now, and God will judge the earth! Our God will rule in righteousness, we all will see God’s truth! Adapted from the Scripture and set in metre by Rev. Doug Moore Lesson from the New Testament Letters  James 1:17-18 (New Testament, page 229) This is the Witness of the Church! Thanks be to God! Lesson from the Gospel  Mark 1:1-11 (New Testament, page 34) The Gospel of Christ. Praise to you, O Christ! Sermon The Beginning of Good News Gospel Hymn 36 Angels From the Realms of Glory 1. Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth; ye who sang creation's story, now proclaim Messiah's birth:

Refrain: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King.

2. Shepherds in the field abiding, watching o'er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing, yonder shines the infant Light: Refrain

3. Sages, leave your contemplations; brighter visions beam afar; seek the great desire of nations; ye have seen his natal star: Refrain

4. Saints before the altar bending, watching long in hope and fear, suddenly the Lord, descending, in his temple shall appear: Refrain

We Celebrate the Sacrament of Communion Invitation to Communion Communion Anthem 59 Joy to the World 1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come: let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

2. Joy to the earth! the Saviour reigns: let all their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground: he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.

4. He rules the earth with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.

Communion was picked up on the way into worship, gathered from home! Greeting The Lord be with you! And Also with you! Lift up your hearts! We lift them up to the Lord! Let us give thanks to the Lord our God! It is right to give God thanks and praise! Words of Institution for the Bread and Wine Great Prayer of Thanksgiving (Unison) We praise you, God, for your generosity and loving kindness in preparing a way for us. From the day we are born, you provide for us, and in your love, you redeem our lives and bring us Good News of great joy. We thank you, God, for sending the Christ Child among us to be the sign of your love. Let Good News of great joy for all people reach deep within us, that we may hear the angels singing, and find the courage to rejoice that we too are your children. Save us, we pray! We share this generous, perfect gift of bread and wine as a gift from heaven, remembering how Jesus came among us; humble, helping, showing us peace and healing, seeking justice that allows love to be renewed among us. Pour out your Spirit on each and all, that we may be renewed and reborn and filled with hope that is unchanging in every season, with loving kindness and mercy. Maranaya! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Glory and honour belong to you, God! Your generosity never fails. Your love lifts us and renews us. In Jesus Christ your loving kindness is revealed. Your Spirit in us makes us thrive and bear good fruit! Halleluiah, Amen. We will partake together. The Lord’s Prayer (Unison)

We Respond to God's Word Prayer requests? Please Log in to Chat; or send a text to 905 547 2021 Doesn’t matter if you are in church or on livestream, you are welcome to send a message!

Prayer Anthem Steve McRae Jazz Trio Christmas Time is Here The Prayers of the People Invitation to Christian Life and Generosity Offertory Steve McRae Jazz Trio O Christmas Tree

Offertory and Doxology 55 (vs. 4) What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part; what I can I give him—give him my heart. Prayer of Dedication In Jesus’ Name We Go to Serve Closing Hymn 69 Away in a Manger

1. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

2. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

3. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay close by me for ever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with you there. Commissioning and Benediction Choral Response 964 Go now in peace, go now in peace. May the love of God surround you, Everywhere, everywhere you may go. Sharing the Peace of Christ The Peace of Christ be with you! And also with you! Postlude Steve McRae Jazz Trio We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Worship IN PERSON, or by Livestream, with Chat In person Worship capacity is 150 people Temperature Check, Contact List, Masks and Social Distancing remain in place. The Order of Service is available at www.laidlawchurch.ca on the home page.

Worship on Sunday, August 29, 2021 The 14th Sunday after Pentecost, ‘Looking Through the Lattice” Guest Musicians: Nicole Christian and Simone Caruso Church Opens at 10 a.m., Livestream opens at 10:45 a.m., Service Begins at 11:00 a.m. Please spread the word to family and friends—worship in person, or by livestream! Livestream URL: https://youtu.be/a1112quWJn0 Worship in person, or by Livestream, with Chat, every Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

On REPLAY at Laidlaw Live! Second Annual Concert or DEVAN I Stand against Bullying! With Big Johnny Blue Recorded at Laidlaw Saturday, February 13, 2021 https://youtu.be/yfn7eGvdSbs

Christmas Concert on the Keys Recorded Sunday, December 20, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Laidlaw with Steve McRae at Laidlaw URL: https://youtu.be/xBlextyasJU

Hamilton Public Library, Central Branch—Noon Hour Concerts Online Peter Banting Swingtet: Brass, Saxophone, Guitar, Drums URL: https://youtu.be/hDo9w_mcapM?list=PLfei4Y5bR1nvm4AFA2OVeHRt7pl5wZd-1 (This is an edit of the Recording made at Laidlaw Last Year!)

NOW ON YOUTUBE at LAIDLAW LIVE A Sondra Learn play, recorded at Laidlaw during COVID restrictions, now edited! Rose in a Bottle URL: https://youtu.be/W-rOHRDAUqA

TUESDAY EVENING LIVESTREAM Live MUSIC! Organized by Helen Graham Music Now on Replay at ‘Laidlaw Live’ Join us and tell your friends! Announcements LAIDLAW is open, with Worship Every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., NOW IN STEP THREE OF REOPENING, WE HAVE A LIMIT 150 PEOPLE—we burned the hat! Livestream continues, we hope, before long, we will be able to welcome everyone who wishes to attend worship without any limits. All carpets have been removed, and cushions. Pews have been rearranged to allow physical distancing. We must stay six feet from each other, always—masks or face shields are mandatory! We must come and go by the front door—the only exception is the wheelchair ramp. Only the sanctuary is open, not the lounges or lower level. Temperature checks on the way in; Don’t come if you don’t feel well, or if you are under quarantine while waiting for test results. There can be no coffee hour before or after service, and no food or drink brought into the church. Thank you to everyone for their cooperation in keeping us all safe and well! LIVESTREAMING OF SERVICES—will always remain! We’ve figured out ‘hyperlinks’—to get to the Sunday any other time livestream, right click on the URL in the Bulletin, and it will take you directly to the event! So cool! We are now scheduling events well ahead of time, so you can ask for a ‘reminder’ that will find you on the day of the event! Alternatively, on your smartphone, tablet or computer, go to the church website at www.laidlawchurch.ca and press the “Livestreaming” button on the home page. Or go to YouTube on your TV or other device and search for “Laidlaw Live”, our YouTube channel. You will find the live stream when we are live, and recordings of past live streams. The Bulletins are available at www.laidlawchurch.ca. The URL for the service is in the weekly bulletin, just right click and ‘open hyperlink’ Livestream is the new normal! Join us each week at 11 a.m. for Worship, in Person, or by Livestream! If you can’t, catch Worship when you can, the recording of past services and events will be on ‘Laidlaw Live’ on YouTube! Chat with us—let us know you are with us! If you don’t have ‘the internet’ in your house, a smart phone works. If you Would like Offering Envelopes, Contact Keith Greeniaus at 905 312 4945. Please note that Offerings sent though ‘Canada Helps’ are receipted by Canada Helps, separately from the receipt you receive from Laidlaw. Rev. Doug, can resume ‘Front Porch Visits!’ now that lockdown is over! Rev. Doug can respond to pastoral emergencies, to reach Rev. Doug, text or call 905 547 2021… let’s keep each other safe! Donation Box for Wesley Centre! Hygiene products, towels, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, etc, needed! Activate the Prayer Circle—call Henny at 905 662-6043. WEBSITE: www.laidlawchurch.ca works on computer, phone, tablet—The Sunday Bulletin is available on the website, with the hymns. Join us on Livestream! Carol Courtney has Wednesday Group WOOL to Knit! If you are bored and would like to knit for the United Church Women, call Carol at 905 318 6797 to arrange a wool delivery or pickup! There are also sweaters and wash cloths for sale! Speak to Carol! A NEW YEAR, BUT THE SAME PROBLEM! WE NEED YOUR HELP! Rentals, Fundraising Events are cancelled, receiving the offering by passing a plate will not be possible. YOU CAN HELP BY MAILING IN YOUR SUNDAY OFFERING, AND WE WOULD DEEPLY APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS THAT YOU COULD AFFORD TO MAKE TO HELP WITH MISSED FUNDRAISING EVENTS. Mail these Offerings and Donations to Laidlaw Memorial United Church, 155 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton, Ontario, L8H 3Z2. Electronic donations can be made through Canada Helps, go to laidlawchurch.ca and click the “Donation” button (we have upgraded this option for giving, a form will pop up on our website, and allow you to make the donation without leaving the Laidlaw Website!); or by Interac E-transfer, use the church email address, [email protected] (we have set this up for automatic deposit now—no password needed)! This is a great time to go on PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance)! Call Keith Greeniaus at 289 941 3654. Thanks to all who are helping us meet this challenge! AIR CONDITIONER LEASE NEWS: A very generous donation has allowed us to pay out the Air Condition Lease with SNAP Financial; and buy out the Air Conditioning Equipment. This means that as we approach the Mission Council for funds for the Accessible Entrance, all debt other than our debt for the Roof and Solar, which the Mission Council holds, Laidlaw has no other outstanding debts. The total cost of the buyout was $6,889.01, with a gift of $4,000.00 the net cost of the buyout is $2,889.01. We have raised so far this year, $1829.10 toward the Air Conditioner Lease. Without the buyout, we would have to spend $4,000.20 to carry this lease in 2021. In buying out the lease, we will reduce that amount to $2,889.01, saving $1,111.19 in payments this year. We are asking that we continue to donate to the Air Conditioner Fund until we have raised the remaining $1,059.91 that will eliminate the total cost of this buyout; and leave us as the owners of the equipment! With this generosity, the end of the Air Conditioner Lease and payments can be accomplished! Thank you for your generosity! THE ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE PLANS ARE SHOVEL READY! The Building Permit for the Accessible Entrance has been issued by the City of Hamilton. Greg Sather and his team have now completed the tendering process. The total cost to build the Accessible Entrance and paint the exterior of the entire church is $607,092.50. There are now in place three estimates. If we can obtain funding, work could begin as soon as scheduling permits. We have now heard back from the Mission Council; they are asking that we seek additional sources for funding beyond the Mission Council. We met with the Mission Council on Wednesday by Zoom, and we have received work that Trillium Grants will resume taking applications on September 1, 2021, opening pathways to funding that have been closed to us. Much of the work done to apply to the Mission Council will help with applying for other grants/loans! We welcome any donations to the Accessible Entrance Fund. Thanks to all those who have made contributions so far! Coming Events… Summer Office Hours! Suspended this week! Other times by chance or appointment! If you need a mental health hour away from home, the church is open for meditation and distant socializing, within the limit of twenty-five people in the building at a time. People who like to paint, organize, and clean are also welcome! Many EVENTS are now possible—we look to start fundraising events by mid September! We are happy to work with music and drama groups of all sorts, call the church office! Big Johnny Blue is planning a concert for August 27, at Laidlaw!