Prayers of the People

Wise Builder

OUR ROCK AND OUR FOUNDATION

Nails, wood, concrete, paint; these are the stuff from which this building has come together- but you have shown us, Creator God, that a church is built with spirit, co-operation, generosity and vision. Keep us building community, sharing your word of hope, listening for your call to justice seeking and opening our doors to all people.

What began in this community, as a small group of people meeting in homes and school, and then became a building, that was expanded again and again- has led us to today. We give you thanks, O God, for those people who 86 years ago recognized the importance of building a church in the midst of Charleswood and those who through the decades since, have cared for , supported and grown it. May we who have inherited it, continue to listen for your guidance and direction that this might continue as a place where the people of this community may gather in your presence.

As part of the United Church of Canada we pray for other communities who are longing to create a place of worship in their midst. We pray for congregations across this country who meet in homes, and schools, chapels and prisons, on boats and over the internet. O God you call us to venture beyond our walls and our geography. In the same spirit that saw our founders look beyond denominational boundaries to create a “union” church, may we look for opportunities to work with our ecumenical and interfaith neighbours to work together at building your kingdom.

What began as vision, has come to a place of completion, for now. We give you thanks for planners and designers, for painters and electricians, for all those who worked together on this project. Building a structure, like building community requires people with a myriad of gifts- organization and leadership, planning and detail, perseverance and patience. May we each recognize the talents with which you have blessed us and freely offer them for your purpose.

Jesus, the carpenter’s son, taught us that growing faith is like erecting a building- you need a foundation that is solid. His relationship with you O God was that foundation, he taught us to come to you in prayer as one would approach a loving parent.

Even as we pause today to celebrate and dedicate to you the gift of this new space- you call us onward. As we go through the open doors of our addition- may we listen for your direction and guidance, may we look for your presence in the face of our neighbour, and may we carry this ministry in our hearts.

Amen.