Worship on Heritage Sunday
10:00 am 15 February 2025
Online & Onsite (Mixed Presence) Gathering as a Worshipping Community
Led by the Raymond Baker Elder: Lynn Vaughan Reader: Nesta Sawdon
Music director: Binu Kapadia Vocalists: Sam & Ann May Malayang
We gather to worship God
Music prelude
Greeting
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
P: and also with you.
Lighting of the Christ candle
Welcome and announcements
Silent preparation for worship
Call to Worship
L: Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
P: Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Opening praise: Forever God is faithful
Prayers of approach and confession
O most merciful God, we humbly acknowledge our transgressions. In thought, word, and deed, we have strayed from the path of righteousness, both in the actions we have committed and in the good we have neglected to perform. Our love for you has fallen short of the fervent devotion you deserve, and our compassion for our neighbours has been imperfect and incomplete. With contrite hearts and repentance, we turn to you, seeking your forgiveness. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Response: I will trust in the Lord
Assurance of God’s love
O Lord you are the source of boundless compassion, whose grace flows like an inexhaustible spring, we stand in awe of your enduring love. As the heavens tower above the earth, so too does your merciful kindness transcend our comprehension. As the east is distant from the west, so completely do you absolve us of our transgressions when we repent and accept Christ’s sacrifice for us. This magnificent act of redemption is made possible through the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross, a testament to your unwavering love for humanity. Therefore, with hearts overflowing with gratitude, we offer our thanks for your steadfast love and forgiveness. May this same spirit of forgiveness reside within us, that we may extend it to one another with unwavering generosity.
We listen for the voice of God
Children’s time
Response: Open our eyes, Lord (445)
Story
Hi Kids,
- Do you know where we are?
We are in Dayspring Presbyterian Church.
- What do you do in church?
We learn about Jesus. We pray and sing to God.
- What is your favorite song about God?
Mine is “Jesus Loves Me.”
- Do you pray to God?
What kind of things do you Pray for?
Hey Kids! Guess what? The grown-ups are going to hear a story today, all about this Church! It is like a history story.
- Do you Know what History is?
History is like telling a story about why this church was built. It’s about all the special things that happened a long time ago. Today is Heritage Sunday. Do you know how old this church is?
It is 51 years old and Presbyterian Churches Canada is 150 years old . Wow!
For you kids at Sunday school today Lynn has a super cool story about Jesus. It’s found in the Bible, in the book of Luke. In this story Jesus tells his friends that God loves and helps people when they are having a hard time. Sometimes, when we are sad or scared, or things are just though, we talk or pray to God and ask for help. Jesus wants us to know that God always hears us and loves us all very much. So, get ready for a wonderful Sunday school today!
Prayer: Lord God, please bless these kids as they go learn about the sermon on the plain. Bless Lynn and the other teachers as they teach the kids about praying when times are tough. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer (535)
Transition music
Song: I am the church! You are the church (475: vss 1-4)
Today’s Message
Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-25 & 11:4-11; Ephesians 2:19-22 & 1:22-23
Response: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
Message: Why we go to church here at Dayspring
Throughout our travels in England, my wife Jacquie and I have been blessed to experience the beauty and majesty of its historic churches. Most recently, we attended a service at Westminster Abbey, a truly magnificent occasion, enhanced by the soaring voices of a choir singing in Latin. We were also privileged to visit St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a place of profound historical significance and the final resting place of many of England’s royalty. During our tour, I inadvertently stepped upon the tomb of Henry VIII–the king that had six wives and had two put to death. I stood there for a moment thinking of those ladies.
Our journey even took us to a small church in the heart of England, near my ancestral home, a building dating back to the 15th century. The sheer weight of history in these sacred spaces was profound. All of this has led me to a question…
What is this building (Dayspring Presbyterian) we are in and why are we here? Why go to Church or watch this service online?
Let’s look at some history here:
The Enduring Story of Presbyterianism: From Geneva to Dayspring Church
Presbyterianism, a prominent Protestant denomination, that traces its roots to the 16th-century Reformation, specifically the teachings of John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland. Calvin’s theological contributions, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the authority of Scripture, formed the bedrock of Reformed theology, which is central to Presbyterianism. John Knox, a Scottish reformer, played a pivotal role in disseminating Calvinistic ideas in Scotland, leading to the establishment of the Church of Scotland, a cornerstone of the Presbyterian tradition.
At the heart of Presbyterian belief lies the profound conviction of God’s absolute sovereignty in all aspects of life. The Bible is revered as the ultimate authority of faith and practice and the divinely inspired guide for life. Salvation is understood as a gracious gift, freely given and received through faith in Jesus Christ—a doctrine beautifully expressed as justification by grace. While the concept of predestination invites diverse interpretations, it is generally understood as God’s foreknowledge and preordained plan for those who will be saved.
The name “Presbyterian” derives from the Greek word “presbuteros,” meaning “elder,” reflecting the church’s distinctive system of governance. Presbyterian polity emphasizes representative leadership through assemblies of elders, both lay and clergy. Elders, elected from the congregation, share in the spiritual oversight of the church. Local churches are organized into regional bodies called presbyteries, which offer guidance and support. The highest governing body is the General Assembly, which convenes annually and makes decisions for the denomination as a whole. Presbyterianism has a global presence, with churches established in numerous countries, and a strong commitment to social justice, evident in its historical involvement in movements for civil rights, peace, and equality.
While the Scottish influence ultimately predominated, the earliest Presbyterians in Canada were actually French Huguenots, Protestant refugees who arrived in the 17th century. However, the substantial growth of Presbyterianism in Canada began with Scottish immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Scottish settlers, particularly in the Maritimes and later across the country, brought their Presbyterian faith with them.
The late 18th century saw the formation of the first Presbyterian congregations in Canada. Notable examples include St. Andrew’s Church in Quebec City (founded in 1759) and First Presbyterian Church in Pictou, Nova Scotia (founded in 1786).
A significant milestone was achieved in 1875 with the unification of various Presbyterian groups to form The Presbyterian Church of Canada. This marked the formal beginning of the PCC.
The Presbyterian Church in Alberta also traces its origins to 1875, thanks in large part to the efforts of Reverend David George McQueen, who served as minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Edmonton for 43 years. McQueen was instrumental in establishing the Presbyterian presence in Alberta and was elected Moderator of the General Assembly in 1912.
The arrival of the railroad in Edmonton in 1881 sparked growth on the south side of the river, leading to the development of Strathcona. The subsequent amalgamation of Edmonton and Strathcona in 1912, along with the construction of the High Level Bridge capable of supporting rail and streetcar traffic, spurred a building boom. This growth necessitated the construction of a new Presbyterian church, Rupert Street Church, built in 1913.
Rupert Street Church served the community until the mid-20th century. In 1969, the congregation of Rupert Street Church merged with the Presbyterian Mission in Southwest Edmonton, forming Dayspring Presbyterian Church. Dayspring, which had begun as a mission of the Presbytery of Edmonton in 1966, became a congregation in June 1969. Shortly thereafter, at the end of June in 1969, Rupert Street merged with Dayspring.
Dayspring met in various locations before establishing a permanent home. Construction of the current building commenced in 1972 and was completed in 1974, with the first service held in December 1973. Continued growth necessitated expansions in 1992 and again in 2001-2003, resulting in the beautiful and spacious facilities that Dayspring enjoys today. The story of Dayspring Presbyterian Church embodies the enduring legacy of Presbyterianism in Canada, a story of faith, community, and adaptation to changing times.
Let me read from the Bible, Hebrews 10:23-25 “ Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.
The author’s exhortation resonates clearly: “Hold fast” to the unwavering faith we have in Jesus Christ. Let no doubt, no fear, erode the bedrock of your belief. This is not a passive clinging, but an active embrace, a vibrant commitment to the promises of God. Furthermore, we are called to “stir up one another”—to ignite within each other a passion for love and good works, inspiring and motivating your fellow believers to live out their faith with tangible acts of compassion. A major context of this passage is that Dayspring must not neglect the coming together because it will sustain you. Gathering together as a community is not merely a tradition, but a vital source of strength, a place where you can support, sharpen and encourage one another on your individual faith journeys.
I believe that, here at Dayspring, you echo this call. You hold fast to Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross is the very foundation of our hope. Your faith rests in the knowledge that Jesus gave Himself for you. Dayspring is more than just those present in this sanctuary; it encompasses all those who join you, whether in person or on Zoom. As brothers and sisters in Christ, you must never cease to uplift one another. Let Dayspring be a community of prayer, interceding for those in need, strengthening the bonds that tie Dayspring together in the love of Christ.
Also in the Bible, Ephesians 2:19-22 states: Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
At Dayspring, one finds a beautiful tapestry woven from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. For here, in this place, the unifying thread is faith: in the shared acceptance of Christ as Savior, you become brothers and sisters, bound together in the family of God. While this building rests upon a foundation of concrete and steel, its true cornerstone, the bedrock of your community, is and always will be Jesus Christ.
From the Bible Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” and with good reason. Within its verses, we find not only a compelling definition of faith itself, but also a rich tapestry of examples woven from the lives of those who embodied it most profoundly. From Abraham’s unwavering obedience to Noah’s steadfast belief and Moses’ courageous leadership, this chapter showcases a gallery of faith’s heroes, inspiring us with their unwavering trust in God.
Like Hebrews 11 the Presbyterian movement in Canada has been graced by the presence of many notable figures. From the realm of academia, G.M. Grant who led Queen’s University as its principal from 1877 to 1902. Politics saw Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s tenth prime minister, and Oliver Mowat, Premier of Ontario and a Father of Confederation, both shaped by their Presbyterian faith. The arts were enriched by the novelist Ralph Connor, while journalism benefited from the contributions of George Brown, publisher of The Globe. Even the Senate saw the influence of Presbyterianism through Cairine Wilson, Canada’s first female senator. These individuals, among many others, stand as testaments to the impact of the Presbyterian tradition on Canadian society.
Dayspring, and the broader Presbyterian movement of which it is a part, has been a cradle of unwavering faith and a source of profound contributions. From theological contributions to service to Canada and beyond, countless individuals have stood firm in their convictions, leaving an enduring impact on the world. Within these very walls, the legacy of faithful ministry unfolds in the names of ministers past, memorialized just outside this sanctuary on the framed pictures by Great Room entrance.. On the back wall of this sanctuary, you honor those who served their country in times of conflict. The banners that adorn this space, lovingly stitched by the women of this congregation, are a testament to their dedication. This building itself, a testament to the generosity and sacrifice of generations, stands as a symbol of faith—a structure built with love, and expanded not once, but twice, to meet the needs of a growing community. Every corner of this place speaks to the devotion of those here today and those who came before you, whose sacrifices have made our gathering here today possible.
Ephesians 1:22-23 states: And God placed all things under his feet and appointed Christ to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1:22-23 beautifully articulates the profound relationship between Christ and the church, highlighting Christ’s supreme authority and the church’s vital role as his body in the world. Dayspring, please strive to keep Christ at the very center of all you do. Recognize that Dayspring is an integral part of the universal Body of Christ, a fellowship of believers across the globe united by their acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice. As members of this extraordinary body, Dayspring plays an integral part in revealing Christ’s presence and purpose to the world. This understanding of your place within God’s plan should remind you of your identity in Christ, and strengthen your bonds with one another, and clarify your purpose in the world. It should inspire you to live lives that reflect Christ’s authority and extend the fullness of his love and grace to those around you.
The rich tapestry of the Presbyterian movement’s history and its enduring legacy has been a source of immense joy for me to explore for this sermon. This is a legacy Dayspring shares should make you deeply proud. Happy Heritage Sunday! May you all cherish this connection and continue to let Dayspring shine brightly as a beacon of Christ’s love to a world in such desperate need. This, I believe, is the most compelling reason to be part of this community, whether gathering in person or joining online. For Christ is your foundation, and the very heart of Dayspring’s existence. May God continue to bless Dayspring abundantly, as I believe He already has! Amen!
Additional Dayspring History (Iris)
Thank you, Raymond, for that message.
You may remember a month or so ago we had 2 of our young people, Cole and Caliana Sheridan, standing here at the front of the church as they professed their faith in God and in his son, Jesus Christ. Not only was this a big deal for God and their relationship with Him, but it was a big deal for Dayspring Presbyterian Church as well.
As the current roll clerk for Daypring , I entered their names in this book, entitled “Historic Roll” as members numbered 801 and 802. That means there have been 800 people before them that also became members of Dayspring since it came into being in 1969 when Dayspring and Rupert Street Church came together.
If you look around the church, you may see small reminders of the history that has happened before us that we will be showcasing throughout this year as we celebrate 150 years of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and Dayspring’s place in it today
I’ll bring 4 items to your attention.
The first is located on the wall behind me. I have recently learned that this is called a chancel cross. There is a small memorial plaque by the side doors of the sanctuary, indicating the cross was dedicated in memory of Jack and Myrleen Fraser in September 1996. They were original members of Dayspring church in 1969 and they were the parents of Darleen Springstien, who passed away in 2022.
The second item that I want to mention is the communion set that we use for most of our communion services. If you’ve ever looked at it closely, you’ll see that it was dedicated on October 6th 1996 in memory of Robert Tod, who was a member and elder of Rupert Street Presbyterian Church as well as the father of Jack Tod.
In 1997 a small group of Dayspringers were tasked with making banners to decorate the beautiful tall walls of the sanctuary and to reflect the seasons of the church year. You’ll see them on the West wall of the sanctuary and they were designed and made by Eddie-Lee Smith, Andrew Burnett, Marlene Burnett, Pat Baird and Darleen Springstein.
The last item I wanted to draw to your attention is the lovely painting gracing the wall above the piano. This was painted by Dayspringer Kristen St. Cyr for the church in 2018. As mentioned, we will be celebrating our history throughout the year. If you know of something that we might share with the congregation, please let me, Andrea Gartrell or Renita McCallum know and we will add it to our list. Thank you so much.
Song: Lord of life and Lord of the nations (734)
We respond to serve God: Our time of giving
Reflection on giving: Dayspring is empowered to carry out our mission of worship, service, and care by generously given volunteer time, talent, and treasure. Many thanks to all who give so generously!
Offertory Prayer
O Lord, source of all creation, from the abundance you have bestowed upon us, we offer these gifts freely, that your church may flourish here and extend its reach to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Prayers for Heritage Sunday and gratitude for those who came before us
O Lord God, we give thanks for the rich legacy of the Presbyterian movement. We are grateful for the faithful individuals who, through their sacrifice of time, resources, and devotion, nurtured the spirit of Dayspring. We ask your blessings upon all gathered here in this sanctuary, and upon those joining us virtually. Amen.
Song: We are marching / Siyahamba (639:(sung 3 times: English/Xhosa/English)
Sending out with God’s blessing
The Lord is Dayspring’s shepherd; you shall not be in want.
He makes you to lie down in green pastures;
He leads you beside still waters–giving you peace.
He restores your souls.
He leads Dayspring in paths of righteousness for Jesus’ name’s sake. For He is your foundation.
He anoints your heads with oil and your cup runs over with blessings.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your lives and if you accept Christ’s sacrifice you will dwell in the house of the LORD forever here on earth and in heaven. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Response: The Blessing
Music postlude
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Numbers in brackets after a song/hymn indicate that it is from the 1997 Book of Praise of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Those and other songs are being used in accordance with the specifications of Dayspring’s licensing with One License (3095377) and CLC (A735555).
Raymond Bakers retains the copyright (© 2024) on all original material in this service. As far as he is aware, all of the material that has not been attributed to others is his own creation or is in the public domain. Unacknowledged use of copyrighted material is unintentional and will be corrected immediately upon notification being received.