Trinity St. Andrew’s United Church
Order of Worship
Sunday, May 3rd 2026 – Camping Sunday
Prelude
Welcome & Telling Our Story
GATHERING
Gathering Chorus
Call to Worship
We come with songs in the night, gathered like travelers around a fire.
God is with us in every place and every moment.
When the ground shifts and the path feels uncertain, God is still at work.
No darkness can silence our praise.
Whether in the wilderness or the everyday, God meets us and sets us free.
With open hearts, we worship together. Amen.
Hymn: This is the Day
This is the day, this is the day
That our God has made, that our God has made
We will rejoice, we will rejoice
And be glad in it, and be glad in it
This is the day that our God has made
We will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day, this is the day
That our God has made
Open to us, open to us
Your gates, O God, Your gates, O God
We will go in, we will go in
To Your holy place, to Your holy place
Open to us Your gates, O God
We will go in to Your holy place
Open to us, open to us
Your gates, O God
You are our God, You are our God
We will praise Your name, we will praise Your name
We will give thanks, we will give thanks
For Your faithfulness, for Your faithfulness
You are our God, we will praise Your name
We will give thanks for Your faithfulness
You are our God, You are our God
We will praise Your name
Gathering Prayer & Assurance of Grace
Holy God, voice over the waters, we come to you this morning from the busyness of our lives; from screens and schedules and from worry and weariness. We long to hear you speak. You are the God whose voice thunders over the deep, who shakes the wilderness and strips the forest bare, yet who also gathers us gently into this place. We confess that we have not always listened. We have filled our days with lesser sounds, chased after echoes instead of your word, and mistaken our own anxious thoughts for your still, small voice. We have forgotten that all creation cries, “Glory!” while we have withheld our own praise. Forgive us, Lord. Quiet the noise within us. Tune our ears to your thundering grace and our hearts to your peace. As we gather now—whether we come from cabin or canoe, from campfire or classroom— unite us as your people, seated together in your eternal temple, where every voice joins the chorus: Glory. Glory. Glory. In the name of the One who calms the storm and commands the waters, we offer ourselves to you. Amen. Siblings in Christ, may you hear this good news: The same voice that breaks the cedars of Lebanon speaks tenderly to you this day: You are forgiven. You are loved. You belong. No storm is too fierce, no wilderness too wild, no wandering too far to separate you from the steadfast love of God. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Time for the Young & Young at Heart
Hymn: I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay
Refrain:
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got to the love of Jesus in my heart
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.
I’ve got the peace that passeth understanding
Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart
I’ve got the peace that passeth understanding
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay Refrain
I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart
I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay Refrain
For there is therefore now no condemnation
Down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart
For there is therefore now no condemnation
Down in my heart, down in my heart, to stay Refrain
WORD
Hymn: It Only Takes A Spark (Pass It On)
It only takes a spark to get a fire going
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread God’s love to everyone
You want to pass it on
What a wonderous time is spring
When all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring
You want to pass it on
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found
On God you can depend
It matters not where you’re bound
I’ll shout it from the mountain top
I want my world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on
Prayer for Illumination
God, source of all light, by your Word give light to our lives. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 29 Sandra Comba
Psalm 29 (The Message translation)
29 1-2 Bravo, God, bravo!
Gods and all angels shout, “Encore!”
In awe before the glory,
in awe before God’s visible power.
Stand at attention!
Dress your best to honor him!
3 God thunders across the waters,
Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—
God, across the flood waters.
4 God’s thunder tympanic,
God’s thunder symphonic.
5 God’s thunder smashes cedars,
God topples the northern cedars.
6 The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,
The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.
7-8 God’s thunder spits fire.
God thunders, the wilderness quakes;
He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.
9 God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing
A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.
We fall to our knees—we call out, “Glory!”
10 Above the floodwaters is God’s throne
from which his power flows,
from which he rules the world.
11 God makes his people strong.
God gives his people peace.
God, we thank you for your Word,
the story of your grace.
Sermon “Where We Hear God”
Anthem
RESPONSE
Thanksgiving & Offering
Friends, on this Camp Sunday we remember the places where faith comes alive in simple, sacred ways: around campfires, beside quiet lakes, under wide skies filled with stars. We have been blessed— with community, with creation, with moments of wonder, with stories of faith passed from one generation to another. Our offerings today are one way we respond. Not because God needs what we give, but because giving shapes us into people who trust, who share, who participate in God’s work in the world. So we bring what we have: our gifts, our gratitude, our very selves; trusting that God will use them to nurture faith, to create spaces of belonging, and to help others encounter that same holy voice. Let us give with thankful hearts as we sing our offertory song “God is So Good”.
Offertory Song: God Is So Good
God is so good, God is so good,
God is so good, He’s so good to me
Pastoral Prayers & The Lord’s Prayer
Holy and wondrous God, your voice echoes across creation in crashing waves and whispering winds, in laughter around campfires and quiet moments of reflection. We come before you today grateful for the gift of creation, for the places that renew our spirits, and for communities that help us grow in faith. We give thanks for camps and outdoor ministries, for leaders and volunteers, for children and youth discovering you in new ways through friendship, challenge and joy. God of peace, we also bring before you the concerns of our hearts. For those who feel overwhelmed by life’s storms, speak your calming word. For those who feel alone or forgotten, surround them with your presence. For those who are weary, anxious, or grieving, offer rest and comfort. For your world that is o full of beauty, yet marked by brokenness. Guide us to be caretakers of creation and instruments of your justice and peace. We pray also for ourselves, O God. Help us to listen not only for the dramatic and powerful, but for your still, steady voice calling us to love, to serve, and to trust. We gather all our prayers, spoken and unspoken, into the words Jesus taught us, saying: Our Father…
SENDING
Hymn: This Little Light of Mine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Hide it under a bushel no, I’m gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel no, I’m gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel no, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Let it shine all over town, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine all over town, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine all over town, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine
Sending Forth
Go now into the world, listening for the voice of God in the beauty of creation, in the needs of others, and in the quiet of your own heart. May the God who speaks through wind and water strengthen you with power, bless you with peace, and guide you in love. Amen.
Sung Blessing: Go Now in Peace VU 964
Go now in peace, go now in peace.
May the love of God surround you everywhere,
everywhere you may go.
Postlude
Where we Hear God
Psalm 29
Camp holds a special place in my heart. I grew up in Scouting; going from Beavers to Cubs, to Scouts and later to Venturers. And apart from dodgeball, camping was probably my favourite part. We were fortunate in Huntingdon to have an incredible group of volunteers that made sure the equipment was in working order and to find opportunities to do overnight camps in all the seasons. Actually, the only time I missed able to miss church on Sundays was when I was camping with the Scouts… Camping is one of those experiences where it’s difficult to simply have an “average” time. It’s either fantastic or well below average. Usually for reasons outside of our control such as weather or blackflies. But sometimes our experience in the great outdoors can be greatly affected by our co-campers and our ability to be prepared. My Dad was the Akela (head of the Cub group in Huntingdon). And if you think it meant I got preferential treatment it was the exact opposite at least for badgework. But having your father as the leader inevitably led to some teasing which led me to try and kind of want to prove myself early. One time I resolved to bring the smallest amount of stuff possible to show how resourceful I was. In was one of the rainiest and coolest Fall weekends I had ever experienced. I was miserable. Everything was soaking wet, I was shivering more than a hairless cat in the Arctic and my sleeping bag had been touching part of the tent so my sleeping bag was now wet. So, I tried to ask some of the other leaders for help without alerting my father. He found out regardless. I got a stern look but then I was taught a few tricks to make my camping experience a little easier. Now, this was while I was still in Cubs.
A few summers ago a few guys from high school decided to get together to go on a camping weekend. The weather for the most part was great. Now, before progressing further I should say that about half the group had never really been camping. In their camp cooler, they had brought frozen chicken wings, tater tots, and legs sitting loosely in ice water. Needless to say- we were short a couple meals that weekend. But somehow we managed to figure it out.
At camp you have the opportunity to learn and experience so much. To learn more about yourself, about the area, about your friends, about what skills would serve you well both in nature and in the city…But it can be intimidating. Especially when you’re doing a sleepaway camp. Especially when you’re tent camping with one of those Styrofoam ground pads. Especially when there’s no cell phone reception to stream your favourite episodes on Netflix or Apple TV … as wonderful as the experience of camping is, it also provides a challenge. A challenge to take stock of oneself. To get a sense of how you’d do without many of the creature comforts such as electricity, running hot water and a shelter whose temperature doesn’t fluctuate between arctic temperatures and sub-Saharan in a few short hours. Walking the trails, you get to hear the crunch of pine needles, the scuffing of shoes on rocks, mosquitoes flying by your ear, birds singing, frogs gently splashing into the water … the bump of canoes as they float into the side of the docks as the waves move them about. There’s a sense that we can get lost in it. There’s this humbling yet majestic feeling that comes from just experiencing it. It is in that borderland solitude where we can learn to hear God. It is in those camps where we get to see a glimpse of the diversity of the Divine through creation and community.
Psalm 29, a psalm rejoicing and celebrating God’s might is what we hope not to have to experience even if we have the canvas tents, you know the ones where you had to lift the flaps so they didn’t somehow get more musty inside? Psalm 29 speaks of howling wind, crashing thunder, those acts of nature that really remind you where we sit as human beings. It’s intimidating being around such uncontrollable beauty and energy. So despite all of that wonder out there beyond the tent flaps and the haze of the evening campfire, we can feel out of our depths (especially if you grew up in the city – not judging here). But even seasoned campers can at times be caught off guard and feel like they’re at the mercy of the elements. The Psalm speaks of all of these forces that God sits enthroned over- that God has dominion over. But also, that God can be heard in. In times we are feeling out of our depth we have the opportunity to seek God out. And as the Psalm reminds us- that God is in control. With all those feats happening God still sits enthroned over the waters… Or perhaps we are so used to God being spoken of in stereotypical acts of power that are clear and borderline intimidating that we then lose the ability to hear God in the moments in between the rolls of thunder or the gusts of wind… I believe it is at camp that we have the opportunity to learn more of God’s nature not just in campfire or in the sights/sounds of ecosystems but in each moment between that first yawn and the last smore.
The early Christian theologian John of Damascus wrote that “The whole Earth is a living icon of the face of God”. Isn’t that beautiful? And doesn’t that help us reframe how we look at nature. Each tree, each critter, each ripple of the water… Even the rain, clouds, the crackle of fire, the soft glow of embers… In a world that is increasingly lived in the concrete jungle we can find ourselves losing the significance of the “Creator” aspect of God. The grandeur, the mystery, the sheer creativity of it all can quickly get lost. But while out in nature, and specifically while camping, we have opportunities to gain skills to hear God and experience His grace in community and in nature. Camp Lau-Ren, whom we are a sponsor of and raise money for has an important vision. There vision is as follows: “Stoking fun and wonder, we deepen awareness of self, community and Christian faith in the great outdoors.” Doesn’t that fit nicely with Psalm 29? Fun and wonder. It’s here in this sanctuary, thank you Melssia and team by the way. I’d argue that this camp is an important part of Christian faith formation. The ability to have that wonder fostered. And it really is in nature that gain not only perspective about placement in the world, but you can oddly enough see more deeply into yourself. Gain greater self-awareness as the vision statement of Camp Lau-Ren said. It is through greater self awareness that we are able to participate more fully and authentically in community. We get to see our role and responsibility in it. Through faith taught at camp as well as tangible skills you find ways of interacting with the world that give you a broader understanding not only of God but the Christian values of stewardship, justice and love of one’s neighbour. It is why the Board of Camp Lau-Ren hopes campers understand the values of respect, collaboration and community. It is at places like this where we get to broaden our experience of places where we hear God.
One of the key verses to the psalm is “God’s thunder sets the oak trees dancing. A wild dance whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches… We fall to our knees- we call out “glory” or “praise be”. I have two favourite spots when I go camping. One is in a nice camp chair, by the campfire. Listening to the soundtrack of ash, ember and shifting wood. The hiss as dampness escapes, the crackle and heat from brining pine needles. I find myself staring at that and smiling. It shakes me out of my body very briefly before I have to check to make sure my eyebrows are still intact. There’s something special about that spot. And from the warm blaze of the campfire I cast my eyes up at the starry night sky and chuckle. Praise be to you, God. Thank you for these small mercies which humble and empower me.
And my last favourite spot was the Canteen where you can by chocolate bars and soda. Kidding. Another favourite spot if you can find it, are those large rocks by the lakeshore. Ones big enough for 2-3 people. The ones that give you a clear sightline across the lake. You can look up and see the starry night sky, or you can look into the peaceful waters and see a mirror image of it. And if you pick up a pebble, toss it, you playfully hit the moon… What faith gives us as we go out camping to places like Camp Lau-Ren and others is the opportunity to view the world and our relationship to it and the community differently. More completely. It is where we can get equipped for life’s journey. Because mark my words there will be a time where lighters aren’t working and you’ll need to light a fire. And you can live on in infamy for the rest of your life in your friend group if you can start a fire with the bare necessities and a flint.
All of God’s greatest prophets from Elijah, to Isaiah, to Ezekiel to Moses, to John and to Jesus all went out into the wilderness. It is that wilderness wandering where they discovered their giftedness, courage and to hear the voice of God. All of these central prophetic figures experienced the presence and challenge of God in their wilderness wanderings. I think we can all agree that the world is a more hopeful and promising place with the powerful prophetic words written in Scripture. If camping out can give such world changing perspectives to individuals and communities- then shouldn’t we as Church be encouraging that. To potentially raise up prophets who speak of God’s love, living with respect in creation and how justice is relational? We too can be prophetic with the stewardship of our gifts. On this Sunday there are special envelopes in your bulletins. Would you join with me as we seek to support Camp Lau-Ren so they can provide fertile and safe ground for campers to grow in awareness of self, community and faith? Can we partner together to stoke that sense of fun and wonder that can shape families, lives and maybe even the country? God will give us strength. God will give us peace. Let’s join together to support Camp Lau-Ren so that we can help form the generation of prophetic voices and actions in our community. May we continue to empower others to go to places where they may experience God’s steadfast loving presence. Amen.
