Morning Reflection

“When you offered your self to your loved ones you urged, “Do this in remembrance of me.”  That sacred request took hold in their hearts and carried itself down through the ages to us.”1

Chimes

Opening Prayer 1

Creator God, you whispered the world into being; you sculpted humanity from dust; you inspired writers to record the beauty in nature; you spoke through artful psalms; you placed I us creative spirits.  You are the on, Creating God, whom we worship and serve.  In your mystery and might, move our creative spirits.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit      “Your Grace is Enough”     Matt Maher

Call to Worship 2

ONE: We come together as the church of Jesus Christ, recognizing that our Lord lived and died, not just for the church, but for all people, God's highest creation.

ALL: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.

ONE: We also recognize that in God's great love, we sense our need first to be loved and thus to be turned around, to face the needs of others.

ALL: We love, because God first loved us.

ONE: Let us love, then, so that we may be free of selfish desires, liberated to strive for God's will.

Hymn 366 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Prayer of Confession

Holy God, you have called us to be holy, even as you are holy.  We confess that we have not lived the disciples' life to which you have called us.  We have ignored our pledge to take up the cross and follow in joyful obedience.  We have become more conformed to the world than transformed by new minds and natures.  We have relaxed our principles and justified personal pleasure.  We offer you our own confessions in our own words, silently now.  

(silence)

Forgive our unholiness, our unfaithfulness to you.  Empower us to be worthy disciples who follow the teachings of Jesus and grow in his image.  Help us live as a called-out people, holy and acceptable in your sight, to whom be glory forever and ever.   Amen.3

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness 4

ONE: Be assured that God hears our prayers and forgives us.  Hear these words from Scripture.  If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Through Christ we are forgiven.

ALL: Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem       “If I Had A Hammer”     Pete Seeger, Lee Hayes

Sermon:   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 647  Give Thanks

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit.  God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions.  We thank you for continuing to send your financial offerings to the church.  Our ministries continue because of you. We thank you for your continual giving of your time and resources to our community at Bethany.

Offertory “His Grace is Sufficient for Me”     Mosie Lester, Arr. Robertson

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

LEADER: Let us pray.  Almighty and ever-living God...

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 337 My Country, 'Tis of Thee

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude

1 “Holy Memory”, by Evelyn Hunt, in “Fragments of Your Ancient Name”

2 Keith Graber Miller

3 Willard E. Roth, adapted

4 Arlene M. Mark

Morning Reflection

“O God Almighty, [Parent] of our Lord Jesus Christ: Grant us, we pray, to be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming down of the Holy Spirit into our hearts.  That which we know now, reveal; that which is wanting in us, fll up; that which we know, confirm; and keep us blameless in your service; through the name Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.1

Chimes

Opening Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, you have created us for yourself, so that our hearts are restless until they rest in you.  Grant unto us purity of heart and strength of purpose, so that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing your will, and no weakness prevent our doing it.  In your light may we see life clearly, and in your service may we find purpose, for your mercy's sake.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “Refiner's Fire”     Brian Doerksen

Call to Worship

ONE: Let us worship the eternal God, the source of love and life, who creates us.

ALL: Let us worship Jesus Christ, the risen one, who lives among us.

ONE: Let us worship the spirit, the holy fire, who renews us.

ALL: To the one true God be praise in all times and places, through the grace of Jesus Christ. Let us worship God!

Hymn 11 Source and Sovereign, Rock and Cloud

Prayer of Confession

From 1 John 1, we read, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  Let us pray:  Gracious and loving God, you already know our hearts.  We ask your forgiveness for all that we omit, and for all the times when we fall short of your expectations.  We carry our own heavy spaces in our hearts for these things.  We take a moment in silence now God, to offer these burdens to you.  

(silence)

Loving God, forgive our unholiness, our unfaithfulness to you.  Empower us to be worthy disciples who follow the teachings of Jesus and grow in his image.  Help us live as a called-out people, holy and acceptable in your sight, to whom be glory forever and ever.   Amen.2

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness 4

ONE: And indeed, it has been as we have read.  God who is faithful and just has forgiven our sins and cleansed us from all unrighteousness.  Through Christ we are forgiven.  

ALL: Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

New Testament Reading: Mark 6:14-29

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “One Pure and Holy Passion”     Mark Altrogge

Sermon:   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 427  Out of the Depths

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit.  God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions.  We thank you for continuing to send your financial offerings to the church.  Our ministries continue because of you. We thank you for your continual giving of your time and resources to our community at Bethany.

Offertory “His Grace is Sufficient for Me”     Mosie Lester, Arr. Robertson

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 313  Lord, Make Us More Holy

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude

1 Clement of Rome (1st century)

2 partially from Arlene M. Mark

Morning Reflection

“We may wonder whom can I love and serve?  Where is the face of God to whom I can pray?  The answer is simple.  That naked one.  That lonely one.  That unwanted one is my brother and my sister.  If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." 1

Chimes

Opening Prayer 2

Lord Jesus, bind us to you and to our neighbor with love.  May our hearts not be turned away from you.  May our souls not be deceived nor our talents or minds enticed by allurements of error, so that we may never distance ourselves from your love.  Thus may we love our neighbor as ourselves with strength, wisdom and gentleness.  With your help, you who are blessed throughout all ages, we pray.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     "Here I Am, Lord"     Dan Schutte

Call to Worship

ONE: O Lord our God, gentle shepherd of the flock,

ALL:     in you we find security, in you we discover identity.

ONE: Before we knew we were lost,

ALL:     you searched for us and brought us safely to the fold.

ONE: We hear your voice, and we come to you.

ALL:     To the one true God be praise in all times and places, through the grace of Jesus Christ.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 393 O Day of Rest and Gladness

Prayer of Confession

From 1 John 1, we read, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  Let us pray:  We like sheep have gone astray; we have turned to own way.  Holy God, you have called us to be holy, even as you are holy.  We confess that we have not lived the disciples' life to which you have called us.  We have ignored our pledge to take up the cross and follow in joyful obedience.  We have become more conformed to the world than transformed by new minds and natures.  We have relaxed our principles and justified personal pleasure.    

(silence)

Loving God, forgive our unholiness, our unfaithfulness to you.  Empower us to be worthy disciples who follow the teachings of Jesus and grow in his image.  Help us live as a called-out people, holy and acceptable in your sight, to whom be glory forever and ever.   Amen.3

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness

And indeed, it has been as we have read.  God who is faithful and just has forgiven our sins and cleansed us from all unrighteousness.  Through Christ we are forgiven.  

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 23:1-6 (Common English Bible)

                               Psalm 23 (CEB) Psalm 23 (NRSV)

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon:   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 727  Will You Let Me Be Your Servant

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit.  God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions.  We thank you for continuing to send your financial offerings to the church.  Our ministries continue because of you. We thank you for your continual giving of your time and resources to our community at Bethany.

Offertory “His Grace is Sufficient for Me”     Mosie Lester, Arr. Robertson

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 700  I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude "Morning Has Broken"  Farjeon, Stevens

1 Mother Teresa

2 Saint Anthony of Padua, 10th century

3 partially from Arlene M. Mark

Morning Reflection

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!  There is no end to your greatness.  One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your power."  Psalm 145:3-4

Chimes

Opening Prayer 1

Give us our Lord steadfast hearts, which no unworthy affection may drag downward; give us unconquered hearts which no tribulation can wear out; give us upright hearts which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.  Bestow on us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “Heart Of Worship”     Matt Redman

Call to Worship

ONE: Come, O Lord, and hear our praise!

ALL:  Come, O Lord, and touch our hearts!

ONE: Whether our lives are full of sorrow or full of joy,

ALL:  We are confident of your abiding love.

ONE: In thanksgiving for your merciful grace,

ALL:  Our hearts of praise are for you. Let us worship God!

Hymn 305 Come Sing, O Church, in Joy!

Prayer of Confession 2

ONE: Our God is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  God is close to all who call on God in truth, listening to their cries for help, and offering them freedom from the burden on sin.  So let's bring our confession to God, first in corporate prayer and then in silent private prayer.  Let us pray:

ALL: O Loving God, to turn away from you is to fall, to turn toward you is to rise.  For the ways in which we have fallen, forgive us.  Grant us your help in rising again.  Forgive us for those things which we neglect, for passing by those who make us uncomfortable, and for avoiding broken relationships instead of looking to repair.  Seek in us any place where we hold secrets and help us to lay them at your feet.  Hear us now as we offer you our own personal confessions, in silence now.  

(silence)

ALL: Lord, Our God – whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable – look upon us with your compassion and grant us your abundant mercy.   Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness

ONE:  Now hear these words of assurance: Indeed, it has been as we have read.  God who is faithful and just has forgiven our sins and cleansed us from all unrighteousness.  Through Christ we are forgiven.  

ALL:  Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:10-18

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    “Blessing”          Brendan Graham, David Downes

Sermon:   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 692  Spirit, Open My Heart

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit.  God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions.  We thank you for continuing to send your financial offerings to the church.  Our ministries continue because of you. We thank you for your continual giving of your time and resources to our community at Bethany.

Offertory “Counting Every Blessing”     The Rend Collective, arr. Craig Bray

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 543  God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude

1 Thomas Aquinas 13th century

2 Liturgy of St. Basil 4th century

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

Morning Reflection

“We may wonder whom can I love and serve?  Where is the face of God to whom I can pray?  The answer is simple.  That naked one.  That lonely one.  That unwanted one is my brother and my sister.  If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” 1

Chimes

Opening Prayer 2

Give us our Lord steadfast hearts, which no unworthy affection may drag downward; give us unconquered hearts which no tribulation can wear out; give us upright hearts which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.  Bestow on us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     

Call to Worship

ONE: O Lord our God, gentle shepherd of the flock,

ALL:  in you we find security, in you we discover identity.

ONE: Before we knew we were lost,

ALL: you searched for us and brought us safely to the fold.

ONE: We hear your voice, and we come to you.

ALL: To the one true God be praise in all times and places, through the grace of Jesus Christ.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 81 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

Prayer of Confession 3

ONE: Let us pray:

ALL: We like sheep have gone astray; we have turned to own way.  Holy God, you have called us to be holy, even as you are holy.  We confess that we have not lived the disciples' life to which you have called us.  We have ignored our pledge to take up the cross and follow in joyful obedience.  We have become more conformed to the world than transformed by new minds and natures.  We have relaxed our principles and justified personal pleasure.

(silence)

ONE: Loving God, forgive our unholiness, our unfaithfulness to you.  Empower us to be worthy disciples who follow the teachings of Jesus and grow in his image.  Help us live as a called-out people, holy and acceptable in your sight, to whom be glory forever and ever.   Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness

ONE:  And indeed, it has been as we have read.  God who is faithful and just has forgiven our sins and cleansed us from all unrighteousness.  Through Christ we are forgiven.    

ALL:  Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:10-18

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Musical offering    Dave Wales

Reflections  Pam Matthews, Kathleen Mitchell, David Wales, Ken Henry, Bonnie Morgan

Hymn 692  Spirit, Open My Heart

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit.  God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions.  We thank you for continuing to send your financial offerings to the church.  Our ministries continue because of you. We thank you for your continual giving of your time and resources to our community at Bethany.

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 65  Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude  Dave Wales

1 Mother Theresa

2 Saint Anthony of Padua, 10th century

3 Arlene M. Mark

Chimes

Opening Prayer 1

God of Healing and Transformation, we hunger and thirst for your abundant life.  We bring you our sorrow and ask for the bread of joy; we bring you our despair and ask for the bread of hope; we bring you our weariness and ask for the bread of inspiration.  Meet us here.  We need the bread of heaven to sustain us as we journey to find our way, that we may we be one with you.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     Prelude in C Major     J.S.Bach

Call to Worship 2

ONE: Only the hungry search for bread.  Only the thirsty look for water.

ALL: This is a place for those who are hungry and thirsty in spirit.

ONE: Only those who ache for meaning will pursue it.  Only those who yearn for a deeper life will seek it.

ALL: This is a place for those who ache and yearn for something more.

ONE: So let us come here today

ALL: with our hunger and thirst, our unsatisfied longings, our heart-felt yearnings, and let the God of life satisfy our souls.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 509 All Who Hunger, Gladly Gather

Prayer of Confession

ONE: Let us pray:

ALL:     Healing God, we come together in our brokenness, to call to you in your mercy, to make us whole again.  We serve many masters—work, wealth, power, addictions—yet find no hope in them.  We hear the cries of the poor and shut the doors of our hearts to them.  We ridicule those who expose their hopes and dreams to us.  We are fearful of more things than we can possibly understand.

ONE: Hear our silent prayers now.

(silence)

ONE: Continuing in prayer,

ALL:     Forgive us, O God, and help us to find our hope again.  Remind us that you are with us even when we don't feel worthy.  Make us well, so that by our healing, we might be the hope and love others need in their lives, even as Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, brought these gifts to us, calling us to be faithful with the grace, peace, and joy entrusted to us.  Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness 3

ONE: If God kept track of all our mistakes—the harmful things we say and do, the callous way we sometimes treat the people around us, the selfishness that puts our needs ahead of the needs of others—if God kept track, what chance would we have?  But with unfailing love, God offers us forgiveness—complete forgiveness that erases our sins completely and allows us to begin again. So we may be at peace – our sins are forgiven!

ALL:  Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: Psalm 145:10-18

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”     Trad. American Melody/arr. Fred Bock

Sermon  "What Do You Need?"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 65  Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives,4  We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  That has been such a blessing.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time, of brain power as we have learned new ways to worship, of stamina as we continue week after week to be servants of God here on our little plot of God's earth.  Although we have been receiving our offerings primarily through the mail, let's take a moment here to reflect on our love for one another and just how much we offer each other every time we gather.

Offertory     The Bethany Quartet      “Say Once More”     Brian Carr and Gwen Moore

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we recognize the variety of gifts that we are able to give to you through our work at Bethany.  We thank you for being able to be a part of your work in the world through our gifts.  We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

LEADER: Let us pray.  Almighty and ever-living God...

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 542  God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude  The Bethany Quartet “May the Road Rise to Meet You”     Lovelace/Gnann

1 Spiritual Hunger and Thirst for God, written by the Rev. Bonnie Tarwater

2 Ann Siddall

3 Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

Morning Reflection

“Draw us close when we are in need.  Do not let us forget what we can receive.” 1

Chimes

Opening Prayer

With open arms You welcome all who call on Your name – who acknowledge You as Lord, and look to You in faith. No one stands outside the circle of Your mercy and love. And so we come to offer You our worship – to declare that You are our God, and that we are Your people, called and chosen by You from the very beginning. Through the presence of Your Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see You here; open our minds to receive Your truth, and our mouths to speak and sing Your praise. For You alone are God – worthy of all praise and worship, now and to the end of time. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “Love”     David Foster

Call to Worship 2

ONE: Give thanks to God!

ALL: We thank God for joy, for laughter, for abundant blessings of every kind.

ONE: Give thanks to God at all times and for everything!

ALL: We thank God, when we can and as we can, for struggles, for solitude, for fears.

ONE: Give thanks to God at all times and for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ALL: We thank God that, in Christ, our joys as well as our pain, our losses as well as our laughter, are in God's heart and hands.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 37     Let All Things Now Living

Prayer of Confession

ONE: Let us pray:

ALL:     You must shake your head in wonder at our ways, Keeper of the Covenant. How can we say we want wisdom, when we foolishly squander the knowledge we have of your ways? How can we claim to follow you, when we walk the slippery roads of the world not caring where they lead us? How can we desire your great and steadfast love, when the simple seductions of our society are in full view every day?

How can you have mercy on such unwise and unfaithful people, Perfect Wisdom? Yet, that is exactly what you do: and our greed turns to gratitude, our pettiness to praise, our tantrums to thanksgiving, as hope and joy become our blessing through the One we call our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And now hear the prayers we offer silently to you

(silence)

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness 2

ONE: In Christ, God sent redemption for all.

ALL: In Christ, God feeds our hungry souls.

ONE: In Christ, God gives the cup of salvation to thirsty people.

ALL: We give thanks to God for everything: forgiveness, hope, new life. Amen.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “How Great is Our God”     Tomlin, Cash, Reeves, Arr. Berry

Sermon  "Living Wisely" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 610  O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives,4  We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  That has been such a blessing.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time, of brain power as we have learned new ways to worship, of stamina as we continue week after week to be servants of God here on our little plot of God's earth.  Although we have been receiving our offerings primarily through the mail, let's take a moment here to reflect on our love for one another and just how much we offer each other every time we gather.

Offertory     “Still”     Ola Gjeilo

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we recognize the variety of gifts that we are able to give to you through our work at Bethany.  We thank you for being able to be a part of your work in the world through our gifts.  We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 747  The Lord Now Sends Us Forth

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     "You Light Up My Life"     Joseph Brooks

1 Julian of Norwich

2 Thom Shuman

Morning Reflection

“When death stalks us and troubles rage on, when affection wavers and people fail us, when light grows faint and darkness expands, when all seems useless and nothing is left, you remain by our side, our true and lasting love.”1

Chimes

Opening Prayer

How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! We long to be where You are; to stand in Your very presence, and to behold You, face to face! And so we have come to this place today; we have gathered together to worship You— to offer the praise which belongs to You alone. Bless us as we worship You together, and as we open our hearts and minds to Your presence among us. For You alone are God, the One in whom we trust.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “Come Away to the Skies”     Early American Hymn Tune

Call to Worship 2

ONE: As people, as a group, as a community of faith –

ALL: we gather in this place either here in the room or watching online.

ONE: To listen. to speak. to worship. to pray. to be with God.

ALL: Because we know – it is out of God's authority, it is out of God's love, that we live.  Alleluia!  Let us worship God!

Hymn 386     Come, Worship God

Prayer of Confession

ONE: If it was easy to follow Jesus, we would not need to ask for forgiveness. But it is tough— tough to say 'yes,' tough to be graceful, tough to be loving. Yet whatever we do, God loves us enough to forgive us and to feed us with the Bread of Life. Let us pray together, saying,

ALL: God, our sun and shield: we may long to be in your house, but our deeds show how tough it is for us to live there. Called to follow, we search for paths to take us back to our old ways; given the words of eternal life, we weakly proclaim the gospel to others; offered the path of salvation to walk upon, we stumble down the rocky roads of our world. Forgive us, Guardian of our lives. Strengthen us with your Spirit, so we may follow Jesus Christ, the One we have come to believe and know is our Lord and Savior.

(silence)

ONE: Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness 3

ONE:Today, receive the Bread of Life; today, hear the words of eternal hope; today, trust in the One who hears your prayers, and showers grace and forgiveness upon you.

ALL:Today, we are set free to serve God's people, and to sing God's praises. Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “Speak, Lord”     Marienne Uszler and Tim Schoenbachler

Sermon   "Armor for Life" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 841  God Is My Strong Salvation

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives,4  We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  That has been such a blessing.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time, of brain power as we have learned new ways to worship, of stamina as we continue week after week to be servants of God here on our little plot of God's earth.  Although we have been receiving our offerings primarily through the mail, let's take a moment here to reflect on our love for one another and just how much we offer each other every time we gather.

Offertory     "Theme from Schindler's List"     John Williams

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we recognize the variety of gifts that we are able to give to you through our work at Bethany.  We thank you for being able to be a part of your work in the world through our gifts.  We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 846  Fight the Good Fight

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     

1 Shannon Wexelberg

2 Richard Bott

3 Thom Shuman

Morning Reflection

“Draw me toward your love.  Attract me toward what really counts.  Pull me away from distractions that keep my heart unfocused.  Captivate my heart so completely that I continually return to you.”1

Chimes

Opening Prayer 2

O God from whom every gift derives, we gather to worship You this day. You are an awesome God, greater than our comprehension or our imagination. You are beyond any word we could ever use to describe You. And yet, through Jesus, we know the intimacy of Your vast love. We have come to You in thanksgiving and praise, to know that You are God and to place our lives anew into Your perspective. Enlarge our vision this hour with Your Word. Instill in us, again, Your hope in place of our despair, Your peace where our hatred threatens, Your joy amidst our depression, Your love overwhelming our apathy. May Your Holy Spirit surround and indwell this congregation now, and forevermore. In Jesus we pray. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    “Brother James' Air”     Trad., Arr. Mark Hanson

Call to Worship 3

The words God speaks are the life and sustenance of all that exists. The life Jesus gives is the re-creation and renewed birth of all that is broken and worn. The Spirit's stirring in our souls is the inspiration for creativity, compassion, joy, and community. Life-giving, life-restoring, life-fulfilling God; may our whole lives be worship. In all things, may we seek to connect with and to reflect your love and your hope.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 7     Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth

Prayer of Confession

ONE: When the busyness of our lives erodes the intentions of our hearts: Merciful God,

ALL: forgive us.

ONE: When our personal agendas take precedence over reaching out to others:   Merciful God,

ALL: forgive us.

ONE: When we keep putting off being more active “doers of the word”: Merciful God,

ALL: forgive us.

ONE: When we resist change, knowing that our acting and thinking are limited by our prejudice and ignorance:  Merciful God,

ALL: forgive us.

ONE: When we only half-listen to those who cry out to be fully heard: Merciful God,

ALL: forgive us.

ONE: Gracious and merciful God, forgive us for past faults and help us in the present and future to make ourselves more available to the hurting world that surrounds us— the world that begins on our doorsteps.  Equip us to be patient and compassionate listeners, proclaiming the gospel not in overbearing ways but sensitively and lovingly.  Strengthen us with the Holy Spirit to be fruitful and active witnesses to Jesus in all we do and say.

Hear us as we offer the prayers of our hearts in silence now…

(silence)

ONE: Amen.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness 4, 5

ONE:Today, receive the Bread of Life; today, hear the words of eternal hope; today, trust in the One who hears your prayers, and showers grace and forgiveness upon you.

ALL:Today, we are set free to serve God's people, and to sing God's praises. Thanks be to God.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: James 1:17-27

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “He Looked Beyond My Faults”    Dottie Rambo/Frederic Weatherly

Sermon   "Stains"     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 706  Commit Your Way to God the Lord

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives,4  We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  That has been such a blessing.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time, of brain power as we have learned new ways to worship, of stamina as we continue week after week to be servants of God here on our little plot of God's earth.  Although we have been receiving our offerings primarily through the mail, let's take a moment here to reflect on our love for one another and just how much we offer each other every time we gather.

Offertory     

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we recognize the variety of gifts that we are able to give to you through our work at Bethany.  We thank you for being able to be a part of your work in the world through our gifts.  We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 295  Go to the World

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     

1 Edward Hays

2 My Redeemer Lives

3 The Minor Keys

4 James 1:21

5 Moira Laidlaw

Morning Reflection

“You are more than the softening touch placed upon our calloused heart.  You are the constant tumbling waves slowly smoothing our roughened stones.1

Chimes

Opening Prayer 2

Loving God, present and near.  You are beyond our words and our understanding.  Help us to remember that You are at once infinite, boundless, timeless and eternal but, at the same time intimately entwined with our lives.  You are with us no matter where we find ourselves.  Loving God, present and near help us to recognize Your presence and nearness with us as we worship together.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit   “Rejoice in the Lord Always”     Richard W. Gieseke

Call to Worship 3

The words God speaks are the life and sustenance of all that exists. The life Jesus gives is the re-creation and renewed birth of all that is broken and worn. The Spirit's stirring in our souls is the inspiration for creativity, compassion, joy, and community. Life-giving, life-restoring, life-fulfilling God; may our whole lives be worship. In all things, may we seek to connect with and to reflect your love and your hope.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 3     Womb of Life and Source of Being

Prayer of Confession 4

Gracious God, we know that you would put your flowing love profusely upon our calloused deeds and rinse them with your forgiveness.  But we would prefer to blame others than to acknowledge our own faults.  We would rather look away in denial than look toward our actual omissions.  We would choose to forget our offenses instead of admitting we have done wrong.

Response Hymn 427

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Jesus knows the inmost heart: nothing can be hidden.

Assurance of Forgiveness 5

ONE:  In spite of us God remains a fountain of Mercy.  If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; All this is from God, who chose to be reconciled with us through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

ALL:  Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 669

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!  Let's sing unto the Lord. Alleluia!

Scripture Reading: James 2:1-13

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     “Depth of Mercy”     Janet Vogt

Sermon   "Yeah, but..." Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 318 In Christ There is No East or West

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives,4  We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  That has been such a blessing.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time, of brain power as we have learned new ways to worship, of stamina as we continue week after week to be servants of God here on our little plot of God's earth.  Although we have been receiving our offerings primarily through the mail, let's take a moment here to reflect on our love for one another and just how much we offer each other every time we gather.

Offertory     

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we recognize the variety of gifts that we are able to give to you through our work at Bethany.  We thank you for being able to be a part of your work in the world through our gifts.  We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 300  We Are One in the Spirit

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     

1 Fragments of your Ancient Name

2 Thomas Sutcliffe

3 The Minor Keys

4 Edward Hays, Fragments of Your Ancient Name

5 Moira Laidlaw

Morning Reflection

In the fire of revelation, in the clarity of illumination, in the shadows of mystery, in the silence of prayer, may the Word of God inscribe itself on your soul and illumine your way.”

~ In the Sanctuary of Women Jan Richardson

Chimes

Opening Prayer 1

Spirit of God, enlighten our hearts to the reality of divine presence in our midst. Let our worship be pleasing in your sight, so that our gathering is an experience of deep communion with you and one another. In the name of Jesus Christ, this is our prayer. Amen.

Welcome

Introit   “Adoramus te Christe”     Traditional Latin, Arr. Dubois

Call to Worship 2

ONE: Awe-inspiring God, we gather together to praise you for your tender compassion and care of needy people.

ALL: Come, all who seek the Lord God, offer your prayers.

ONE: Listening God, we gather to revere and honour your supportive concern for people who cry to you for help.

ALL: Come, all who seek the Lord God, offer your praise.

ONE: People of every nation are called to gather together to worship God, in thankfulness for God's loving mercies.

ALL: Come, all who seek the Lord God, offer your worship. Amen.

Hymn 821     My Life Flows On

Prayer of Confession

O God, we live our lives as best we can - dealing with difficult relationships and situations, putting failures and disappointments behind us, and moving into each new day with as much energy, goodwill, and optimism as we can muster. But here, right now, we seldom have the right answers, we seldom seek your higher wisdom in our lives, we just move ahead. Forgive us for not asking for your insight. Fill us with your wisdom, that we may live lives of goodness and peace. Amen.

Response Hymn 812

O save me, God, and hear my cry: my prayer to you ascends.

And vindicate me by your might; on you my hope depends.

Assurance of Forgiveness 3

When we come before God in humility and honesty, God draws near to us with forgiveness and renewed blessing.  Amen.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 798

All with joyful exultation let us sing to God our praise;

To the rock of our salvation loud hosannas raise.

Scripture Reading: James 3:1-12

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”     Sebastian Temple, Arr. Jane Holstein

Sermon   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 737 Lord, Jesus, You Shall Be My Song

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives,4  We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  That has been such a blessing.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time, of brain power as we have learned new ways to worship, of stamina as we continue week after week to be servants of God here on our little plot of God's earth.  Although we have been receiving our offerings primarily through the mail, let's take a moment here to reflect on our love for one another and just how much we offer each other every time we gather.

Offertory     "You Welcome Us All"     Craig Bray

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we recognize the variety of gifts that we are able to give to you through our work at Bethany.  We thank you for being able to be a part of your work in the world through our gifts.  We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

LEADER: Let us pray.  Almighty and ever-living God...

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 837  What  Fellowship, What a Joy Divine

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “House of the Lord"     Phil Wickham

1 Norman D. Yeater

2 Joan Stott

3 Adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2009

Chimes

Opening Prayer 1

God of holy wisdom, we are seekers on the way to a deeper wisdom and a wider vision. Our lives are full of information and opinions, but in the midst of it all we long to hear the voice of wisdom – Your wisdom, God – cutting through the noise and teaching us how to live. God, we have come here this morning to learn wisdom from your Word, from your Holy Spirit, and from one another. We have come so that wisdom may call us out of the darkness and into the light. We have come to have the deeper, richer, wisdom-filled life that you have promised to each of us. O God, make us ready to hear the Words spoken to our hearts this morning. Call us to hear your wisdom and grant us the courage to respond.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     “Be Thou My Vision"     Trad. Irish, Arr. Russell Robinson     

Call to Worship 1

ONE: Who among you is seeking the wisdom of God?

ALL: We long to hear God's Word spoken to our hearts.

ONE: Who among you is seeking God's bright and holy truth?

ALL: We long to learn the ways of wisdom and righteousness.

ONE: Who among you is seeking a Spirit-filled life?

ALL: We long to live lives of holiness and light.

ONE: God grants God's wisdom generously to all who ask. Come near, people of God!

ALL: Let us worship in wisdom and truth.

Hymn 377     I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

Prayer of Confession 2

Too often, Lord God, we are hesitant in our proclamation; seeking safe and suitable opportunities to speak of our faith. Too often, Lord God, we are half-hearted in our service; reluctant to stand out from the crowd or to attract criticism. Too often, Lord God, we live as if dependent wholly on our own resources; relying on our perceived skills and modest insights. Too often, Lord God, we look to the clouds for our inspiration, in the vain hope of finding you there. Forgive the poverty of our efforts and the frailty of our faith and open wide our hearts and minds to the immanent presence of our Risen, Living and Ascended Lord Jesus Christ

silence

Amen.

Response Hymn 812

O save me, God, and hear my cry: my prayer to you ascends.

And vindicate me by your might; on you my hope depends.

Assurance of Forgiveness

ONE: Hear the good news! Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Believe the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ you are forgiven.

ALL:  Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 798

All with joyful exultation let us sing to God our praise;

To the rock of our salvation loud hosannas raise.

Scripture Reading: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     "Refiner's Fire"     Brian Doerksen

Sermon  "Wise" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 824 There Is a Place of Quiet Rest

Invitation to the Offering

As we offer our gifts and lives in this moment, may we become imitators of God, who holds nothing back from us, but is generous and gracious with all that God gives,4  We are so blessed here at Bethany, to have had such faithful, generous giving throughout such difficult times.  We have been able to continue the work and ministries that we are a part of.  That has been such a blessing.  We want to recognize all of the offerings of time, of brain power as we have learned new ways to worship, of stamina as we continue week after week to be servants of God here on our little plot of God's earth.  Although we have been receiving our offerings primarily through the mail, let's take a moment here to reflect on our love for one another and just how much we offer each other every time we gather.

Offertory     “Jesus, Joy of My Heart”     J.R. Ahle, Arr. J.S. Bach

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we recognize the variety of gifts that we are able to give to you through our work at Bethany.  We thank you for being able to be a part of your work in the world through our gifts.  We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 546  Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing 1

May the holy wisdom of God

Guard your ways and guide your paths

May the living truth of God

Enlighten your hearts and open your minds

And may the living Spirit of God

Give you life, and life to the full!

Amen!

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude   "Open the Eyes of My Heart"     Paul Baloche  

1 posted on Literature & Liturgy

2 Rev. Malcolm Macdougall; Church of Scotland's Starters for Sunday