A More Light Congregation

Bethany Presbyterian Church

This Week in Worship

Archive - Autumn 2016

September 18, 2016

Back to Church Rally Day

Prayer of Preparation

O Lord my God, I believe in you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Insofar as I can, insofar as you have given me the power, I have sought you. O Lord my God, my sole hope, help me to believe and never to cease seeking you. Grant that I may always and ardently seek out your countenance. Give me the hope of finding you. Amen.


Call to Worship

One: We come as seekers,

All: Unsure of what we seek.

One: We come as followers,

All: Not understanding the One we follow.

One: We come to worship,

All: Even though we don’t know how.

One: Holy One, by your grace,

All: Meet us where we are. Meet us here. Meet us now.


Morning Prayer

Patient Lord, we schedule our lives down to the very second. We crowd in as much activity as we can, and then wonder why we are so stressed out and tired. We are afraid to miss out on anything. And when it comes time to be with others, we spend our time worrying about details rather than longing for the visit. Forgive us when we get so caught up in the details and miss the opportunity to sit at your feet, learning, listening, growing in our faith. Slow us down, just a bit, so that we can see the wonders you have placed before us, and truly enjoy and share the blessings you have given to us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.


Response (Hymn #295)




Children's Message - Elder Tamra Hollenbeck


Lectio Divina - Reverend Kathryn Pyke


Presentation of Offerings


Doxology (Hymn 606)



Hymns

#610 “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

#32   “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Go to the world! Go into every place.

Go live the word of God’s redeeming grace. Go seek God’s presence in each time and space. Alleluia. Alleluia.

September 25, 2016

Honoring our 60th Anniversary

Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke

"A Journey of Faith"

Prayer of Preparation

It is good to be together in the presence of the Lord! God, we thank you for this place. We know that, apart from you, all that we try to do, say or sing will sound like noise. Instead, we ask that you guide us in our words, guide us in our prayers and guide us in our worship -- that all that is said, sung and done in this place will bring you the great glory you deserve.  Amen.


Call to Worship

One: We come together as seekers.

All: That we might learn what God would have us do and where God would have us go.

One: We come together to renew our faith.

All: That we might bring hope to others. To the God who is the source of goodness and love, let us sing our praise!


Morning Prayer

Generous God, you gave us our voices, no two the same. As you did with Abraham and Sarah, you take and touch our lives and they can become extraordinary. And in your Church you have gathered us, in your community of common folk and complainers, prophets and puzzled people, you have called us and made a place for us. So let what we say and do here, what we ponder and decide here, be real for us and honest to you, as you prepare us for life in the world you declare good. Amen.

Hymns

#15 “All Creatures of Our God and King”

#26 “Earth and All Stars”

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October 2, 2016

World Communion Sunday

Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke

"It Doesn't Take Much"

Prayer of Preparation

Holy God, we pray for your peace and love to fill us this morning as we gather around your table. Open our hearts and minds that we might hear you speaking to us in the Word spoken, sung, and read. Amen.


Call to Worship

One: Sing to the Lord, whose mercy is from everlasting to everlasting!

All: But how can we sing the Lord’s song when so many are without?

One: Sing to the Lord, whose faithfulness renews us every morning!

All: But how can we sing the Lord’s song when so many are struggling?

One: Sing to the Lord, who has not forgotten the melodies of freedom and life!

All: Let us remember the joy of the Lord, and sing a new song together!


Prayer of Confession

Almighty God, mother of mercy, father of grace: You have called us to one table, but we have pursued our own course. You have promised us the abundance of all creation, but in our greed, and in our envy, the world goes without. You have promised us the bread of life itself, but in our pride, and in our arrogance, the world goes hungry. You have promised us the waters of peace and justice, but in our violence, and in our discord, the world goes thirsty. And now we are famished, too, Lord. Have mercy on us. Forgive us, again. Transform us, at this table, and for this table, and send us from this table as servants of your righteousness, by the power of your Son, our Lord. Amen.


Assurance of Pardon

Even when our cups run dry, God’s grace overflows.  Even when our plates are empty, God’s generosity overflows.  And even when our hearts feel barren, God’s love overflows. Friends, we have been called and claimed by the God of all things, and by the abundance of God’s grace, and by the power of God’s love, we are forgiven.  Go in peace.

Hymns

#726 “Will You Come and Follow Me”

#514 “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ”

#318 “In Christ There Is No East or West”


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October 9, 2016

Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke

"An Attitude of Gratitude"

Prayer of Preparation

Each week, we gather to worship, to encourage one another, and to hear from God. Holy Spirit, lead our time today. It will be like so many others before it. We will sing, we will pray, we will hear from the Word of God. Yet Spirit, we ask that today will be different. Help us to sing with new vigor, to pray more earnestly, and to listen without distraction. Let today be the day we are transformed because we have been together in your presence. Amen.


Call to Worship

One: In deep gratitude we come to worship God.

All: We recognize God as the source of all goodness.

One: All good gifts come from the Spirit of God:

All: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, gentleness are all of God.

One: We come with grateful hearts, not for things, but for who God is.

All: We gather to show our gratitude in song and prayer.


Morning Prayer

For the healing love you have offered to us; for the patience you have with us; for your presence that will never fail, we give you thanks, O God. Draw us near to you that we may grow in our faith and service to you by serving others. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Scripture  

Luke 17:11-19

Hymns

#33 “Praise the Lord, God’s Glories Show”

#22 “God of the Sparrow”

#614 “Great Are You Lord”


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October 23, 2016

Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke

"Coming in Last"

Prayer of Preparation

Good and gracious God, we welcome you into our midst and invite you to make yourself known to us in the silence, in the symbols, and in the words and melodies and actions of our worship. We lay aside all else but the desire to be in your presence, touched by your grace and fed by your Word. Enter this sacred time with us, we pray, that we might apprehend the Holy and more importantly, that the Holy might apprehend us.


Call to Worship

Drawn by God’s presence, we gather;

Inspired by God’s spirit, we worship;

Empowered by God’s grace, we live;

Opened by God’s love, we share.


Morning Prayer

Loving and forgiving God, we are in conflict! We want to be followers of Christ, but we cling to our own desires and plans. We want to be filled with joy, but we are beset with worry and anxiety. We long for a vibrant prayer life, but our busy lives leave us tired and afraid of solitude. We confess that we succumb to the allures of this world — having more, doing more, running faster and harder — and all the while, we fail to see the needs of our neighbors and ignore the needs of our own souls. Renew within us hearts that are open to receive your grace. Refresh our spirits by the cleansing rain of your love. Rekindle within us faith, compassion and generosity. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Scripture  

Mark 10:35-45

Hymns

#18 “Hallelujah! Sing Praise to Your Creator”

#203 “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love”

#741 “Guide My Feet”

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October 16, 2016

Blessing of the Animals

With Reflection by Reverend Kathryn Pyke

Prayer of Preparation

O Holy maker of all, we ask your blessing on every creature gathered here today, the large and the small. May they live peacefully in praise of you. Bless us all to love your creation, and revere its sacredness. We ask this blessing in the name of the one who was, is, and always will be, our Creator, to whom every creature belongs.  Amen.


Call to Worship

One: ‘But ask the animals, and they will teach you;  the birds of the air, and they will tell you;  ...and the fish of the sea will declare to you.  In God’s hand is the life of every living thing...’

All: Amen.


Prayer of Thanks and Confession

One: Lord, for all the animals in the whole wide world,

All: We thank you, God!

One: Lord, for all the fun and friendship we have with animals,

All: We thank you, God!

One: Lord, for all the times we have hurt or neglected animals,

All: We are sorry.

One: Lord, for all the times we have used poisons that have killed animals,

All: We are sorry.

One: Lord, for all the times we have destroyed the homes of animals in the forests, oceans, or fields,

All: We are sorry.


Blessing and Remembrance of Pets Who Have Died

Blessing of All the Animals

Invitation for Individual Blessing

Benediction and Closing Charge

All: Go out into the world, love one another.  Cherish our animal family, protest against abuse and neglect of our animals; exercise stewardship of ALL creation, so that ALL can experience God’s Shalom.

One: Go out into the world, my horizontal and vertical brothers and sisters in Christ. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,   Amen.

Scripture  

Genesis 2:18-20a

Hymn

#20 “All Things Bright and Beautiful”

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October 30, 2016

Reformation Sunday

Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke

"No Longer Silent?"

Prayer of Preparation

Ever-calling God, we give thanks that you have gathered us into your church and graced us with your faithful presence. We ponder our history, ancient and still developing. Grant us the vision to be a part of a new reformation for the Church that will bring ever more joy and justice to the world. Continue to gather us, the diverse lot of us, into Jesus’ vision and dream that your faithful people may be one in you. Amen.


Call to Worship

One: Welcome today to a service of re-formation.

All: Change is our constant companion. What does God have in store for us?

One: God seeks to form our lives anew, as lives of love and service.

All: We are ready to hear God’s word and do God’s will.

One: Open your eyes, your ears, your hearts to God’s awesome love.

All: Come, O Lord, and transform our lives.


Morning Prayer

God of the faithful, we give thanks for your abundant blessings. Thank You for our fathers and mothers in the faith who, sometimes with significant risk, stood up for their beliefs. Give us the courage to speak out and speak up, that we might share Your merciful love and grow in grace. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture  

Mark 10:46-52

Hymns

#275 “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”

#451 “Open My Eyes, That I May See”

#305 “Come Sing, O Church in Joy!”

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November 6, 2016

Celebration of Holy Communion and the Saints

Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke

"For All the Saints"

Prayer of Preparation

God of all people, of all times, we are here seeking your presence, in our time of remembrance. We honor those who have gone before us, and at the same time, we come seeking you, O God, who was a constant companion, a source of strength for those we honor. We, too, need your guiding presence as we live our lives; we pray your Spirit will be felt by all who are gathered here this morning.  Amen.


Call to Worship

One: We remember, O God...

All: The countless saints of history who have blazed a trail of courage through time.

One: We remember, O God...

All: The tender touch of loved ones, the example of heroes, the healing words of comforters, the remarkable acts of fearless ones.

One: We remember, O God...

All: The gentle strength of grandmothers, the loyalty of friends, the kindness of strangers, the joy of children, the sacrifice of parents.

One: We remember in every time and place the saints of God who have shown us the Lord.

All: Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . . let us worship God with joy!


Prayer of Confession

When we are called saints the idea jars us, for we are not saintly people. But we are seekers after God’s will, those who have been powerfully claimed by Jesus Christ. Remembering who we are intended to be, we come before you, O God, confessing that which separates us from you and others. We come seeking forgiveness, healing and empowerment. Amen.


Assurance of Pardon

One: The good news is that Christ calls us to new life and enables us to begin again and again and again and again. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.

All: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!


Naming of the Honored Dead and Earthly Saints

This is a time of recognizing and honoring those who have passed on before us, and then a time of remembering and honoring those who are still living - who have helped us and nurtured us on our earthly journey. During the hymn you are invited come forward to light a candle in honor of Saints in your life.

Hymns

#612 “We Praise You, O God”

#507 “Come to the Table of Grace”

#326 “For All The Saints”

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November 13, 2016

Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke

"God is Doing a New Thing"

Prayer of Preparation

God, the encourager, God, the compassionate, God, the merciful, holy, blessed: Disturb us. Rouse us from our sleep. Lift us into consciousness of your presence. Change us, move us, mold us for the better; so that, at the sound of your voice, at the call of our name, we will never be the same. May our worship do this and so much more.  Amen.


Call to Worship

One: Let us worship God, who has done great things.

All: We rejoice in our God, who made a way through the desert of this world.

One: Let us worship God, who has caused streams of mercy to flow in the wasteland.

All: We are the people God has formed through Christ.

One: Let us worship God in spirit and in truth.

All: We praise God for the grace that has saved us. Alleluia! We rejoice!


Morning Prayer

O God, You who are always doing a new thing,

we confess that we sometimes close windows against the fresh air of new ideas,

against the noise of other people’s worries, against the winds of change.

God of every place and time,

we confess that we often draw the curtains against people who are different,

against world news or community concerns.

Forgive us our insulation in our locked homes, our shuttered churches,

the security systems on our hearts.

Open up our lives,

and let your Spirit blow through. Amen.

Scripture  

Isaiah 43:16-21

Hymns

#1 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!”

#450 “Be Thou My Vision”

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November 20, 2016

Sermon by Reverend Richard Pyke

"Thanks Be to God"

Prayer of Preparation

For the healing love you have offered to us; for the patience you have with us; for your presence that will never fail, we give you thanks, O God. Draw us near to you this day that we may grow in our faith and service to you by serving others.


Call to Worship

One: In deep gratitude we come to worship God.

All: We recognize God as the source of all goodness.

One: All good gifts come from the Spirit of God:

All: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, and gentleness are all of God.

One: We come with grateful hearts, not for things, but for who God is.

All: We gather to show our gratitude in song and prayer.


Morning Prayer

Ever-present God, you meet us in the borderlands, in places neither here nor there, at times when we are well out of our comfort zone; even if we don't know where we're going, when we feel most lost, you are there. Thank you, God. You meet each of us where we are and many of us in our need - people marginalized by illness, not wanting to be a burden, those who see their poverty or problems as unacceptable, feeling rejected, with faltering self-worth. It was in the borderlands that Jesus met a band of lepers - whose livelihood was begging, whose status was untouchable - and touched their lives with hope. And it was the Samaritan, the one most of all an outsider, who turned back to give thanks. We thank you for all we can learn from our sisters and brothers who live on the edge - in poverty, in the borderlands - about gratitude, grace, and healing hope. Thank you God. Amen.

Scripture  

Luke 17:11-19

Hymns

#267 “Come, Christians, Join to Sing”

#22 “God of the Sparrow”

#643 “Now Thank We All Our God”

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