Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above.

James 1:17a

Bells

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   Halle, Halle, Halle     Trad. Caribbean, Arr. Hopson  

Call To Worship 2

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 393   O Day of Rest and Gladness

Confession of Faith 2

When sin and death hover around us, like famished vultures, you fill us with new strength so they cannot feed on us; when our bitterness clamps tight around our hearts with its steel-like teeth, you pry us loose with your scarred hands so we might walk in faith with you; when we stack our hurts one on top of the other, like kindling wood, ready to set the match of our anger to the pile, you pour your spirit of forgiveness upon them, until they are soaked so thoroughly, nothing can ignite them. Our help, our hope, our life, our peace are truly found in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon

ONE: The good news is this: God loves the world so much as to make it a fit place to live; God loves us so much as to reshape us into people of faith. Like a cup of cold water, forgiveness revives us, restores us, gives us new life.

ALL: Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

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

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    One Pure And Holy Passion     Mark Altrogge

Sermon     Rev. Debra McGuire

Hymn 307  God of Grace and God of Glory

Invitation to the Offering

Gracious and generous God, we give of ourselves for the same reasons that you offer yourself: to touch lives, care for the poor, lift up the broken-hearted, and bring comfort to those in need. May our giving be an extension of our gratefulness for the gifts you have given us. Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory    Refiner's Fire     Brian Doerksen

Prayer of Dedication  

Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to give to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you not with our words only, but with our whole lives. We ask you to bless all of the gifts that we give, and bless what we keep, and fill us with joy as we discover ways to use our resources for your work in our world. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 450   Be Thou My Vision

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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        May the Peace of God     Getty & Townend, Arr. Wise & Shipps

1, 2 Literature & Liturgy

3 Thom Shuman, Lectionary Liturgies

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above.

James 1:17a

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Holy God of Joy, we rejoice in the reality of who you are. We live within the joy of your love for us. Our contentment comes and goes. Our happiness ebbs and flows. Our feelings depend upon our circumstances, our physical health, our brain chemistry. But our joy is deeply rooted in our identity as your beloved children. And we give you thanks. Amen

Welcome

Introit     Walk By Faith     Joel Raney & J.P. Williams

Call To Worship 2

ONE: The words God speaks are the life and sustenance of all that exists.

ALL: The life Jesus gives is the re-creation and renewed birth of all that is broken and worn.

ONE: The Spirit's stirring in our souls is the inspiration for creativity, compassion, joy, and community.

ALL: 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 395   Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Confession of Faith 3

When sin and death hover around us, like famished vultures, you fill us with new strength so they cannot feed on us; when our bitterness clamps tight around our hearts with its steel-like teeth, you pry us loose with your scarred hands so we might walk in faith with you; when we stack our hurts one on top of the other, like kindling wood, ready to set the match of our anger to the pile, you pour your spirit of forgiveness upon them, until they are soaked so thoroughly, nothing can ignite them. Our help, our hope, our life, our peace are truly found in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon

ONE: The good news is this: God loves the world so much as to make it a fit place to live; God loves us so much as to reshape us into people of faith. Like a cup of cold water, forgiveness revives us, restores us, gives us new life.

ALL: Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: James 5:13-20

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Come to Jesus     Chris Rice, Arr. Mark Hayes

Sermon     Rev. Debra McGuire

Hymn 707  Take Thou our Minds Dear Lord

Invitation to the Offering

Gracious and generous God, we give of ourselves for the same reasons that you offer yourself: to touch lives, care for the poor, lift up the broken-hearted, and bring comfort to those in need. May our giving be an extension of our gratefulness for the gifts you have given us. Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory     Pour Out Your Spirit      Tom Lane

Prayer of Dedication  

Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to give to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you not with our words only, but with our whole lives. We ask you to bless all of the gifts that we give, and bless what we keep, and fill us with joy as we discover ways to use our resources for your work in our world. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 756   O God of Every Nation

Blessing of the Animals

Community 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        All God's Critters (A Place in the Choir)     Traditional

1 Joanna Harader

2 The Minor Keys

3 Thom Shuman, Lectionary Liturgies

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,

but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.

(Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

We thank you God, for the joy of this space, where children and seasoned citizens sit side by side, where heaven and earth embrace in peace, where God has been, is, and always will be. Here we gather with all of God's children: where we find God's love, where we hear the tender voice of Jesus, where the Spirit teaches us new songs. We thank you God, that you have made all things ready here in this space: where we bring our hunger, and find food; where we bring our brokenness, and find healing; where we bring our very selves, and find acceptance.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit     You Welcome Us All     Craig Bray

Call To Worship 2

ONE: Around the world people gather to break bread and pour wine.

ALL: We gather with them in heart and mind.

ONE: Around the world the broken body is made whole.

ALL: As part of that body we join in its unity.

ONE: Around the world the Banquet of God is prepared for the table.

ALL: We, who share in the banquet, come eagerly to be fed. Let us worship together, let us share God's bounty. Amen.

Hymn 36   For the Fruit of All Creation

Confession of Faith 3

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the way of peace. Come into the brokenness of our lives and our land with your healing love. Help us to bow before you in true repentance, and to bow to one another in true repentance. By the fire of your Holy Spirit, melt our hard hearts and consume the pride and prejudice which separate us. Fill us, O Lord, with your perfect love, which casts out our fear, and bind us together in that unity which you share with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon 4

ONE: The good news is this: God loves the world so much as to make it a fit place to live; God loves us so much as to reshape us into people of faith. Like a cup of cold water, forgiveness revives us, restores us, gives us new life.

ALL: Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    In Remembrance     Red & Courtney, Arr. Larson

Sermon   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 766  The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound

Invitation to the Offering 5

We approach the table today but we don't approach it alone. We approach it on this World Communion Sunday with Christians around the world, in congregations large and small, speaking every language and one language. And so part of our approach this morning is to remember in our offering our connection to the work of the church in every corner of God's creation. We do this using the PC(USA) Peace and Global Witness Offering, which goes to support advocacy, education, and educational outreach with communities of faith all across the globe. Truly, God has blessed us with the rich, varied, and abundant gifts of creation. From God's abundance, let us also give abundantly.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory     We Gather at Your Table     Mansur & Ehret, Arr. Wood

Prayer of Dedication 6

Giver of all gifts, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. Teach us to give freely as you have given. Teach us to live thankfully in ministry to others. We ask you to bless all of the gifts that we give, and bless what we keep, and fill us with joy as we discover ways to use our resources for your work in our world. Amen.

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving 7,8

This table is for all of us, near and far, high and low, east and west and north and south. This table is for all of us, but it is not our table. It's not a Presbyterian table. It's not an American table. It's God's table, for all of us, and it's a table of grace.

Welcome to the delight that is this table. Our Lord's table. Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity. We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood. Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.

This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him. Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected. Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

ONE: The Lord be with you

ALL: And also with you

ONE: Lift up your hearts

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

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

ONE: We give you thanks, O God, for making your love evident since the very beginning of time when you spoke the word which replaced the darkness of chaos with life-giving light. A light which has nurtured generations of people, and plants and creatures, great and small. A light which also revealed the fear and powerlessness caused by corrupt and evil actions. And so you spoke the Word which would once and for all dispel the darkness of chaotic lives. Through your love for the world the Word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth. The angels caroled glory to you in the highest heavens and peace to all people on earth, and we join with them and with all people to praise your holy name saying together:

ALL:  Holy Lord, God of endless love, heaven and earth are surely full of your glory. The angels sang of it - we have been lavished with it. Blessed is he who was born that we might have life. Glory to God and on earth peace to all people.

ONE:  Holy God, as the travelers with their treasures were overwhelmed with joy on finding Jesus, so we also are overwhelmed on finding out the depth of his love for us. For Jesus showed just how beloved we are to him, by loving us and giving himself for us.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine, O God, that we may experience the presence of the Word-made-flesh - Jesus Christ. Breathe your Spirit in us that we may be one body with him - living out his ministry in the world today and every day. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving 9

Generous God, pour out your Holy Spirit on all gathered here, that we might be your light in the world. Transform us with your nourishing grace, even as we have eaten of this bread and drank of this wine. Transfigure us to be your presence in the world, even as we are redeemed and reclaimed by your great love. By your Spirit, make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to the world, until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at the heavenly banquet. Through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever more. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 733   We All Are One in Mission

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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        All The People Said Amen     Matt Maher, Trevor Morgan, and Paul Moak

1, 4 Thom Shuman, Lectionary Liturgies

2 Rev Gord, Worship Offerings

3 Cecil Kerr, Christiann Renewal Centre, Rostrevor, Northern Ireland (adapted)

5, 7 Presbyterian Mission Resource

6 Arlene M. Mark, Words for Worship

8 Rev. Bob Gibson for the London Conference of the United Church of Canada  

9 Abingdon Worship Annual

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,

but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.

(Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Bells

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 in us creative spirits. You are the one, Creating God, whom we worship and serve. In your mystery and might, move our creative spirits. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     Blessings     Laura Story

Call To Worship 2

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 395   Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Prayer of Confession 3

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the way of peace. Come into the brokenness of our lives and our land with your healing love. Help us to bow before you in true repentance, and to bow to one another in true repentance. By the fire of your Holy Spirit, melt our hard hearts and consume the pride and prejudice which separate us. Fill us, O Lord, with your perfect love, which casts out our fear, and bind us together in that unity which you share with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon

ONE: The good news is this: God loves the world so much as to make it a fit place to live; God loves us so much as to reshape us into people of faith. Like a cup of cold water, forgiveness revives us, restores us, gives us new life.

ALL: Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-16

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Praise the Lord of Heaven     Eugene Butler

Sermon   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 772  Live into Hope

Invitation to the Offering

Giving is a spiritual practice that relates God's work to our work. Peter writes: “as each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace, that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Let us give as people whose work is inextricably linked to God's great works of creation, redemption and empowerment. Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory     We Gather at Your Table     Mansur & Ehret, Arr. Wood

Prayer of Dedication 6

Almighty God, giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us to give to you all that we have and all that we are, that we may praise you not with our words only, but with our whole lives. We ask you to bless all of the gifts that we give, and bless what we keep, and fill us with joy as we discover ways to use our resources for your work in our world. Amen.

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 361  O Christ, the Great Foundation

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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          Word of God Speak     Bart Millard and Pete Kipley

1, 2 Arlene M. Mark, Words for Worship

3 Cecil Kerr, Christiann Renewal Centre, Rostrevor, Northern Ireland (adapted)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,

but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.

(Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

O God, we joyously come together to worship, realizing we need not summon you into our midst, for you are here. We need not call you into the secret places of our hearts, for you are there. We need our eyes of faith to be opened, that we may see you; our ears to be unstopped, that we may hear you; our minds to be sensitive, that we may know you; our hearts to be tender, that we may receive you. Grant each one a blessing, O Lord, as each has need. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     A Joyful Mozart Canon     W.A. Mozart, Arr. Shafferman

Call To Worship 2

ONE: Glorify the Lord! Let us exalt God's name together.

ALL: We will bless the Lord at all times; God's praise will always be on our lips.

ONE: When we wander afar, God welcomes us back.

ALL: When we cry out in despair, God hears and delivers us from all our troubles.

ONE: Taste and see that the Lord is good.

ALL: Let us worship God together!

Hymn 12   Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Prayer of Confession 3

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the way of peace. Come into the brokenness of our lives and our land with your healing love. Help us to bow before you in true repentance, and to bow to one another in true repentance. By the fire of your Holy Spirit, melt our hard hearts and consume the pride and prejudice which separate us. Fill us, O Lord, with your perfect love, which casts out our fear, and bind us together in that unity which you share with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon

ONE: The good news is this: God loves the world so much as to make it a fit place to live; God loves us so much as to reshape us into people of faith. Like a cup of cold water, forgiveness revives us, restores us, gives us new life.

ALL: Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Open The Eyes Of My Heart     Paul Baloche

Sermon   God will wait on you     Rev. Don Mulford

Hymn 761  Called as Partners In Christ's Service

Invitation to the Offering

Giving is a spiritual practice that relates God's work to our work. Peter writes: “as each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace, that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Let us give as people whose work is inextricably linked to God's great works of creation, redemption and empowerment. Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory     10,000 Reasons     Myrin & Redman, Arr. Larson

Prayer of Dedication 4

Giver of all gifts, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings.  Teach us to give freely as you have given. Teach us to live thankfully in ministry to others. We ask you to bless all of the gifts that we give, and bless what we keep, and fill us with joy as we discover ways to use our resources for your work in our world. Amen

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 308  O God in Whom All Life Begins

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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          In The Secret     Andy Park

1, 2 Arlene M. Mark, Words for Worship

3 Cecil Kerr, Christiann Renewal Centre, Rostrevor, Northern Ireland (adapted)

4 Words for Worship, Arlene Maark

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,

but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.

(Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Gather us together this Reformation Sunday, O God, that we may celebrate the witness of our forefathers and foremothers and the courage that gave birth to the Reformation. Teach us how to honor the saints of God in ages past as well as in our present days. May the conviction of your grace written on their hearts be one that forms our own faith. Inspire us in the continuing reformation of the church and be present to us your in word and sacrament. In Christ's name we pray. Amen

Welcome

Introit     Above All     Michael W. Smith

Call To Worship 2

ONE: God of Life: We pray that our worship may lead us to be your light to shine on your people today, as it shone in each moment of history.

ALL: May the light of your presence inspire this celebration, and inspire our lives, to praise you and recognize you as source of all creation,

ONE: As strength that sustains, as sap that nurtures, as wisdom that foresees, as clarity that discovers, as love that understands, as mercy that forgives.

ALL: May the light of your presence, eternal and inextinguishable, shine on us now and forever till the dawn of your Kingdom, present in each day. Let us worship God!

Hymn 681   This is the Day the Lord Has Made

Prayer of Confession 3

Lord of all, the demands of your righteousness are too hard for us to fulfill alone, so we rush off with this excuse and ignore your law. You forgive our iniquity and remember our sin no more, and we abuse this freedom as if it were a license to selfishness, self-indulgence and self-righteousness. You give us the gift of grace: atonement in the blood your Son, yet we make it cheap without serious repentance. We fail to see the power of your faithfulness. We are your people, but do we know you as our God?  Forgive us Lord, the sins we know in our heart. Save us Lord from the sins we hide.

(Pause for reflection and self-examination)

God of our refuge and strength...have mercy on us, write on our hearts. Amen.

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon 4

ONE: God does show us God's own righteousness, and divine forbearance. Through the work of the Holy Spirit given to us, we may come to know the truth and be made free. Jesus Christ the Son of God sets us free from our slavery to sin. Our sins are forgiven. Through his death and resurrection a place is made for us in the household, and we may be know as children of God. To the glory of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ALL: Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: Hebrews 7:23-28

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    I Will Praise Forever     G.F. Handel, Arr. Andrews

Sermon   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 361  O Christ the Great Foundation

Invitation to the Offering

Giving is a spiritual practice that relates God's work to our work. Peter writes: “as each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace, that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Let us give as people whose work is inextricably linked to God's great works of creation, redemption and empowerment. Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory          How Lovely is the House of God     Eugene Butler

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, today we dedicate all of our offerings along with our offerings for Peace and Global Witness. May these offerings be a sorely needed balm and breath of fresh air. May they provide a counternarrative of good news, real hope and genuine inspiration. May these offerings be reminder of what any of us can do and have done to ensure a “path of peace” and well-being for everyone and for all of your creation God. Giver of all gifts, you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. You are just in all your ways and kind in all your doings. We ask you to bless all of the gifts that we give, and bless what we keep, and fill us with joy as we discover ways to use our resources for your work in our world. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 624  I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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          God of Wonders     M.Byrd and S.Hindalong

1 Rev. Dr. Letty Presbyterian Promise website

2 Renewing the Church: Resources for Celebrating Reformation  (adapted)

3, 4 Bill Wessner, Confession RCL website

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,

but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.

(Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Bells

Opening Prayer

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. Be in our hearts and souls this hour as we come together in your presence. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     

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!

Hymn 393   O Day of Rest and Gladness

Prayer of Confession

ALL: 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.

ONE: Hear us as we offer prayers from our own hearts, silently now.

(silence)

Amen.

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon 4

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: Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-14

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon   Saints   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 326  For All the Saints

Invitation to the Celebration of our Saints and Candle Lighting

Offertory          Behold the Lamb     Getty & Townsend, Arr. Mark Hayes

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, we offer these gifts in the memory and in celebration of those who have been saints to us. Help us to remember and honor these saints who have gone on to be with you, O God. May our gifts lay a foundation of hope for all in despair; may they brighten the shadows of those who wander alone; may they cause the voiceless to join the morning stars in singing your praises. 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.

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

This table is for all of us, near and far, high and low, east and west and north and south. This table is for all of us, but it is not our table. It's not a Presbyterian table. It's not an American table. It's God's table, for all of us, and it's a table of grace.

Welcome to the delight that is this table. Our Lord's table. Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity. We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood. Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.

This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him. Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected. Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

ONE: The Lord be with you

ALL: And also with you

ONE: Lift up your hearts

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

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

ONE: We give you thanks, O God, for making your love evident since the very beginning of time when you spoke the word which replaced the darkness of chaos with life-giving light. A light which has nurtured generations of people, and plants and creatures, great and small. A light which also revealed the fear and powerlessness caused by corrupt and evil actions. And so you spoke the Word which would once and for all dispel the darkness of chaotic lives. Through your love for the world the Word became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth. The angels caroled glory to you in the highest heavens and peace to all people on earth, and we join with them and with all people to praise your holy name saying together:

ALL:  Holy Lord, God of endless love, heaven and earth are surely full of your glory. The angels sang of it - we have been lavished with it. Blessed is he who was born that we might have life. Glory to God and on earth peace to all people.

ONE:  Holy God, as the travelers with their treasures were overwhelmed with joy on finding Jesus, so we also are overwhelmed on finding out the depth of his love for us. For Jesus showed just how beloved we are to him, by loving us and giving himself for us.

Send the power of your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine, O God, that we may experience the presence of the Word-made-flesh - Jesus Christ. Breathe your Spirit in us that we may be one body with him - living out his ministry in the world today and every day. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Generous God, You are the source of all life, creating and sustaining every living thing. You are the source of all food, material and spiritual, nourishing us in both body and soul. You are the light that goes before us, shining into the darkness. May we be filled with your breath nourished by your food renewed by your living water and sustained by your love.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 732  Rejoice in God's Saints

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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          In the Sweet Up Yonder     Trad. Spiritual, Arr. Page & Schafferman

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,

but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.

(Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

O God, you broke down the barriers when you crept in beside us. In Jesus, your hands touched all, and touched us. You opened our eyes to see how the hands of the rich were empty, and the hearts of the poor were full. You took the widow's mite and the child's loaves and used them to show us the Kingdom. Here in the company of the neighbor whom we know and the stranger in our midst, and the self from whom we turn, we ask to love as Jesus loved. Make this the place and time, good Lord, when heaven and earth become one, and we in word and flesh know ourselves beloved. Amen.

Welcome

Introit     For I Am Convinced     Rob Bryceson (Romans 8:38-39)

Call To Worship 2

ONE: We gather together to worship, knowing that God is already here among us;

ALL: knowing that there is nothing that separates us from the presence of our Lord.

ONE: Wherever we are, wherever we go, God is near.  So let us enter into this service of worship with confidence and hope,

ALL: knowing that God is already with us, and that God stands eager to meet us and bless us with God's love. Let us worship God!

Hymn 317   In Christ There Is No East or West

Prayer of Confession 3

ALL: 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.

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon 4

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! Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: Hebrews 9:24-28

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Speak, Lord     Marienne Uszler, arr.Tim Schoenbach

Sermon  "Disappointment"  Reverend Don Mulford

Hymn 182  I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Invitation to the Offering 4

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. Let us rejoice in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory          

Prayer of Dedication 5

Gracious God, we offer these gifts in the memory and in celebration of those who have been saints to us. Help us to remember and honor these saints who have gone on to be with you, O God. May our gifts lay a foundation of hope for all in despair; may they brighten the shadows of those who wander alone; may they cause the voiceless to join the morning stars in singing your praises. 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

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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 Old South Church in Boston

2 re:Worship website

3 Rev. Malcolm Macdougall Church of Scotland's Starters for Sunday (modified)

4 Words for Worship, Arlene Mark, ed.

5 Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,

but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.

(Hebrews 1:1-2a)

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Lord, the eyes of all look to you in hope; and you give them what they need. You open your hand and satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. We, too, turn to you again, longing to be filled - to eat of the Bread of Life, to drink from your life-giving streams, to taste your goodness and live. May the time we spend together in your presence nourish our hearts and minds; may it strengthen our relationship with you, and renew our commitment to live in this world as your faithful disciples. For you alone are God, the Source and Sustainer of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Welcome

Introit     All Who Are Thirsty     Brenton Brown & Glen Roberts

Call To Worship 2

ONE: In a world that cries out, “Fear me!”

ALL: we will listen to Jesus' words, “Don't be afraid!”

ONE: In a world that wants us to hate the other…

ALL: We will live Jesus' call to, “Love God. Love your neighbour, as you love yourself.”

ONE: In a world that radicalizes…

ALL: We, too, will be radical. Radical with our hospitality. Radical with our hope. Radical with our love.

ONE: Then come to this place, ready to be who we are called to be.

ALL: Let us gather together and worship God.

Hymn 37   Let All Things Now Living

Prayer of Confession 3

ALL: 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.

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon 4

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! Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: Hebrews 9:24-28

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Forever      Chris Tomlin

Sermon  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 246  Christ is Alive!

Invitation to the Offering 4

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. Let us rejoice in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory          

Prayer of Dedication 5

On our own what we have to give doesn't amount to much in the light of all you have given to us and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless our gifts and with the addition of your blessing, there is enough for all. 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

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 308  O God in Whom All Life Begins

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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 Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

2 Richard Bott, Sharing Liturgy

3 Rev. Malcolm Macdougall Church of Scotland's Starters for Sunday (modified)

4 Words for Worship, Arlene Mark, ed.

5 Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

You say that I am a King.  For this I was born

and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.

(John 18:37b)

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Creator God, Lord of heaven and earth, we gather in your presence with thanksgiving and praise for the way in which you have revealed yourself to us. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, we have come to know and love you; we have seen your love and mercy in action; we have caught a glimpse of your heart, and we have heard the call to follow. Continue to reveal yourself to us as we worship. May your Holy Spirit open our minds and hearts to your presence here, and to the word that you have for us this morning. We long to meet you here, and to know you better. In the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, Amen.

Welcome

Introit          Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him     Based on Holy Manna, Arr. Hal Hopson

Call To Worship 2

ONE: Loving God of power and justice and peace, in our broken world we seek a new order

ALL: Where there is courage to speak truth to power.

ONE: We seek a new order

ALL: Where there is mutual support in church and community.

ONE: We seek a new order,

ALL: Where there is abundant time for healing.

ONE: We seek a new order,

ALL: Where there is peace and freedom for all. May our worship this day bring us closer to healing in ourselves and in our world.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 234   Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain

Prayer of Confession 3

ALL: Holy God, your word declares that you have taken away our iniquity, and that you remember our sin no more. But we confess that we focus so much on ourselves, and our failures, and our feelings and our merits that we choose to be consumed by our guilt and shame, and refuse the salvation you offer us freely through the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive us when we forget the comfort of your love, our fellowship with your spirit, and the tenderness and compassion you have called us to show to a world in need. Forgive us when we care so much about ourselves and what we want that we forget to love our neighbor, and in so doing forget to love you. Almighty Father, take from us all hatred and prejudice and discord. Remind us that there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, so that we may all truly be of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and that with one mind and one mouth we may glorify you, through Jesus Christ our Lord who reigns together with you and the Holy Spirit, in a Kingdom without end. Amen.

Response Hymn 175

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness,

and all these things shall be added unto you. Allelu, alleluia!

Assurance of Pardon 4

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! Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 95

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Prepare the way of the Lord,

And all people will see the salvation of our God

Scripture: John 18:33-37

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Jesus Messiah     Daniel Carson, Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves

Sermon  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 649  Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound

Invitation to the Offering 4

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. Let us rejoice in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory          More Love, More Power     Michael W. Smith     

Prayer of Dedication 5

On our own what we have to give doesn't amount to much in the light of all you have given to us and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless our gifts and with the addition of your blessing, there is enough for all. 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

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 372   O For A World

Pastoral Blessing

Community 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     Give Thanks     Henry Smith/Pachelbel, Arr. John Wilson

1 Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

2 Monthly Prayers Christian Aid (adapted)

3 Jeff's Blog

4 Words for Worship, Arlene Mark, ed.

5 Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand