Chimes

Centering Prayer

Blessed are You, Lord our God!  Glorious is Your name in all the earth!  We celebrate who You are and all that You have done for us.  You hold our lives in Your hands and catch us when we stumble.  So we come together today, led by Your Holy Spirit, to worship You: to sing Your praise, to confess our mistakes and to receive Your love and mercy, made possible through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Be present among us as we worship You, and as we open ourselves to Your Word.  To You be all glory, now and forever.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit  Amy Stephens

Call to Worship

ALL: O God, you are the gathering one who calls us into community with each other to love and work, to support and heal.  You are the gathering one who calls us into community with all people; to bring justice and hope, freedom and truth.  You are the gathering one who calls us into community with the whole creation; to live in harmony, to cherish and renew.  Let us worship the God who makes us one.

Hymn 409 God Is Here

Prayer of Confession

God of mercy, we come celebrating our unity, but we confess the many ways that we are divided.  Our nationality, ethnic origin, economic status, gender preference, sexuality, age, skin color all too often obscure the common calling we share in Christ's name.  May our common identity as your children and our communal witness to Christ bind us together in your name.  Forgive our tendency toward separation and division, and remind us that we are your Easter people.  Amen.

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Words of Assurance

When we walk in the light of Christ, we have fellowship with one another.  When we confess our sins, the One who is faithful and just forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  For in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has showered mercy upon the entire world.

Amen. 1

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Anthem  Amy Stephens

Sermon  "Treasure in Clay Jars"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 192 Lord, the Light of Your Love is Shining

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory Amy Stephens

Prayer of Dedication

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 452  Open the Eyes of My Heart

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

We go now from this service of worship to the service of God's people near and far, refreshed by the living water that Jesus offers to us.  We go to listen for the parched voices of the least of these; search out the dry places and the arid souls, and become for them a spring of living water.  And as we go, we bless one another with the blessings of the God of life, the Christ of love, and the Spirit of grace, for this day and forevermore. Amen

Postlude

1. Laura Jaquith Barlett, as posted on Ministry Matters

Chimes

Centering Prayer

Blessed are You, Lord our God!  Glorious is Your name in all the earth!  We celebrate who You are and all that You have done for us.  You hold our lives in Your hands and catch us when we stumble.  So we come together today, led by Your Holy Spirit, to worship You: to sing Your praise, to confess our mistakes and to receive Your love and mercy, made possible through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Be present among us as we worship You, and as we open ourselves to Your Word.  To You be all glory, now and forever.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit  “He Leadeth Me”     William Bradbury,  Arr. Jerry Ray

Call to Worship

ALL: O God, you are the gathering one who calls us into community with each other to love and work, to support and heal.  You are the gathering one who calls us into community with all people; to bring justice and hope, freedom and truth.  You are the gathering one who calls us into community with the whole creation; to live in harmony, to cherish and renew.  Let us worship the God who makes us one.

Hymn 316 Where Charity and Love Prevail

Prayer of Confession

God of mercy, we come celebrating our unity, but we confess the many ways that we are divided.  Our nationality, ethnic origin, economic status, gender preference, sexuality, age, skin color all too often obscure the common calling we share in Christ's name.  May our common identity as your children and our communal witness to Christ bind us together in your name.  Forgive our tendency toward separation and division, and remind us that we are your Easter people.  Amen.

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Words of Assurance

When we walk in the light of Christ, we have fellowship with one another.  When we confess our sins, the One who is faithful and just forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  For in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has showered mercy upon the entire world.

Amen. 1

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Anthem  “My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff”

Sermon  "Walk By Faith, Not By Sight" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 817 We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory “There is a Redeemer”     Melody Green, Arr. Ellen Banks Elwell

Prayer of Dedication

Prayers of the People

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 821  How Can I Keep From Singing?

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

We go now from this service of worship to the service of God's people near and far, refreshed by the living water that Jesus offers to us.  We go to listen for the parched voices of the least of these; search out the dry places and the arid souls, and become for them a spring of living water.  And as we go, we bless one another with the blessings of the God of life, the Christ of love, and the Spirit of grace, for this day and forevermore. Amen

Postlude

1. Laura Jaquith Barlett, as posted on Ministry Matters

God of our weary years and our silent tears,

This day of solemn remembrance, we remember the destruction wrought on Hiroshima, on Nagasaki, and we pray “never again.”

Yet, so many long years since witnessing the dreadful cost of nuclear war, we are still divided, still at risk, still unwilling to lay aside weapons of mass destruction.  A real threat of nuclear warfare is risen among us and it is clear we are still afraid.

We confess to you, God of Peace, our ongoing participation in cultures of death

                the ways we benefit from military might and the threat of nuclear destruction,

                our failure to resolve simmering disputes

              and build a future for all children free from fear.

Forgive, O loving God, the failure of your children that is represented in all war. In your loving mercy forgive our failure to make peace with one another.  Grant pardon and turn to a new way, to all who have contributed to war's progress through ambition, belligerence, falsehood, suspicion, arrogance, animosity, and terror.

We thank you for those who even now work for peace and healing through diplomacy.  And we praise your name for the gifts of generosity, healing, courage, wisdom and love which are daily demonstrated by those who aid those who are uprooted, injured and dying in war's terrible wake.  Grant them strength.

Triune God, grant us strength, mercy, and peace:

    …the strength of your love that conquers fear and evil

    …the mercy of your Son, who rebuked the way of violence by laying down his life            

    …the peace of your Spirit, beyond our divisions, to bind us together as one family

        in your kingdom of mercy and peace.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Amen.

The Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus

Director, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

_________________________________________

Chimes

Centering Prayer

Blessed are You, Lord our God!  Glorious is Your name in all the earth!  We celebrate who You are and all that You have done for us.  You hold our lives in Your hands and catch us when we stumble.  So we come together today, led by Your Holy Spirit, to worship You: to sing Your praise, to confess our mistakes and to receive Your love and mercy, made possible through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Be present among us as we worship You, and as we open ourselves to Your Word.  To You be all glory, now and forever.  Amen.

Welcome

Introit  “Amazing Grace”     Trad. Arr. Nate Hance

Call to Worship

ALL: O God, you are the gathering one who calls us into community with each other to love and work, to support and heal.  You are the gathering one who calls us into community with all people; to bring justice and hope, freedom and truth.  You are the gathering one who calls us into community with the whole creation; to live in harmony, to cherish and renew.  Let us worship the God who makes us one.

Hymn 475  Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Prayer of Confession

God of mercy, we come celebrating our unity, but we confess the many ways that we are divided.  Our nationality, ethnic origin, economic status, gender preference, sexuality, age, skin color all too often obscure the common calling we share in Christ's name.  May our common identity as your children and our communal witness to Christ bind us together in your name.  Forgive our tendency toward separation and division, and remind us that we are your Easter people.  Amen.

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Words of Assurance

When we walk in the light of Christ, we have fellowship with one another.  When we confess our sins, the One who is faithful and just forgives our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  For in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has showered mercy upon the entire world.

Amen. 1

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Anthem  “Simple Gifts/Sheep May Safely Graze”  Shaker Melody/J.S. Bach, Arr. Joseph Brackett

Sermon  "Generosity"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 716 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory   "The River"   Garth Brooks

Prayer of Dedication

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 320  The Church of Christ in Every Age

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

We go now from this service of worship to the service of God's people near and far, refreshed by the living water that Jesus offers to us.  We go to listen for the parched voices of the least of these; search out the dry places and the arid souls, and become for them a spring of living water.  And as we go, we bless one another with the blessings of the God of life, the Christ of love, and the Spirit of grace, for this day and forevermore. Amen

Postlude   "Give a Little Bit”     Davies/Hodgsen

1. Laura Jaquith Barlett, as posted on Ministry Matters

Chimes

Centering Prayer

Loving God, as we worship you today let not our hearts be as hard as stone, but make us soft and pliable as clay. Let not our minds be armored as a fortress but make us as open as an archway.  Let us not cling to preconceived assumptions, but relax our hands to let go of all to which we grasp.  Set us free to hold whatever you might send us.  May we not be like rocks, unaffected amid the current, unconnected to its source.  Instead, may we flow with your Spirit as a fallen leaf floats lightly on the surface of a stream. Amen. 1

Welcome

Introit   "He the Pearly Gates Will Open"   Elsie Ahlwen, Arr. Barny Robertson     Trad. Arr. Nate Hance

Call to Worship

ALL: O God, as we worship you, lead us into life in all of its fullness.  Help us to worship with all we are and have.  Let our laughter and our tears be instruments of prayer.  Let our loves and our delights, our doubts and our fears be together here, until the light of the world is born within us and we radiate the love that is Christ.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 63  The Lord Is God

Prayer of Confession

ALL: Holy God, you have called us to live in faith and freedom, but we live with tightness in our chest. You have called us to move in a new direction, but we cling to the path we know. You have called us to reach outward in love, but we draw inward for protection. You have called us to live with abandon, in trust, but we live carefully, in fear. God, forgive us for all that we miss. Help us to lift our eyes to your promise. Amen.

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Words of Assurance

ONE: God sent Jesus not to judge us, but to save us. God accepts both our courage and our fears. In the name of Christ we are forgiven. Accept the gift of a new beginning.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-13

Anthem “This Is My Father's World/What a Wonderful World”  Franklin Sheppard/Thiele&Weiss,

                                                                                                     Arr. Jessica Reddell Popovich

Sermon  "Father"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 464 Our Father, Which Art in Heaven

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory   "Father, I Adore You"   Terrye Coelho, Arr. Elwell

Prayer of Dedication

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 771  What Is the World Like

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

We go now from this service of worship to the service of God's people near and far, refreshed by the living water that Jesus offers to us.  We go to listen for the parched voices of the least of these; search out the dry places and the arid souls, and become for them a spring of living water.  And as we go, we bless one another with the blessings of the God of life, the Christ of love, and the Spirit of grace, for this day and forevermore. Amen

Postlude   "Colour My World"   James Pankow

1. John W. Howell

Chimes

Centering Prayer

God is telling a story in our lives. It’s quite a story - full of the promises God makes and our struggles to trust; full of mystery and angels with surprising news; full of hard endings and unexpected new beginnings. Come, hear the story; pay attention to the angels’ message in your heart in this place and time. Then join all creation in worshipping the God who tells it full of grace and truth; who comes in Jesus, the Word made flesh, and makes our story holy.1

Welcome

Introit  “Harmony of the Angels” Friedrich Burgmüller

Call to Worship

Happy are we who hear the joyful call to worship, for we walk in the light of God’s presence! Let’s worship God together—celebrating who he is and all that God has done! For God is our strength and our protection, the One in whom we trust.

Hymn 68  Heaven Opened to Isaiah

Prayer of Confession

Holy God, you have called us to live in faith and freedom, but we live with tightness in our chest. You have called us to move in a new direction, but we cling to the path we know. You have called us to reach outward in love, but we draw inward for protection. You have called us to live with abandon, in trust, but we live carefully, in fear. God help us live like Elizabeth and Mary, trusting your in-breaking into our lives. Forgive us for moving so fast that we miss your presence in that face that just passed us, in the fragrance of that flower, in the sight of birds in flight, in the smell of nature after a rain. Forgive us for missing the Holy. Help us to shift our attention. Help us accept your promise. Amen.

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Words of Assurance

ONE: God sent Jesus not to judge us, but to save us. God accepts both our courage and our fears. In the name of Christ we are forgiven. Accept the gift of a new beginning.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: Luke 11:2-4, Luke 1:39-45

Anthem “Ave Maria" George Lynch, guitar; Jessica Reddell-Popovich, piano

                 J.S. Bach/Charles Gonoud     

Sermon: Holiness  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 3 Womb of Life and Source of Being

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory   “Magnificat (Solemnis)”  Gregorian, Arr. Jessica Reddell-Popovich

Prayer of Dedication

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 27  Sacred the Body

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

Let us go from this service, energized to recognize the in-dwelling of God in our lives. Let us go with eyes wide, hearts open, sure of God’s promise to be with us always. As we recognize the sacred in our own lives, we go now looking for the sacred in others. We go now to be the sacred in the lives of others. We go to listen for the parched voices of the least of these; search out the dry places and the arid souls, and become for them a spring of living water. And as we go, we bless one another with the blessings of the God of life, the Christ of love, and the Spirit of grace, for this day and forevermore. Amen

Postlude   "Staying Alive"  B. Gibb, R. Gibb, M. Gibb

1. Christine Jerrett

“All that is eternal in me welcomes the wonder of this day, the field of brightness it creates, offering time for each thing to arise and illuminate.  May my mind come alive today to the invisible geography that invites me to new frontiers, to break the dead shell of yesterdays, to risk being disturbed and changed.  May I have the courage today to live the life that I would love, to postpone my dream no longer, but do at last what I came here for and waste my heart on fear no more.”                 ~ “A Morning Offering” John O'Donohue

Chimes

Centering Prayer

Open our eyes, O God, to your worldwide vision.  May we see you at work around the globe through the people of God committed to reducing injustice.  As your royal priesthood and kingdom followers, may we be inspired to join your reign, the reign begun by Jesus, extended by our forebears, and continued through us.  Amen.1

Welcome

Introit            “Andalucia”     Ernesto Lecuona

Call to Worship

God said If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.  Take the yoke I give you.  Put it on your shoulders and learn from me.  I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.  This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light. Christ calls us to come to worship to rest from the things that are troubling us, to learn what Christ can teach of life, to realize what we can offer to others and so to return into the world to serve.  Let us worship God.2

Hymn 183  Come to Me, O Weary Traveler

Prayer of Confession

Mysterious God, power behind all we see, grace beyond all we know, love before all we meet, we cannot comprehend your majesty.  We only know your presence in our lives: you, who knew us before we were born you, who will cradle us after our last breath…We cannot encompass your glory.  Forgive us our neglect of those who cry out for you, our lack of vision to see your glory in others, for not seeing your wisdom underpinning creation that groans at our wanton waste and exploitation.  Pour mercy into our hearts and souls giving us eyes to see and ears to hear your gift in every person every place every moment; For your greatness is seen in all the world: may our words and actions be our praise of you reaching up and out into your Kingdom, made real for us in the person of Jesus.  Amen.

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Words of Assurance

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: Selections from Luke 11-17

Anthem       “En Prière” (In Prayer)     Gabriel Fauré

Sermon:  Kingdom   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 265 Jesus Shall Reign Where're the Sun

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory   “Beautiful Flower Under the Full Moon”  Trad. Chinese Folk Song

Prayer of Dedication

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 372  O for a World

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

Gracious God, we go from this service of worship of you filled with your Spirit.  We go to enter your kingdom that surrounds us now energized to engage the world.  We go now to participate in the creation of your kingdom that is not yet.  Freed from fear we go listening for your call in unexpected places.  And as we go, we bless one another with the blessings of the God of life, the Christ of love, and the Spirit of grace, for this day and forevermore. Amen

Postlude   "We are the World"     M. Jackson, L. Ritchie

1. Keith Graber Miller

2 Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand

“Sing out with joy to God our strength, the God of Jacob praise, who brought us forth from Egypt’s grip; from slavery we were saved. God promised to provide for us, to nurture and to feed, to fill our mouths with all good things, to give us all we need. You plead for us to hear your voice, to hearken and obey. You promise to subdue our foes, and sweep them all away. You pledge to give us all we need, with finest wheat supply, and give us honey from the rock, rich food to satisfy.”  (Anderson)

Chimes

Centering Prayer

God of holiness and light, in the mystery of dying and rising with Christ, you have established a new covenant of reconciliation. Cleanse our hearts and give a new spirit to all your people, that your saving grace may be professed and proclaimed to the whole world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Welcome

Introit      "There is Redeemer/Now The Green Blade Rises/Wondrous Love”    Arr. Cindy Berry

Call to Worship

ONE: Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow;

ALL: though they are red like crimson they shall become like wool.

ONE: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

ALL: Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Hymn 446  How Blest, Those Whose Transgressions

Prayer of Confession and Words of Assurance

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. While we kept silence, our bodies wasted away through our groaning all day long. Then we acknowledged our sin to you and we did not hide our iniquity. We said, “We will confess our transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of our sin. Let all who are faithful offer prayer to you O God. At a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach us. You are a hiding place for us; you preserve us from trouble; you surround us with glad cries of deliverance. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all who are upright in heart.   (Psalm 81)

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: Selections from Luke 11-21

Anthem      “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need/Gymnopedie No. 1”

                  American Folk/Erik Satie, Arr. J. Reddell-Popovich

Sermon:   "Our Needs"     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 769 For Everyone Born

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory   "God, Thy Great Goodness Never Ends"   Ludwig van Beethoven

Prayer of Dedication

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 444 “Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive”

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

We go now with faith, trusting God’s Spirit to guide us; we go now with hope, waiting for the fullness of Christ’s reign; we go now with love, resting in God’s care and the care of God’s people. Amen.

Postlude   "Five Elise"      Paul Desmond/Ludwig van Beethoven, Arr. Syd R. Duke

Part Two

Due to technical difficulties, today's worship is presented in two parts; additionally, part two is presented on it's side.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Thank you.  - webmaster

“Awakening from the slumbering night I gratefully open my entire being to you, receiving spiritual medication for my life, vitamins of grace for my soul’s journey. Each morning as I enter into prayerfulness I receive from your abundant medicine chest effective remedies for a lack of enthusiasm, a renewed strength for the ability to love, a clearer motivation for my daily occupation, and an endless portion of healing grace.” ~Macrina Wiederkehr

Prelude      "The Steadfast Love of the Lord"     

Chimes

Centering Prayer

“You tap at the window of our hearts.  You knock at the door of our busyness.  You call out in our night dreams.  You whisper in our haphazard prayer.  You beckon.  You invite.  You entice.  You woo.  You holler.  You insist: “Come!” says God.  God whispers, “Come into my waiting embrace.  Rest your turmoil in my easy silence.  Put aside your heavy bag of burdens.  Accept the simple peace I offer you.”  Amen. 1

Welcome

Dedication to the memory of those lost on September 9, 2010  - George Lynch

Introit            “Til It's Gone”   JT Nero

Call to Worship

ALL: Spending time in worship contains a tableau of possibilities, countless opportunities to encounter God’s indwelling gift of radiance.

ONE: A glimmer of hope in depression. A ray of courage amid life’s trials. A sparkle of joy at the end of illness. A flash of valuable intuition. A beam of illuminating perception. A glow of pleasure and contentment. A radiance only the stilled soul perceives.

ALL: Let us worship God!  2

Hymn 819  Be Still My Soul

Prayer of Confession

Help us, O Lord, to look for the good in others, and not the evil.  Enable us to understand before we condemn.  Make us quick to forgive, knowing how greatly we stand in need of forgiveness.  Help us to remember that it is often lack of thought rather than lack of love that leads others to do wrong.  And make us mindful of the snares that entangle our own feet.  Hear the confessions of our hearts in a moment of silent reflection now.  Amen.

Words of Assurance

Welcome now the abundant grace of God: in Jesus, your sins are forgiven.  Let God's love and comfort heal your soul.  Redeeming God, in you we are always welcome and accepted.  Always forgiven and renewed.  Draw us closer to you, today and always.  Amen.

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Words of Assurance

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-22

Anthem       “In the Garden"        C.Austin Miles, Arr. Barny Roberston

Sermon:  "Still Inconvenient"   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 757 “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples”

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory   “Balm in Gilead”

Prayer of Dedication

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 32  I Sing the Mighty Power of God

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

We go now with faith, trusting God’s Spirit to guide us; we go now with hope, waiting for the fullness of Christ’s reign; we go now with love, resting in God’s care and the care of God’s people. Amen.

Postlude   “Your Grace is Enough” Matt Maher

1 Song of Songs 2:8-12

2 Fragments of Your Sacred Name

“El Shaddai, God of the mountains, the strong, noble, powerful one, whom Abraham and Sarah called by name in their prayer.  You are also “the breasted one” spoken to by prayerful ancients.  I call upon you, too, in my need, to empower me in my uncertainty, to embolden me in my fearfulness, to strengthen me in my weakness.”   ~“Fragments of Your Ancient Name”

Chimes

Centering Prayer

Blessed are you, Lord our God!  Glorious is your name in all the earth!  We celebrate who you are, and all that you have done for us. You hold our lives in your hands and catch us when we stumble.  So we come together today, led by your Holy Spirit, to worship you:  to sing your praise, to confess our mistakes, and to receive your love and mercy.  Be present among us as we worship you, and as we open ourselves to your word.   Amen.

Welcome

Introit            “Art Thou With Me?”     J.S. Bach

Call to Worship

ALL:  O God, we joyously come together to worship, realizing we need not summon you into our midst, for you are here.

ONE: We need not call you into the secret places of our hearts, for you are there.

ALL:   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, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Let us worship God!

Hymn 409  God Is Here!

Prayer of Confession

Help us, O Lord, to look for the good in others, and not the evil.  Enable us to understand before we condemn.  Make us quick to forgive, knowing how greatly we stand in need of forgiveness.  

Help us to remember that it is often lack of thought rather than lack of love that leads others to do wrong.  And make us mindful of the snares that entangle our own feet.  Hear the confessions of our hearts in a moment of silent reflection now.

Response Hymn 437

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

You are the Christ, giver of mercy!

You are the Lord, giver of mercy!

Words of Assurance

Welcome now the abundant grace of God: in Jesus, your sins are forgiven.  Let God's love and comfort heal your soul.  Redeeming God, in you we are always welcome and accepted.  Always forgiven and renewed.  Draw us closer to you, today and always.  Amen.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 448

Peace of God be with you.  Peace of God be with you.

Salaam, salaam. Peace of God be with you.

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-7     

Anthem       “Rejoice in the Lord Always”     Richard Gieseke

Sermon:  “Healing Pandemic Anxiety”  Reverend Christy Pierce

Hymn 793 O Christ, the Healer

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory   “Träumerei”     Robert Schumann

Prayer of Dedication

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 465  What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Announcements

Closing Benediction (unison)

We go now with faith, trusting God’s Spirit to guide us; we go now with hope, waiting for the fullness of Christ’s reign; we go now with love, resting in God’s care and the care of God’s people. Amen.

Postlude   "Over the Rainbow"     Arlen/Harburg