Order of Worship
Order of Worship
September 24, 2017
Guiding Vision
“We are a diverse, Christ-centered people, learning together and reaching out to serve the community in faith, hope, and love.”
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We Open Ourselves to God and Each Other
Prelude “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” John Barr
Welcome and Announcements
Choral Introit “We Are Standing on Holy Ground”
*Call to Worship
Liturgist: We come to praise our God,
whose steadfast love is always with us.
People: God does not stand by idly,
but fills us with grace to share.
Liturgist: We are here to praise Jesus,
who chooses to be gracious with all.
People: Jesus does not stand by idly,
but brings justice to all treated unfairly.
Liturgist: We will praise the Spirit in these moments,
who is always at our side.
People: The Spirit is with us now and always,
so we may live as faithful people.
*Hymn “Holy Spirit, Come with Power” (insert) (46)
Call to Reconciliation
We think we know how God will react if we confess our lives – a rap on the knuckles, sending us to our rooms without dessert, or even an eternal time-out. But instead, we receive forgiveness, constant love, gracious justice. Let us lift our prayers to the One who always surprises us, as we pray together, saying,
Prayer of Confession
It is true that we grumble too much, Patient God. We are easily stampeded by the promises of those around us, only to wonder how we end up where we find ourselves. We see so much of everything on our devices, and become convinced we deserve more. Though we know others have the same struggles, we have trouble standing by their side.
Forgive us, Unpredictable God, as you continue to shower us with your steadfast love. You as so slow to get mad, yet rush to share your grace with us. May we continue to seek to live in the way of justice, hope, and peace shown to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Assurance of Pardon
Pastor: Unlike us, God chooses not anger, but mercy; not punishment, but peace; not just what we earn, but more grace than we can begin to imagine.
People: Now we know what the kingdom of heaven is like – steadfast love, joy and laughter, the life for which we have yearned. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven!
Amen.
*Passing the Peace
We invite the congregation to openly greet one another. Show a smile, shake a hand, give a hug. Let’s share God’s love with one another. During the singing of “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”, please find your way back to your seat as we continue fellowship.
*Song of Response sung while on the way back to our seats
“They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,
and we pray that all unity may one day be restored:
Refrain
and they’ll know we are Christians by our love,
by our love,
yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love
Moment as Children
We Listen Together for the Divine Word
Anthem “We Will Serve Him” Robert Sterling
Prayer of Illumination
Loving God,
you have so made us that we cannot live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceeds from your mouth.
Give us a hunger for your Word,
and in that food, satisfy our daily need,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
1st Scripture Reading Psalm 105: 1-6
One: Here ends the reading pew Bible p. 484
All: Thanks be to God.
2nd Scripture Reading Exodus 16: 2-15
One: Here ends the reading pew Bible p. 55
All: Thanks be to God.
Sermon “Next” Rev. Charlene Hill
We Respond to God’s Call
*Hymn #368 “My Hope Is Built”
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory “I’ll Walk With God” Aleks Reupert, Soloist
*Doxology #95 “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Congregants are invited to share requests for prayer.
After each the pastor will offer: Come Holy Spirit—
And the people respond: Hear our prayer!
Pastoral Prayer
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 sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
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 #399 “Take My Life, and Let It Be”
Benediction Rev. Charlene Hill
Postlude
Pastor: Rev. Charlene Hill
Liturgist: Gracie Bates-Davis
Director of Music – Organist: Joe Wilkinson