January 3, 2020 Second Sunday in Christmas

 Morning Worship Text: January 3, 2021  

Second Sunday of Christmas

Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery.



Welcome


Musical Meditation


Focus



Lighting the Christ Candles  We light our candles or lights.
Voice One: In the beginning, God said,
Voice Two: Let there be light, and there was light!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!


Call to Worship  Based on Ephesians 1                                                                                       Leader: To the Father who has given us every spiritual blessing in Christ.                                                                People: We give praise and glory                                                                                                                               Leader: To the Son through whom we have redemption, forgiveness, and the riches of God’s grace.                        People: We give praise and glory                                                                                                                                Leader: To the Spirit that seals us in His promise, the guarantee of our inheritance until we possess it.                    People: We give praise and glory.                                                                            (https://cardiphonia.org/2010/04/18/call-to-worship-ephesians-1/)

Invocation
O Holy One,
heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds
and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem.
Through the telling of the Christmas story,
let our temporal lives be caught up in the eternal
in that same child,
that we might join shepherds and all the heavenly host
in praising the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.




Scripture: 
Jeremiah 31:7-14
31:7 For thus says the LORD: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, "Save, O LORD, your people, the remnant of Israel."
31:8 See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here.
31:9 With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock."
31:11 For the LORD has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.
31:12 They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again.
31:13 Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.
31:14 I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the LORD.

Sirach 24:1-12
24:1 Wisdom praises herself, and tells of her glory in the midst of her people.
24:2 In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth, and in the presence of his hosts she tells of her glory:
24:3 "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and covered the earth like a mist.
24:4 I dwelt in the highest heavens, and my throne was in a pillar of cloud.
24:5 Alone I compassed the vault of heaven and traversed the depths of the abyss.
24:6 Over waves of the sea, over all the earth, and over every people and nation I have held sway."
24:7 Among all these I sought a resting place; in whose territory should I abide?
24:8 "Then the Creator of all things gave me a command, and my Creator chose the place for my tent. He said, 'Make your dwelling in Jacob, and in Israel receive your inheritance.'
24:9 Before the ages, in the beginning, he created me, and for all the ages I shall not cease to be.
24:10 In the holy tent I ministered before him, and so I was established in Zion.
24:11 Thus in the beloved city he gave me a resting place, and in Jerusalem was my domain.
24:12 I took root in an honored people, in the portion of the Lord, his heritage.

Psalm 147:12-20
147:12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
147:13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.
147:14 He grants peace within your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.
147:15 He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
147:16 He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes.
147:17 He hurls down hail like crumbs-- who can stand before his cold?
147:18 He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
147:19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
147:20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!

Wisdom of Solomon 10:15-21
10:15 A holy people and blameless race wisdom delivered from a nation of oppressors,
10:16 She entered the soul of a servant of the Lord, and withstood dread kings with wonders and signs.
10:17 She gave to holy people the reward of their labors; she guided them along a marvelous way, and became a shelter to them by day, and a starry flame through the night.
10:18 She brought them over the Red Sea, and led them through deep waters;
10:19 but she drowned their enemies, and cast them up from the depth of the sea.
10:20 Therefore the righteous plundered the ungodly; they sang hymns, O Lord, to your holy name, and praised with one accord your defending hand;
20:21 for wisdom opened the mouths of those who were mute, and made the tongues of infants speak clearly.

Ephesians 1:3-14
1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
1:4 just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.
1:5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will,
1:6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
1:8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight
1:9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ,
1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
1:11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,
1:12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
1:13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;
1:14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.

John 1:(1-9), 10-18
1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1:2 He was in the beginning with God.
1:3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being
1:4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
1:7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
1:8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
1:9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
1:10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.
1:11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him.
1:12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God,
1:13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
1:14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.
1:15 (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'")
1:16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
1:17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
1:18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.


Meditation


Invitation to the Table 
The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.


Prayer of Communion 
Elders this month are 

Words of Institution 
We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord Supper 
We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.


Prayer of Thanksgiving & 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.


Prayers of the People

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, you dwell with us in the darkness and the light of our lives. Give us grace to call out to you with devotion and praise as we pray for the Church and for the World, saying, “Emmanuel… hear our prayer.”

Leader May the radiance of the star that shone brightly over Bethlehem illumine our nation, filling it with light and peace. Emmanuel,

People Hear our prayer.

Leader May people in all the world find refuge and love in times of danger and fear, and may the Church be awakened to the human needs of our present time. Emmanuel,

People Hear our prayer.

Leader As the Magi came bearing gifts, may we, this Christmas, gift our local community with the gold of charity, the myrrh of kindness, and the incense of prayer. Emmanuel,

People Hear our prayer.

Leader We pray for those in our congregational family who are sick or distressed; and for all those affected by the Coronavirus. We pray for all who suffer, especially: the homeless, the hungry, and those in prison. To these our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, may our hearts be a manger of welcome, and our hands a cradle of Joy. Emmanuel,

People Hear our prayer.

Leader May the blessed hope of everlasting life, be the Truth of those whom we have known and loved, but see no longer. 

People Hear our prayer.

Celebrant We adore you, Ever-present God, and we bless you, because by the holy birth of Christ you give hope to all the world. May our prayers become living words, inspired by the Word who lives in us always, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer is from The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer

2944 Erie Ave. · Cincinnati, OH 45208
(513) 321-6700

People Amen.

Challenge for Discipleship 

The Word has become flesh and dwelt among us. Let Christ’s light shine in the darkest corner of your life. Let Christ’s love shine in the darkest corners of our world. God is with us. Alleluia. Amen.                                                                                (Ruth Duck, Bread for the Journey, Pilgrim Press, 1981, p.26.)

Blessing     We speak in unison.
The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.   We abide in peace!  And we go forth into the world with JOY!

December 27, 2020 Worship Text

 Morning Worship Text: December 27, 2020   
First Sunday of Christmas
Jesus is Presented in the Temple

Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery.

Think of an older person who has had an influence on your faith, maybe even celebrated you as you grew in faith. Place a picture or object in your worship center to remind you of them.

Welcome


Musical Meditation


Focus
This Sunday is often called Presentation Sunday, because we read and remember the time when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to present him. There, they met Simeon and Anna, two older people who waited their whole lives in hope of God's saving work among their people. Who are the older people we have encountered through our faith? Who greeted us with excitement when we were first brought to church? Can we imagine their response to Mary, Joseph and Jesus, the Christ?


Lighting the Christ Candles  We light our candles or lights.
Voice One: In the beginning, God said,
Voice Two: Let there be light, and there was light!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!


Call to Worship  (from Psalm 148)
Voice One: Praise God from the heavens!
Voice Two: Praise the Lord from the skies above!
Voice One: Praise God, angels and all the hosts of heaven!
Voice Two: Praise the Lord, sun and moon, and shining stars!
Voice One: Praise God, all creatures great and small,
Voice Two: Praise the Lord, animals and birds, reptiles and fish!
Voice One: Praise God, rulers of the earth and people everywhere,
Voice Two: Praise the Lord, men and women, young and old!
Voice One: Let all the earth bring praise to the Lord,
Voice Two: At whose word creation came into being.
ALL: We gather to praise and worship our God!

-Christine Longhurst at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/04/call-to-worship-litany-psalm-148.html


Invocation

Holy God of Love,
There is light in our lives
because of the abundance of your steadfast love.
A love so vast, so deep, so real,
that you became one of us.
May we live within the power of this love.
And may we share its light with a world
where too many dwell in darkness. Amen.

~ written by Joanna Harader, and posted on Spacious Faith. http://spaciousfaith.com/


Scripture: Luke 2:22-40
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law,  Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

-New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Meditation


Invitation to the Table
The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.


Prayer of Communion
Elders this month are Virgil Burnside Judy Halstead, and Kyle Sowers.

Words of Institution
We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord Supper
We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.


Prayer of Thanksgiving & 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.


Prayers of the People
We gather to praise you O God,
for all the things we can see, and sometimes understand:
the sun, moon and stars; the clouds and changing weather:
We join in their eternal chorus of praise to God.

We gather to praise you, O God,
for all the things that we cannot see or understand:
all heaven’s angels, outer space; and the skies above us;
We join in their eternal chorus of praise to God.

In our praise, we remember how you have been present with us in times of trouble and trial. With confidence that you will be with us today and always, we lift to you now the troubles that we are facing today...(Silent Prayer)
We remember those we know in our family, our neighborhood, our church and community who are facing struggles and difficulties  right now and lift their names to you...(Silent Prayer)

We gather to praise you O God,
for all the things in life that we experience:
the created world, people of all ages and circumstances,
all God’s creations.
We join in their eternal chorus of praise to God:
whose name is glorious, and whose ways are holy. Amen.

~ written by Joan Stott, and posted on The Timeless Psalms.  http://www.wesleychurchgeelong.net/  If used in shared worship, please provide an acknowledgement as follows: © 2012 Joan Stott – "The Timeless Psalms" RCL Psalm Year B, used with permission.


Challenge for Discipleship


Blessing     We speak in unison.
The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.   We abide in peace!  And we go forth into the world with JOY!

Worship Text December 6, 2020

 Morning Worship Text: December 6, 2020   
Advent 1: Hope

Advent - A Season for Preparing for the Lord
Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece
of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area
in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place
your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery.

For the next five weeks, you will want an Advent Wreath. You can use any arrangement of 5 candles/lights to make your own. At church, we often use 3 purple candles, one pink and one white. Some Advent wreaths use all white and some use 4 red or purple and one white. The candles can be placed on a tray, a wreath form or a wood block and surounded with greens.

Welcome

Musical Meditation


The Advent Wreath: Clean-Up Crew

Voice One: It is one thing to notice that there is work to be done. It is quite another thing to determine that you are the one who needs to do that work! This week’s worship is about commitment. How might we be about the business of lifting valleys and bringing down hills so that the way of the Lord is prepared? It seems beyond us, certainly. Especially when we seem so limited these days. Where do we start?

Voice Two: We start with prayer. We pray as though we were members of a clean-up crew, knowing we are making a difference in the world and in the lives of those around us. What are the hills that we need to be praying get moved out of the way so that God’s way can be accessed? What are the valleys, and who is down in those valleys that need to be lifted up so that they can see the one who comes? We don’t pray because we’re helpless. We pray because we know where the power is. And with prayer comes the Peace of Christ.

Voice One:  We light this candle as a sign of Christ's Peace.  Peace that is more than a quiet moment.  The Peace of Christ helps us build a solid bridge across troubled waters. The Peace of Christ guides us to the broken places and teaches us to mend. Let this light be the guide that brings us to Emmanuel, God With Us,  once more.  (Light the Candle of Peace)

All:  O Come, O come, Emmanuel.

- umcdiscipleship.org Discipleship Ministries The United Methodist Church, October 27, 2020 post by Derek Weber


Lighting the Christ Candles  We light our candles or lights.
Voice One: In the beginning, God said,
Voice Two: Let there be light, and there was light!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!


Call to Worship 
Voice One: Listen! The voice of God calls out across the ages.
Voice Two:: We hear and respond. We rise up to worship God from the valleys, the mountains, and the plains.
Voice One: Like a shepherd God leads us and tenderly gathers us together.
Voice Two: Comfort, comfort O my people says our God of love.
All: The grass withers and the flower fades; But the word of our God will stand forever!
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/opening-liturgy-isaiah-40-1-11.html

Invocation   
O God,
You call to us from the wild places,
You call to us from the inner chambers of our hearts.
We come in answer to your call.
We come to pray, to praise,
To learn of your love for all creation.
Reveal your glory that we may see it together -
Inform and inspire us to seek your kingdom on earth in our time. Amen.
— From Valleys to Mountains, Service Prayers for the Second Sunday of Advent, was written by the Rev. Penny L. Lowes, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and a free-lance writer. Posted on the Worship Ways website of the United Church of Christ.
 


Scripture: Psalm 85                                  (Related Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11)
Lord, you were favorable to your land;
    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people;
    you pardoned all their sin.Selah
You withdrew all your wrath;
    you turned from your hot anger.
Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
    and put away your indignation toward us.
Will you be angry with us forever?
    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
    so that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
    and grant us your salvation.
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
    for he will speak peace to his people,
    to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
    that his glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
    righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
    and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,
    and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
    and will make a path for his steps.

-New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


Meditation


Invitation to the Table
The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.

Prayer of Communion
Elders this month are Gwynne Griffith and Kathy Sharp.

Words of Institution
We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.

The Lord Supper
We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.


Prayer of Thanksgiving & 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.

Prayers of the People
Where there seems to be no way to end the conflict and violence in our time,
we pray that you would teach us, O Christ,
to prepare the way;

Make us instruments of your Peace.

Where we can see no way
to provide for the needs of all people,
we pray that you would show us, O Christ,
how to prepare the way;

Make us instruments of your Peace.
Where we have not yet begun to bridge the gaps between who we are and who you call us to be, we pray that you would change us, O Christ,
until we prepare the way;

Make us instruments of your Peace.

Where we are unable to believe in a way
to live constructively together,
we pray that you would inspire us, O Christ,
to faith that prepares the way;

Make us instruments of your Peace.

In a world where we are tempted
to see so many of our challenges as dead-ends,
we pray for a new vision, a new heart and a new commitment
to prepare the way for your reign,
your grace, your shalom
and for the liberation, justice and peace that you bring, as we prepare the way,

Make us instruments of your Peace, Oh Christ.
Amen.

https://sacredise.com/prayers/season/advent/preparing-the-way/

Challenge for Discipleship
Take the candle of Peace out into the world.  Take the light of Peaceand chase away the darkness of this world.  We may want to build this Peace for the light of our homes and our own hearts, but the world needs it too, share it.  You and the world will both have enough light.  

Blessing     We speak in unison.
The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.   We abide in peace!  And we go forth into the world with Hope!

Worship Text November 22, 2020

Morning Worship Text: November 22, 2020

 
Ordinary Time - A Season for Spiritual Growth
Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery.

Today you may want a small pitcher, carafe or bottle full of water and a cup with saucer into which to pour it.





Welcome


Musical Meditation

Focus   "Still Waters and Cups Over-flowing"

Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,


Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!


Voice One: We light these candles today,


Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!

Call to Worship   

Voice One: The Lord is our Shepherd
Voice Two: We shall not want           

Voice One: We seek the grace of God
Voice Two: and our cup runneth over,        We pour a little water into the bowl.

Voice One: We seek the will of God
Voice Two: and our cup runneth over        We pour a little water into the bowl.

Voice One: We seek the strength of God
Voice Two: and our cup runneth over        We pour a little water into the bowl.

Voice One: How generous is God's love
Voice Two: so much the world cannot contain it

Voice One: The Lord is our Shepherd
Voice Two: and we lack nothing!           We pour a little water into the bowl and let it overflow into the saucer.

~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws. http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws


Invocation    

Gracious God,
We come with joy to meet You here,
to eat and drink at Your table,
to taste and see Your goodness,
to celebrate Your grace and mercy in our lives.
May Your Spirit inspire our praise and thanksgiving,
our prayers and petitions
as we worship together in Your presence.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our host and Lord,
Amen.

-from a longer prayer by Christine Longhurst, https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/09/opening-prayer-matthew-22-1-14.html

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.  As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God.  I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.

Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.  Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide,  I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.  And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Related readings: Psalm 23, Matthew 25:31-46, John 10:1-18


Meditation



Invitation to the Table    The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.


Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Gwynne Griffith and Kathy Sharp.


Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.


Prayer of Thanksgiving "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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.


Prayers of the People

Lord God - we give you thanks for all your gifts to us – for daily food - for health - for each breath we take - for freedom to choose - and for the gifts of your word, your power, and your love.  Our hearts are truly overwhelmed, O God, when we consider all that you are and how you have entrusted so much to us.  May we be worthy of that trust - may we be a people who are unafraid to live as fully and as richly as you want us to live.

Lord, hear our prayer...

Help us O God, as followers of Jesus, to multiply all that you given us, to risk spreading your word and perhaps see it misunderstood, to gamble by loving those whom others think worthy only of hate, to take chances by doing good to those who have not done good to us.  Help us be faith filled and to desire to
increase your glory and your goodness in this world.  Make us ones who share in both word and deed that which you have given to us. 

Lord,  hear our prayer....

We pray, O God, for the church here today - that it may encourage all its members to discover, develop, and use all their gifts, those of nature and those of grace.

Lord,  hear our prayer...

We pray for those who are poor in body or in spirit...  for those who are oppressed and heavy laden....  for those who are sick or in despair...  Minister O God by your Spirit, and by us, to all those for whom we have prayed - and help us walk faithfully in the path of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, hear our prayers and receive our praise and thanksgiving. You created us. You save. You guide and sustain us. Our cup over flows! Thank you, Good Shepherd! Our hearts belong to you! Amen.

— adapted from a prayer by copyright © Rev. Richard J. Fairchild, and posted on his Kir-Shalom website. Visit his site for other good lectionary-based worship resources and sermons.


Challenge for Discipleship: 

 

Blessing     We speak in unison.



The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.   We abide in peace!
 

Worship Text November 15, 2020

 Morning Worship Text: November 8, 2020

 
Welcome


Musical Meditation

Focus

Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,
Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!


Call to Worship  
Voice One: Let us prepare our hearts to receive God's word,
Voice Two: Let us watch for the one who heard our cries
and shouldered the suffering of our world,
Voice One: Let us anticipate the kingdom of God
Voice Two: coming with wholeness, reconciliation and plenty for all.
Voice One: Let us wait in expectation for the day
Voice Two: when God’s glory is revealed in all its fullness.

~ written by Christine Sine (2012), and posted on GodSpace. http://godspace.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/prayers-for-the-journey-advent-prayers-for-the-week/


Invocation   
Holy God,
Your extravagant love has called us together. We come before You with praise and thanksgiving, offering You the worship of our hearts and lives, and opening ourselves to the prompting and leading of Your Holy Spirit. Receive our worship—our praise and prayers and offerings— through the intercession of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. May the time we spend here in Your presence bring honour and glory to Your Name.  Amen.
-adapted from a prayer by Christine Longhurst, https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/07/opening-prayer-romans-826-34.html


Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:12-24
But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.

See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound[d] and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.



Meditation


Invitation to the Table
The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.


Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Gwynne Griffith and Kathy Sharp.


Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.


Prayer of Thanksgiving "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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.


Prayers of the People

All: Our gracious eternal God, the ancient words of Paul echo in our souls this day. We are so much like the people of the Thessalonian Church and its culture.

We want to have glimpses of the future so that we might know that we are secure.
We want to have the security to know that tomorrow will be alright.
We want to have life all buttoned down and figured out so there will be no surprises.
We want you to rid us of all anxiety and worry and fear.
We want to know that when the great call comes for us we will be safe.
We want all darkness and all uncertainty removed from our lives.

All: Become alive for us again in these quiet moments. Open to us your powerful and grace-filled presence.

Lead our spirits to find the courage to say, “All will be well because we are yours.”
Lead our spirits to find the ability to live one moment and one day at a time.
Lead our spirits to serenity and a peace which the world cannot give.
Lead our spirits to know that with your power we can cope with whatever surprises life presents to us.

All: Lead our spirits to know that we are destined “not for wrath” but for your redeeming. And lead our spirits to know that “whether we wake or sleep,” living or dying, we are yours into the ages of all ages. Amen.

— Richard J Einerson, posted on Richard J. Einerson: Prayers of the People. For more of his prayers, see his book, Prayers of the People.

Challenge for Discipleship:


Blessing     We speak in unison.

The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.   We abide in peace!


Worship Text November 8, 2020

 Morning Worship Text: November 8, 2020

 
Welcome


Musical Meditation


Focus


Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,


Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!


Call to Worship  
Voice One: Are you awake? Are you alert?
Voice Two: Christ is coming into our lives in a new way.
Voice One: What do you see happening in the world today?
Voice Two: Christ is coming into our lives in a new way.
Voice One: Do you see opportunities for ministry? Do you see a specific need in our community?
Voice Two: Christ is coming into our lives in a new way.
Voice One: Come, let us worship.
Voice Two: Let us refresh our hearts to work together in God's kingdom!

~ adapted from a piece written by Rev. Mindi, on her Rev-o-lution blog.



Invocation   
Holy God, through Your boundless grace and mercy, we have been set free—
free from the controlling power of sin,
free from a way of life that leads only to death,
free from hopelessness and fear.
Not only that but, through Your Holy Spirit,
we have been invited into Your family,
adopted as Your own sons and daughters—
children of God—
and made heirs of Your glory.
And so no matter what comes our way,
we live in confidence and hope,
eagerly anticipating the day
when all creation will be made new,
and we will see You face to face. Amen.

-adapted from a prayer by Christine Longhurst  https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/07/prayer-of-thanksgiving-romans-8.html


Scripture: I Thessalonians 4:9-18

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.


Meditation


Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.

Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Gwynne Griffith and Kathy Sharp..


Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.


Prayer of Thanksgiving "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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.


Prayers of the People

The Apostle Paul tells us that the Spirit of God prays for us
“with sighs too deep for words”. 
Through the Life-Giving Breath of God,
we are given all that we need. 
Let us breathe deeply—
inhaling the good gifts that God provides,
and exhaling all of the things that we need to release.

Let us breathe in strength.  (Pause for breath…) 
And, let us exhale our exhaustion.  (Pause for breath…)

Let us breathe in freedom.  (Pause for breath…) 
And, let us exhale all that holds us back.  (Pause for breath…)

Let us breathe in a new sense of direction.  (Pause for breath…) 
And, let us exhale the paths we no longer want to use.  (Pause for breath…)

Let us breathe in hope.  (Pause for breath…) 
And, let us exhale self-doubt.  (Pause for breath…)

Let us breathe in unconditional love.  (Pause for breath…) 
And, let us exhale distrust and hate.  (Pause for breath…)

All: Holy Spirit, let us feel the mighty rush of your presence in this place. 
Blow away our fears and worries,
and help us to breathe in your gifts of new life.  Amen.

~ written by Amy Loving, and posted on The Worship Closet website. http://worshipcloset.com/




Challenge for Discipleship: 


Blessing     We speak in unison.

The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.   We abide in peace!


Worship Text October 25, 2020

 Morning Worship Text: October 25, 2020

Ordinary Time - A Season for Spiritual Growth


Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. If you have a picture of a view that inspires you, that reminds you of God's greatness, place it in your worship area today!



 

Welcome



Musical Meditation



Focus   When we have a bad day, what do we say to God? What do we want to say to God? What do we want to have the strength to say?



Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,


Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!


Voice One: We light these candles today,


Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!


Call to Worship   


Voice 1:      Lord, you teach us to tell time differently.
Voice 2:  A thousand years or a day makes no difference to you.
All:              Help us to make the most of every moment you give us.

Voice 1:      A day without you at the center is a day wasted.
Voice 2:  Show us your love in the morning
                  And we will skip and dance all day long.
All:             May the blessing of the Lord rest on us today.

—by Chrisine Longhurst and posted on https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/10/intergenerational-call-to-worship.html



Invocation    We pray together in unison.

God in heaven, in your goodness you pour out on your people all that they need, and satisfy those who persist in prayer. Make us bold in asking, thankful in receiving, tireless in seeking, and joyful in finding, that we may always proclaim your coming kingdom and do your will on earth as in heaven. Amen.

~ from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.  Posted on Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.


Scripture: Matthew 6:5-14 (from Matthew's account of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount)

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
 in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
 or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
 from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn us back to dust,
 and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”


4 For a thousand years in your sight
    are like yesterday when it is past,
    or like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream,
    like grass that is renewed in the morning;
6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;
    in the evening it fades and withers.

13 Turn, O Lord! How long?
    Have compassion on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
    so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us,
    and as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be manifest to your servants,
    and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
    and prosper for us the work of our hands—
    O prosper the work of our hands!

-New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

Children's Sermon

 

Sermon
 


Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.

 

Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Will Bondurant and Dennis Blackburn.




 

Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.



The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.




 

Prayer of Thanksgiving "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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.

 

Prayers of the People

God our provider,
Every generation has found its home in you
and discovered that every moment spent in your holy presence
lasts beyond all imaginable time.
You watch over us in the night,
cradling us in your arms as tenderly as a nurse
cares for her children and her neighbor's.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Full of wisdom,God our Savior,
you humbled yourself that we might learn
to love those who have been swept aside
by a callous and cruel world.
Witness to God's grace, you call us to act
in ways of peace-filled loving to all we meet in this life.

Praise God all creatures here below!

In the fresh breeze on a summer's day;
in the leaves dancing across autumn's lawns;
in the crisp, new snowfall crunching beneath our feet;
in the new life flowering in the spring:
from everlasting to everlasting
you proclaim grace to us,
God our Comforter.

Praise God above you heavenly hosts!

God in Community, Holy in Three in One,
continue to be the dwelling place
of our minds, our hearts, our souls,
in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen.

— adapted from a prayer written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his excellent Lectionary Liturgies website. Visit that site for other great lectionary-based worship resources.


Challenge for Discipleship



 Blessing     We speak in unison.



The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.   We abide in peace!


Worship Text October 18, 2020

 Morning Worship Text: September 20, 2020

Ordinary Time - A Season for Spiritual Growth
Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery. If you have a picture, sampler, card or plaque with the Lord's Prayer on it, include it in your worship area today.



Welcome



Musical Meditation

Focus   What is your earliest OR most significant memory of "The Lord's Prayer?"



Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,


Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!


Voice One: We light these candles today,


Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!

 

Call to Worship   


Voice One: The earth has its kings, but God is ruler of all.
Voice Two: Praise God above all, the giver of life!
Voice One: The mountains may tremble, the oceans may roar,
Voice Two: But God's presence is more powerful than the earth itself.
Voice One: Come into God's presence, for God is among us now.
Voice Two: O God, show us your glory; we seek your ways.
Voice One: Come to the Rock, the God of life,
Voice Two: For God is present now.

—Mary Scifres, on the Ministry Matters website. http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/blog/entry/1779/worship-elements-october-16-2011


Invocation    We pray together in unison.
God in heaven, in your goodness you pour out on your people all that they need, and satisfy those who persist in prayer. Make us bold in asking, thankful in receiving, tireless in seeking, and joyful in finding, that we may always proclaim your coming kingdom and do your will on earth as in heaven. Amen.

~ from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.  Posted on Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.


Scripture: Matthew 6:5-14 (from Matthew's account of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount)

And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

-New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


Sermon 


Invitation to the Table  The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.


Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Dennis Blackburn and Will Bondurant.




Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.




 

Prayer of Thanksgiving "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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.


Prayers of the People

O God, through Jesus’ sacrifice
you have restored us as your forgiven children. 
In his name we pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

 
Help us to know you through your inspired Word
and to live by it as children in your family.

Hallowed be thy name.

 
Give us your Holy Spirit to rule in our hearts,
and use us to extend your kingdom of grace to others.

Thy kingdom come.

 
Make us zealous to carry out your will as gladly as the angels do,
and to conform our will to yours.

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

 
Merciful Lord, since you are the provider
of all things necessary for our bodies; fill us with trust.

Give us this day our daily bread.

 
Continue to erase our sins,
and help us gladly to forgive
and to do good to those who wrong us.

And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.

 
We know there are evils that can destroy our lives
and the world lures us to ruin by appealing to our fears and desires. 
Guard us from the poison of bitterness
and the trap of unrepented sin.

And lead us not into temptation.

 
Keep safe our bodies and souls, our property and honor,
and above all send the Holy Spirit to preserve our faith in Christ
which leads to life everlasting.

But deliver us from evil.

 
For all these petitions we look to you
Creator of all, Savior of our souls and Comforter of our hearts,

For thine is the kingdom,

 
You alone hold the power to answer prayer.

and the power,

 
We worship you from whom all blessings flow.

and the glory forever and ever.

 
Relying on Jesus, who cancelled our sins
and made us acceptable in your sight,
we pray with confidence:

Amen.

— adapted from a prayer posted on the Worship Ideas You Can Use website. 

Challenge for Discipleship



Blessing     We speak in unison.



The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us. We abide in peace!


October 11, 2020....Worship

 Morning Worship Text: October 11, 2020 

Ordinary Time - A Season for Spiritual Growth
Before we begin, gather a candle or small light, your Bible, a cross,  a piece of bread and a cup of juice or water. Place them at the center of a calm area in your home and gather comfortable seating for all who will join you. Place your phone, tablet  or computer where you can see and hear it. You may want to connect a charger, rather than rely on battery.

A good visual for today is the symbol of a cross. Place one that you have or that you have made that speaks to "having the mind of Christ," the humble nature and willingness to trust God, no matter what.



 

Welcome



Musical Meditation



Focus


Lighting the Christ Candles      We light our candles or lights.

Voice One: In the beginning, God said,


Voice Two: "Let there be light," and there was light!


Voice One: We light these candles today,


Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
 


Call to Worship   


Voice 1: In our worship we are called to bring all that we are, all that we have, all that we hope for, all that we can be, in grateful thanksgiving.

Voice 2:  We commit ourselves anew to God's purposes, grateful that God has given us life and filled our lives with fullness and with joy.

Voice 1:  Come, Let us worship; let us praise God's holy name.  

                   Call to worship designed by Douglas Greenough, 1985, Worship for All Seasons

Invocation    We pray together in unison.
 
God our creator, redeemer, sustainer:  We come together before you today with grateful hearts and with thanksgiving on our lips.  May our worship be in spirit and in truth;  may our hearts and minds be receptive to your Word;  may our community be responsive to your call.  We comes as your thankful people.  AMEN.  



Scripture:  Philippians 4:1-9  and Isaiah 25:1-9
Isaiah 25:1-9
25:1 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.

25:2 For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt.

25:3 Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.

25:4 For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm,

25:5 the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled.

25:6 On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.

25:7 And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever.

25:8 Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.

25:9 It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Philippians 4:1-9
4:1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

4:2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

4:3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

4:5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

4:6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

4:8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

4:9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Children's Sermon:  Letting God Take Care of You!


Sermon 



Invitation to the Table The bread and cup and placed on the table for the Lord’s Supper.


Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Kathy Sharp and Kyle Sowers.




 

Words of Institution We break the bread and lift the cup as the words are spoken.


The Lord's Supper We share in the bread and cup as we hear the music.




 

Prayer of Thanksgiving "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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass 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.




Prayers of the People 

Praise to you, Lord our God, for you are ever faithful to your word.  Have mercy on us and listen as we pray:  Lord, bless you people.

Lord, creator of heaven and earth, give us a spirit of thanksgiving at the dawning of this day.  Lord, bless you people.

Fill us with grateful joy on this Sunday, as we celebrate with all the Church the love we know in Christ our Risen Lord.  Lord, bless you people.

Diffuse the light we see in Christ so all places, both dark and bright see the light your love and grace brings to this world.   Lord, bless you people.

May your Spirit teach us to do your will, and may your wisdom guide us.  Lord, bless you people.

Keep us from falling victim to evil today, and help us overcome evil with good.  Lord, bless you people.

With your Spirit bring healing to all who are sick, comfort to all who grief, and nurture and care to all who hurt.   Lord, bless you people.

God of the universe, when you raised Jesus, you made him the light of the world.  May the love w e know in Christ shine forth to the ends of the earth.  Amen.

Challenge for Discipleship



Blessing     We speak in unison.



The Light that was in one place and at one time, is now in all places and all times, for God has placed the light in us.   We abide in peace!