Worship Text February 28, 2021

Morning Worship Text
February 28, 2021 


The Season of Lent: A Time to Prepare Our Hearts for Easter

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. Since we are in the season of Lent you may want to add a purple cloth to your worship center.


Welcome


Musical Mediation: “Work Up This Morning “            Janie Taulbee, pianist
-African American Spiritual, Chalice Hymnal, 623, public domain


Focus
Hope nonetheless. Hope despite.
Hope regardless. Hope still.

Hope where we had ceased to hope.
Hope amid what threatens hope.
Hope with those who feed our hope.
Hope beyond what we had hoped.

Hope that draws us past our limits.
Hope that defies expectations.
Hope that questions what we have known.
Hope that makes a way where there is none.

Hope that takes us past our fear.
Hope that calls us into life.
Hope that holds us beyond death.
Hope that blesses those to come.
~ written by Jan L. Richardson, and posted on The Painted Prayerbook. http://paintedprayerbook.com/


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: Pilgrims, we are invited to journey through this season of Lent
Voice Two: Towards the One who calls us each by a new name.

Voice One: Disciples, we walk with Jesus wherever he leads us,
Voice Two: Pulling our fears, our doubts, our longings behind us.

Voice One: Believers, we seek to trust the God who always surprises us,
Voice Two: Whose promises take on flesh and blood in the good news called Jesus.

— adapted from a prayer written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies blog. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/


Invocation

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples, and you say to us: "Take up your cross."
We will follow you, O Christ, into this time of worship,  into the needs of the world, into the truth of our lives, into the pain of our hearts, into the presence of God.  Amen.

— adapted from a prayer written by Brian Woodcock, in Traveling to Easter with Jesus as our Guide, posted on the website of Patmos Abbey—The Order of Saint Columba. http://www.patmosabbey.org/

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

    Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
    He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.  For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” 

-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.

Special Music: “God of Abraham”                         Bill Srsic, soloist
-Lyon, 1770, public domain


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 Linda Blair 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.





Communion Mediation: “More Love to Thee”    Rev Dean Phelps, guitarist/ soloist
-Prentiss/Diane, 1869, public domain


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 Great Shepherd,
Though people may turn their backs on us,
you do not hide your face from us.
Though others may try to take away our hope,
you assure us of that future waiting for us.
You speak your name, God, our Creator,
and it is enough.

When we try to dictate our fears to you,
you invite us to follow you into self-denial and service.
As we struggle to shape our lifestyle to yours,
you carry us with you wherever we go.
You speak your good news, Teacher of open hearts,
and it is enough.

Though we have done nothing to earn them,
you pour out the gifts of grace and mercy upon us.
When we stumble over our lack of trust,
you set us back on our feet, to follow you into the kingdom.
You speak your peace, Breath of Holiness,
and it is enough.

God, Our Healer, as we speak the names of those we know who are
    suffering,        worried,        celebrating,
    struggling,        learning,        grieving,
    striving,         reaching,        growing
    
God in Community, Holy in One,
it is enough that you hear us,
And respond from the depths of your holy heart.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

— adapted from a prayer written by Thom Shuman, and posted on Lectionary Liturgies blog. http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.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!  And we go forth into the world as children of God!



Postlude: “Your Grace Is Enough”         Worship lyric videos
-church license





              

February 21, 2021

Morning Worship Text
 

February 21, 2021 


The Season of Lent: A Time to Prepare Our Hearts for Easter

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. Since we are in the season of Lent you may want to add a purple cloth to your worship center.

Welcome
  
Musical Mediation:  

" I Want Jesus to Walk with Me", African American Spiritual,    Mary Bondurant

-public domain 

Focus: "Icy Landscape - When a Familiar Place Becomes a Wilderness"

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: After he was baptized by John, Jesus went by himself to the wilderness
where he was tempted.
Voice Two: Forty days in the desert, Jesus was tempted to become relevant, spectacular, and powerful.

Voice One: Today, we begin to journey with Jesus through the season of Lent,
which brings us to face some of our own weaknesses and temptations.
Voice Two: Let us worship God and walk the journey together,
seeking the spirit as our guide and companion along the way.


Invocation

God, you know our hearts.  You have knitted our inmost being and you know our deepest desires, fears and worries.  Help us to journey during this Lenten season into a new awareness of your presence in our lives.  Save us from our own temptations and teach us in times of weakness, so that we may more freely follow you.
Amen

— adapted from a prayer by copyright © Chris Heckert, and posted on his website, Heckert Resources...which doesn't seem to exist anymore. His new blog (I think!) is at Chris Heckert Blog http://chrisheckertblog.com/





Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10 & Mark 1:10-17

Psalm 25:1-10
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
 do not let me be put to shame;
 do not let my enemies exult over me.
 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
 let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
 teach me your paths.
 Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
 for you are the God of my salvation;
 for you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
 for they have been from of old.
 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
 according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
Good and upright is the Lord;  therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.


Mark 1:10-17
And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

-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 Linda Blair 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.
 

 

Communion Mediation: 

"Table of Love"                                 Chris Teesdale, pianist/vocalist
-comp. Moran and Elsinore, Chalice Praise, p168


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, there are trials that trouble us.
Though devoted to you, we still suffer distress. 
Yet we can say with confidence:

Our trust is in you. 
Our hope is in you. 
Our refuge is in you.

With confidence today, we offer to you

the trials of our hearts and minds, (PAUSE)
the struggles of friends and family, (PAUSE)
the challenges faced by our neighborhood and community, (PAUSE)
the efforts of our church to respond to need, (PAUSE)

With confidence, we lift all these concerns to you. Why? 
Because your mercy and love are older than the hills.

You are good.
You are upright.
You are faithful.

So, show us your ways Lord. 
Teach us your paths. 
Make clear to us how to live in this wilderness time.

Our trust is in you. 
Our hope is in you. 
Our refuge is in you.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

— adapted from a prayer written by Chris Altrock, and posted on his True North blog. http://chrisaltrock.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!  And we go forth into the world as children of God!



Postlude:

" How Deep the Father's Love for Us"                                  Worship Lyric Videos
  , used the church licensure 

Worship Text February 7, 2021

Morning Worship Text
February 7, 2021 


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 Mediation:   
“Just a Closer Walk”                         Andra Moran, guitarist
-public domain, used with performer’s permission

 

Focus:
God of life, God of hope, God of all

Lift us on your love like eagle's wings

Sustain us; Guide us; Heal us

Then send us forth into the world

That we may love as you love. Amen.

~ written by Terri, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/



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: Have you heard?
Voice Two: Our God is the everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth.
Voice One: Did you know this?
Voice Two: God does not faint or grow weary.
Voice One: You didn't miss it, did you?
Voice Two: God’s understanding is unsearchable.
Voice One: Have you not heard?
Voice Two: God gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless.
Voice One: Have you heard the good news?
Voice Two: Those who wait for God will renew their strength
they shall mount up with wings like eagles.
Voice One: We come to hear.
Voice Two: We come to know.
ALL: Thanks be to God.

~ adapted from a piece written by Joanna Harader and posted on Spacious Faith. https://spaciousfaith.com/

                                                                
Invocation
Holy Spirit:
With astonishment,
we see that you renew our strength,
constantly.
Allow us not to forget your presence,
Even in adversity.
And, in our turn,
we will renew our gratefulness and we
will sing for your love.
Amen

~ posted on the Sacred Pauses blog. http://www.sacredpauses.com/




Scripture: Isaiah 40:21-31 & Mark 1:29-39

Isaiah 40:21-31
 

Have you not known? Have you not heard?


Has it not been told you from the beginning?


Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
    

and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;


who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
    

and spreads them like a tent to live in;
 

who brings princes to naught,
    

and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. 

Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
    

scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,


when he blows upon them, and they wither,
    

and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

To whom then will you compare me,
    

or who is my equal? says the Holy One.


Lift up your eyes on high and see:
    

Who created these?


He who brings out their host and numbers them,
    

calling them all by name;


because he is great in strength, mighty in power,
    

not one is missing.

Why do you say, O Jacob,
    

and speak, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
    

and my right is disregarded by my God”?


Have you not known? Have you not heard?


The Lord is the everlasting God,
    

the Creator of the ends of the earth.


He does not faint or grow weary;
    

his understanding is unsearchable.
 

He gives power to the faint,
    

and strengthens the powerless.


Even youths will faint and be weary,
    

and the young will fall exhausted;


but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
    

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,


they shall run and not be weary,
    

they shall walk and not faint.

Mark 1:29-39
 

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
 

That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
 

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
 

-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 Linda Blair 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.


 

Communion Mediation     
 

“One Spirit of Love”      Paul Svenson, composer        Mary Bondurant, pianist
-Chalice Hymnal, Merrick & Polk, eds. Chalice Press (St. Louis): 1995.                                                                    


 

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:
 

You lift us up to the heights, Holy One.
On wings like eagles you enable us to
soar with the possibilities
of transformation,
both within our own souls
and within this world which needs so much care.

Teach us Lord, to wait upon you.

And yet it is not the bright skies
where we most often live.
We are here with our feet on the ground—
your feet planted firmly beside us
as we try to walk without fainting:
walk through the shadows of
death and ill-health and addiction;
as we walk through life changes:
moves, births, aging, loss.

Teach us Lord, to walk at your pace.

We need your strength to not grow weary
as we continue to hope for new life
amidst old attitudes and injuries.
We long to run and not grow faint
as we challenge bitterness and hurt
that seep into our own daily encounters;
and as we work for your compassion and wholeness
for all people, and all creatures, and the very earth.

Teach us Lord, to run in your time.

Lift us up to the heights, Holy One,
so we may again catch a glimpse
of the vast possibilities of your peace
even as we pray for it here on earth.

Teach us Lord, to wait upon you.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

~ adapted from a prayer posted in http://preachingsophia.blogspot.ca/2012/02/prayer-for-eagles-wings.html

Challenge for Discipleship
 

God of life, God of hope, God of all

Lift us on your love like eagle's wings

Sustain us; Guide us; Heal us

Then send us forth into the world

That we may love as you love. Amen.

~ written by Terri, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/

 

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 as children of God!


 

 

Postlude

“Open the Eyes of My Heart”                        Worshiplyrics
-used with church licensure