Sanctuary
"...when you do this, remember me...."
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
October 10, 2021 Online Text
Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
October 10, 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. If you knew a friend was about to set out on a journey today, what would you give them to take along? Add something to your worship center that symbolizes your spiritual journey.
Worship
Invocation We begin with prayer.
We thank you and praise you, O God,
that how ever we may thirst,
what ever we may need to satisfy our souls,
you offer it freely and abundantly in Christ;
So we drink deep of the living water
and, as we draw from your wells,
we seek to pass the cup to others
who, like us, are thirsty for your grace.
Amen
— Copyright © John van de Laar, on Sacredise.com.
Call to Worship
Voice One: Come see the one
Voice Two: who turns our thinking and our world upside down.
Voice One: Come see and experience the love that knows no bounds.
Voice Two: Praise be to God!
Voice One: Praise be to Jesus,
Voice Two: whose life draws from the well of God’s dreams.
Voice One: Praise be to Christ Jesus,
Voice Two: whose love and justice quenches our thirst with living water.
~ from a longer piece written by Tim Graves, and posted on LiturgyBits. https://liturgybits.wordpress.com
Lighting the Candles We light our candles or lights.
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
Witness
Morning Prayer
Holy God who guides our pathway, as we journey through life, we face fear of the unknown, doubts, hesitations, anxieties, and insecurities.
Draw near, O God, draw near!
Life is an unfolding mystery, sometimes a painful search and sometimes a wonderful discovery. When our hearts are restless because they are pilgrim hearts whose Home is not here.
Draw near, O God, draw near!
When our footsteps grow weary, when we stumble along the way, discouragement and doubt so easily come forth to greet us.
Draw near, O God, draw near!
We are always learning what to leave behind and what to take with us as we move along the road of life. As we struggle to make good decisions.
Draw near, O God, draw near!
We encounter you, God, continually in the constant cycle of setting out and coming home. Sometimes we allow life to be so busy as we travel that we miss your presence. When we need to slow our hectic pace.
Draw near, O God, draw near!
Expectancy, anticipation, and courage rise up in our beings when we are open to your ways, God of the wilderness. As we search for reasons to hope.
Draw near, O God, draw near!
In our journeying, we need a strong conviction about the the beauty and goodness of life, a vision of hope that endures the pain and struggle, and a thread of love that weaves through all of our dreams. When we try to hold on to what gives our life meaning and purpose.
Draw near, O God, draw near! Amen.
-by Joyce Rupp in Out of the Ordinary, (Ave Maria Press).
Word
Scripture: Exodus 15:22-27
Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” He cried out to the Lord; and the Lord showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.
There the Lord made for them a statute and an ordinance and there he put them to the test. He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.”
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; and they camped there by the water.
-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
Challenge for Discipleship
Welcome- The Lord's Supper
Invitation to the Table
All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Christ who is our host. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.
Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Judy Halstead and Mark Workman.
Words of Institution
Prayer of Response
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.
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. And we abide in peace. Amen.
September 26, 2021 Online Text
Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
September 26, 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. If you knew a friend was about to set out on a journey today, what would you give them to take along? Add something to your worship center that symbolizes your spiritual journey.
Worship
Invocation We begin with prayer.
Make us light and salt, Lord,
so that our faith is not in our words alone but in our lives,
not in what we say, but in what we do;
passing on your love like the salt that blesses,
like a city on a hill, like a lamp on a stand,
light for life, your light for the world.
Amen
— from a longer selectio n of Harvest Prayers, posted on the Christian Aid website. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/
Call to Worship
Voice One: God sends light to us this day
and invites us to meet one another in this light.
Voice Two: Light breaks forth like the dawn,
drawing us into relationship with one another.
Voice One: Humbling ourselves in worship of God,
we are empowered to serve.
Voice Two: God calls us to trust with steady hearts
and to serve with righteous compassion.
~from a longer piece posted on the website of the State College Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania.
http://scpresby.org/
Lighting the Candles We light our candles or lights.
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
Witness
Morning Prayer
O God, you touch every part of life;
infusing your rich fragrance;
getting in underneath the surface;
drawing out and lifting up.
Your love breathes around and around us
until defenses are lowered, barriers broken down
and the power of your love reveals the beauty
you intended for all your children.
Hear our prayers, O Lord and help us to be light.
May our actions draw attention to you,
to the richness you bring to all life
and the abundance you share,
setting the scene for us to share too.
Hear our prayers, O Lord and help us to be salt.
In our hearts, we speak the names of those for whom our concern is raised this week.
Hear our prayers, O Lord, and shine into each needful moment.
Help us to bring light
into all the darkness of life, spreading hope for a better world,
a world where justice is made real by your children living together
in harmony.
Hear our prayers, O Lord and help us to be light.
Help us to bring salt into the blandness of life,
encouraging vitality and joy in living in your world and
bringing you glory forever.
Hear our prayers, O Lord and help us to be salt.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
~ from a prayer written by Rev Liz Crumlish, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/
Word
Scripture: Exodus 13:17-22 & Matthew 5:13-16
Exodus 13:17-22 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God thought, “If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle. And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph who had required a solemn oath of the Israelites, saying, “God will surely take notice of you, and then you must carry my bones with you from here.” They set out from Succoth, and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
-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
Challenge for Discipleship
Welcome- The Lord's Supper
Invitation to the Table
All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Christ who is our host. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.
Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Kathy Sharp and Ele Workman.
Words of Institution
Prayer of Response
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.
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. And we abide in peace. Amen.
September 26, 2021 Onsite Bulletin
Today's Worship
September 26, 2021
Welcome
Opening Song
Lighting the Christ Candles
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 this place!
Call to Worship - Liturgist
One Voice: God sends light to us this day
and invites us to meet one another in this light.
Many Voices: Light breaks forth like the dawn,
drawing us into relationship with one another.
One Voice: Humbling ourselves in worship of God,
we are empowered to serve.
Many Voices: God calls us to trust with steady hearts
and to serve with righteous compassion.
~from a longer piece posted on the website of the State College Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania. http://scpresby.org/
Invocation - Liturgist
Make us light and salt, Lord,
so that our faith is not in our words alone but in our lives,
not in what we say, but in what we do;
passing on your love like the salt that blesses,
like a city on a hill, like a lamp on a stand,
light for life, your light for the world.
Amen
— from a longer selectio n of Harvest Prayers, posted on the Christian Aid website. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/
Scripture: Exodus 13:17-22 & Matthew 5:13-16
Meditation
Invitation
Communion
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.
Joys & Concerns
Morning Prayer - Liturgist
O God, you touch every part of life;
infusing your rich fragrance;
getting in underneath the surface;
drawing out and lifting up.
Your love breathes around and around us
until defenses are lowered, barriers broken down
and the power of your love reveals the beauty
you intended for all your children.
Hear our prayers, O Lord and help us to be light.
May our actions draw attention to you,
to the richness you bring to all life
and the abundance you share,
setting the scene for us to share too.
Hear our prayers, O Lord and help us to be salt.
In our hearts, we speak the names of those for whom our concern is raised this week.
Hear our prayers, O Lord, and shine into each needful moment.
Help us to bring light
into all the darkness of life, spreading hope for a better world, a world where justice is made real by your children living together in harmony.
Hear our prayers, O Lord and help us to be light.
Help us to bring salt into the blandness of life,
encouraging vitality and joy in living in your world and
bringing you glory forever.
Hear our prayers, O Lord and help us to be salt.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
~
from a prayer written by Rev Liz Crumlish, and posted on the Church of
Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.
http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/
Challenge to Discipleship
Closing Song
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 go forth in peace!
September 19, 2021 Online Text
Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
September 19, 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. If you knew a friend was about to set out on a journey today, what would you give them to take along? Add something to your worship center that symbolizes your spiritual journey.
Worship
Invocation We begin with prayer.
Holy God, before time you named us
Through time you redeem us
You call us, precious in your sight
Through the turbulent waters
Make us steady, your hands
Holding strong the fragile and weak
May the fruits of our lives
be food for the hungry, bread
clothing, shelter, fire, water, Word
Remove the chaff
Of our lives that keep us from
Hearing, following, Your call
Loving God, take this day our fears our
Worries, distractions, and all
Turn them into wheat, heart food
Amen
~ adapted from a prayer written by Terri and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/
Call to Worship
Voice One: This the message from God who made you; the One who got you started on this journey:
Voice Two: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine."
Voice One: When we are in in over our heads, God will be there with us.
Voice Two: When we are in rough waters, we will not go down.
-adapted from Isaiah 433:1-7, The Message Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson
Lighting the Candles We light our candles or lights.
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
Witness
Morning Prayer
In the dry wildernesses of our lives,
in the days of heat and thirst,
you offer us living water,
Thank you, gracious and generous God.
When we begin to doubt your presence,
and grumble that your love is unreliable,
you offer us living water,
Thank you, gracious and generous God.
When life’s regrets and the bad choices we have made
leave us feeling excluded and unworthy,
you offer us living water,
Thank you, gracious and generous God.
When circumstances, or the inhumanity of others,
have left us alone and wounded,
you offer us living water,
Thank you, gracious and generous God.
Here now the prayers of our heart for -
Our world...
Our community...
Our neighborhood.....
Our family.....
Ourselves.......
May we bear witness to your living water pouring into all these places and situations.
Thank you, gracious and generous God.
We are grateful that how ever we may thirst,
what ever we may need to satisfy our souls,
you offer it freely and abundantly in Christ;
So we drink deep of the living water
and, as we draw from your wells,
we seek to pass the cup to others
who, like us, are thirsty for your grace.
Amen
— Copyright © John van de Laar, on his excellent website Sacredise.com. Visit there for more other great worship resources.
Word
Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7
But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my sight,
and honored, and I love you,
I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you;
I will say to the north, “Give them up,”
and to the south, “Do not withhold;
bring my sons from far away
and my daughters from the end of the earth—
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
-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
Challenge for Discipleship
Welcome- The Lord's Supper
Invitation to the Table
All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Christ who is our host. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.
Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Kathy Sharp and Ele Workman.
Words of Institution
Prayer of Response
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.
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. And we abide in peace. Amen.
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
September 12, 2021 Onsite
Today's Worship
September 12, 2021
Welcome
Opening Song
Lighting the Christ Candles
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 this place!
Call to Worship
One Voice: We are here,
Many Voices: in the name of Christ Jesus.
One Voice: So ask right now, and it shall be given to you.
Many Voices: Seek right now, and you will find.
One Voice: Knock right now, and the door will be opened.
Many Voices: God is with us as we worship and ready to respond!
~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/
Invocation
Generous God, help us to hold lightly the fading things of this earth and grasp tightly the lasting things of your kingdom, so that what we are and do and say may be our gifts to you through Christ, who beckons all to seek the things above, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
~adapted from a longer prayer from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.
Scripture: Matthew 6:11 & 6:24-33
Meditation
Invitation
Communion
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.
Joys & Concerns
Morning Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you tell us not to be afraid of what the future holds, not to worry about tomorrow, but you know how difficult we find it to heed your words. We worry about so many things, our families, our friends, our circumstances. Some are big worries, most are tiny but persistent. We come before you this day with these big and tiny worries, and with confidence we know we can lay them all at your feet.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way.
We bring our big worries about health and happiness and security for ourselves and for our loved ones. We bring big worries about the world we live in we continue to fail to struggle to address our challenges and probems together. We bring big worries about the troubles we hear of from far away and close at hand. And we think of the faces and names of the people encountering these troubles.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way.
God, you created us. We know that you are concerned with every aspect of our lives, so we also bring the little things that concern us, the worries which keep us awake at night, the worries which only you know.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way.
Living God, reach out to all those for whom the future brings fears and uncertainties. Assure them, and assure us, that you are present, even when that future seems dark and circumstances feel out of control. Remind them, remind us, that you are able to transform even the bleakest of situations. You bring healing and wholeness.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way.
Lord we make our prayers in faith, for we know that your Spirit is at work in our world making all things new.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way. Amen
~ adapted from a prayer written by Rev. Anne Patton, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.
Challenge to Discipleship
Closing Song
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 go forth in peace!
September 12, 2021 Online
Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
September 12, 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. Find a picture or object that reminds you of a surprise in your life that turned into a blessing.
Worship
Invocation We begin with prayer.
Generous God, help us to hold lightly the fading things of this earth and grasp tightly the lasting things of your kingdom, so that what we are and do and say may be our gifts to you through Christ, who beckons all to seek the things above, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
~adapted from a longer prayer from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.
Call to Worship
Voice One: We are here,
Voice Two: in the name of Christ Jesus.
Voice One: So ask right now, and it shall be given to you.
Voice Two: Seek right now, and you will find.
Voice One: Knock right now,
Voice Two: and the door will be opened.
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
~ written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page. http://www.bruceprewer.com/
Lighting the Candles We light our candles or lights.
Witness
Morning Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you tell us not to be afraid of what the future holds, not to worry about tomorrow, but you know how difficult we find it to heed your words. We worry about so many things, our families, our friends, our circumstances. Some are big worries, most are tiny but persistent. We come before you this day with these big and tiny worries, and with confidence we know we can lay them all at your feet.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way.
We bring our big worries about health and happiness and security for ourselves and for our loved ones. We bring big worries about the world we live in we continue to fail to struggle to address our challenges and probems together. We bring big worries about the troubles we hear of from far away and close at hand. And we think of the faces and names of the people encountering these troubles.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way.
God, you created us. We know that you are concerned with every aspect of our lives, so we also bring the little things that concern us, the worries which keep us awake at night, the worries which only you know.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way.
Living God, reach out to all those for whom the future brings fears and uncertainties. Assure them, and assure us, that you are present, even when that future seems dark and circumstances feel out of control. Remind them, remind us, that you are able to transform even the bleakest of situations. You bring healing and wholeness.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way.
Lord we make our prayers in faith, for we know that your Spirit is at work in our world making all things new.
Lord, calm our hearts and show us the way. Amen
~ adapted from a prayer written by Rev. Anne Patton, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.
Word
Scripture: Matthew 6:11 & 6:24-33
"Give us this day our daily bread."
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink,or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Meditation
Challenge for Discipleship
Welcome- The Lord's Supper
Invitation to the Table
All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Christ who is our host. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.
Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Kathy Sharp and Ele Workman.
Words of Institution
Prayer of Response
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.
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. And we abide in peace. Amen.
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Onsite Worship Bulletin September 5, 2021
SEPTEMBER THEME: "Come, Share the Lord"
PLEASE NOTE: We have slightly changed the order to include an Invitation for Church Membership following the Meditation and preceding the Communion Order. We hope to also include a video of the theme hymn in conjunction with the AV folks. Rev. Mark is working on these for September.
Today's Worship
September 5, 2021
Welcome
Opening Song
Lighting the Christ Candles
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 this place!
Call to Worship
One Voice: Here, in this place, God welcomes all:
Many Voices: the dreamers and the doubters;
One Voice: here, all can call on God by name:
Many Voices: the worriers and wanderers;
One Voice: Here we remember all the ways God has graced us:
Many Voices: Here we rejoice for God is with us, always!
One Voice: Here, we find the courage to cry out, in every situation:
Many Voices: 'God, save us!'
One Voice: Here, we become daring enough to step out of comfort into the unknown:
Many Voices: Here, the dreamers, the doubters, the worriers and the wanderers become the brave ones!
-adapted from a piece by Thom Shuman and posted at https://www.blogger.com/profile/09267107871832458323
Invocation
O God you led your people on the Exodus journey. We too wander in an uncertain world, not always knwoing where to turn. Help us turn to you, our heart’s true home. Teach us to seek our peace in you. Forgive us our transgression and rekindle a spirit of trusting self-discipline within us, through Jesus Christ, Amen.
-inspired by a prayer from http://www.ministrymatters.com/
Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10
Meditation
Invitation
Video "Come, Share the Lord"
Communion
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.
Joys & Concerns
Morning Prayer
God of grace and light, You can be found within and out with the structures of humanity, but You cannot be contained. Instead, you choose to dwell in hearts and homes, as you will. Gaze kindly upon the hearts and homes dear to us, the people and places where we seek blessing.
Build up our homes:
Where the happy may find peace;
The sad may find comfort;
The hungry may find food;
The weary may find rest.
Build up the places where we work:
Where the honest may find reward;
The dedicated may find delight;
The provider may find provision;
The imaginative may find new horizons.
Build up our community:
Where the isolated may find friendship;
The marginalised may find welcome;
The seeker may find purpose
The unloved may find acceptance.
Build up our nation, loving Lord,
Where leaders may shape communities of fellowship,
Where citizens may grow and prosper in grace,
Where visitors may find a blessing.
Build up the Church, redeeming Lord,
Where your children may find their place, unique and special,
Where your disciples may recognize their gifts and grow them,
Where your people may clearly hear and follow your call.
Help us all, this day, to be living stones in the world you are building, Oh God.
In the Name of our Saviour, our cornerstone, we pray. Amen
Challenge to Discipleship
Closing Song
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 go forth in peace!
Online Text September 5, 2021
SEPTEMBER THEME: "Come, Share the Lord"
Worship, Witness, Word and Welcome
Online Worship with First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Berea, KY
September 5, 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.
Worship
Invocation We begin with prayer.
O God you led your people on the Exodus journey. We too wander in an uncertain world, not always knwoing where to turn. Help us turn to you, our heart’s true home. Teach us to seek our peace in you. Forgive us our transgression and rekindle a spirit of trusting self-discipline within us, through Jesus Christ, Amen.
-inspired by a prayer from http://www.ministrymatters.com/
Call to Worship
Voice One: Here, in this place, God welcomes all: as dreamers and doubters;
Voice Two: As worriers and wanderers; we call on God by name:
Voice One: Here we remember all the ways God has graced us:
Voice Two: Here we rejoice for God is with us, always!
Voice One: Here, we find the courage to cry out, in every situation:
Voice Two: 'God, save us!'
Voice One: Here, we become daring enough to step out of comfort into the unknown:
Voice Two: Here, the dreamers, the doubters, the worriers and the wanderers become the brave ones.
Voice One: We light these candles today,
Voice Two: Because God is with us in this time and in all these places!
-adapted from a piece by Thom Shuman and posted at https://www.blogger.com/profile/09267107871832458323
Lighting the Candles We light our candles or lights.
Witness
Labor Day: "The Work of Our Hands and Hearts"
Morning Prayer:
God of grace and light, You can be found within and out with the structures of humanity, but You cannot be contained. Instead, you choose to dwell in hearts and homes, as you will. Gaze kindly upon the hearts and homes dear to us, the people and places where we seek blessing.
Build up our homes:
Where the happy may find peace;
The sad may find comfort;
The hungry may find food;
The weary may find rest.
Build up the places where we work:
Where the honest may find reward;
The dedicated may find delight;
The provider may find provision;
The imaginative may find new horizons.
Build up our community:
Where the isolated may find friendship;
The marginalised may find welcome;
The seeker may find purpose
The unloved may find acceptance.
Build up our nation, loving Lord,
Where leaders may shape communities of fellowship,
Where citizens may grow and prosper in grace,
Where visitors may find a blessing.
Build up the Church, redeeming Lord,
Where your children may find their place, unique and special,
Where your disciples may recognize their gifts and grow them,
Where your people may clearly hear and follow your call.
Help us all, this day, to be living stones in the world you are building, Oh God.
In the Name of our Saviour, our cornerstone, we pray. Amen
~ adapted form a prayer written by Rev Dr Derek Browning, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/
Word
Scripture: Exodus 2: 1-10
Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.
The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed it.
When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”
-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
Challenge for Discipleship
Welcome- The Lord's Supper
Invitation to the Table
All are welcome to partake in the bread and cup at the table of God's love. It is Christ who is our host. When you hear the Words of Institution, partake of the elements.
Prayer of Communion Elders this month are Judy Halstead and Mark Workman.
Words of Institution
Prayer of Response
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.
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. And we abide in peace. Amen.