THE GATHERING
* Stand if willing and able
Gathering Music: Hymn #35 “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”
Welcome and Announcements
- Congregational Meeting following worship – Zoom
Prelude: “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” arr. Mark Hayes
* Call to Worship
From the very beginning, God calls us.
God sets us apart with a meaning and a purpose.
We come up with excuses to avoid our calls, for we are afraid.
But God reassures us in many and various ways through the course of our days.
Even if we are brought to the edge of a cliff,
God is with us and sustains us.
Let us pray:
* Morning Prayer
God of life, death, and resurrection, we are grateful for life and all its gifts. Increase in us the stuff that life is made of – especially love – that we may both abide with you eternally and reflect your eternal love to others in the present, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
* Hymn of Praise #722 “Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak”
* Invitation to Healing
In the light of Christ, we see the shadows of our world and of our hearts. Trusting in God’s loving grace, let us confess our sins before God and one another.
* Prayer of Wholeness
God of Life, we confess to you and one another that we forget sometimes who we are…and whose we are. Often life overwhelms us and we are too reluctant to speak and live according to your truth. We grow comfortable with the way things are, passively condoning injustice. We see ourselves as “insiders,” excluding those we consider “outsiders.” We find it easier to pluck up and pull down than to build and to plant. Forgive us, O God, and wash us in the waters, that we may be emboldened to live humble lives of love, reflecting patience and kindness to all. In Christ we pray, Amen.
Please continue in silent prayer
* Kyrie #437 “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”
* Assurance of God’s Presence and Passing of the Peace
Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say:
Thanks be to God!
Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another; the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
And also with you!
Please share a sign of peace with those worshiping with you.
* Sung Response Hymn #591 “Halle, Halle” Chorus 2x
Celebrating Joys & Where We Have Seen God at Work
Sung Response Hymn #628 “Praise, I Will Praise you, Lord”
THE WORD
Prayer of Illumination:
Spirit of Life, God of Love, open our hearts and enter in, that hearing your word of love, we may become your love for others. Amen.
Hebrew Scriptures: Jeremiah 1:4-10 p. 920
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Children’s Moment
Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 p. 234
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Gospel Reading: Luke 4:21-30 p. 84
“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”
Reflection: “TL 1-30-2022 YC E4 Crossing the Line” ~ Pastor Scott Crane
Please spend several moments in silent reflection
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
* Hymn of Response #29 “O God, You Search Me”
* Affirmation of Faith: Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.15
The power of God’s love in Christ to transform the world discloses that the Redeemer is the Lord and Creator who made all things to serve the purpose of God’s love.
Intercessory Prayers of the People
Call and response: “Lord in your mercy,” “Hear our prayers.”
Minute for Mission
Invitation to Present our Tithes and Offerings
Friends, let us love not only in our words but also in our deeds through the tithes and offerings that we give today.
Offertory: “Morning Prayer” by Peter (Pyotr) Ilyich Tchaikowsky
* Doxology Hymn #606 (with text below)
Praise, God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ, all creatures here below;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
Praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen.
* Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication
O God, bless these gifts that we have given as expressions of our love for you and our neighbors, that they may bring closer to fulfillment your reign of peace and love; through Jesus Christ, who taught his disciples to pray, saying:
* The Lord’s Prayer “…debts… debtors…”
SENDING
* Closing Hymn #726 “Will You Come and Follow Me”
* Charge
The Spirit is still at work among us, disciples of Christ; sending us to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to those in all manner of captivities, to be healers and forces for good and freedom against all oppression. So, go boldly as disciples, trusting in the Spirit’s guidance.
* Benediction
“Deep Peace…”
* Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Questions for Reflection
In Jesus’ first sermon, he referred to two scriptural stories to illustrate God’s love. Why did that so enrage the congregation that they wanted to kill him? Do some of Jesus’ teachings still enrage us today?
Household Prayer: Morning
God, you have given me the gift of another day; may I live it in gratitude. Help me to be loving to others, to Earth, and to myself; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Holy One, this day is drawing to an end. Be with me as I pause and ponder all the love I saw and received today. Help me to see you in each moment of love. Where I fell short of being patient and kind, help me to feel your patience and kindness toward me, and give me peace, as I give this day back to you. Amen.
Scottrick - Postmodern Celtic Inspirations 