THE GATHERING
* Stand if willing and able
Gathering Music: Hymn #32 “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude: “I Hear Thy Welcome Voice” ~ by John Purifoy
* Call to Worship
Here we are, O Christ. You bid us listen to the stories of God
Passed down by the faithful from age to age.
You bid us listen to your words
Teaching us how to live, love, and serve.
You bid us listen to the voice of God,
Proclaiming the broken world “beloved.”
O People of God: Listen and worship.
For God is here among us!
Let us pray together:
* Morning Prayer
God of abundant mercy, you can turn evil into good, sorrow into rejoicing, and death into everlasting life. Teach us your way of grace: to meet hatred with kindness, to answer curses with blessing, to love without holding back, to give without thought of return; all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
* Hymn of Praise #386 “Come, Worship God”
* Invitation to Healing
Jesus promised that God is kind even to the ungrateful and the wicked, even to us. Trusting in God’s loving kindness, let us confess our sin.
* Prayer of Wholeness
Merciful God, we confess that we have not always followed your ways or trusted your promises. We love only those who love us; we show kindness only to those who are kind to us; we give only when we expect to receive. Forgive us, Lord. Fill our hearts with your selfless love. Change our lives by your matchless grace. These things we pray through Christ our Savior. (Please continue in silent personal confession)
* 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 and where we have seen God at work
Sung Response: #628 “Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord”
THE WORD
Prayer of Illumination:
Gracious God, by your Word you provide all we need – for salvation, for wholeness, for abundant life. Now draw us close in your Spirit so that we may discover your will and live according to your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hebrew Scriptures: Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 p. 687-689 OT
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Children’s Moment
Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 p. 237-238 NT
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:27-38 p. 88 NT
“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you, O Christ”
Sermon: “TL 2-20-2022 YC E7 Generous Sayings” ~ Pastor Scott Crane
Please spend several moments in silent reflection
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
* Hymn of Response: #753 “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”
* Affirmation of Faith: Summary of the Law according to Luke 10:27
Our Lord Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Intercessory Prayers of the People
Call and response: “Lord, have mercy on us” “Hear our prayers”
Minute for Mission: Presbyterian Media Sunday
Invitation to Present Our Offerings
Offertory: “Andantino” ~ by Aram Khachaturian
* 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 Dedication
Holy One, we give you thanks for your generosity to us. Bless all the gifts we offer, even our very selves; in the name of Jesus, who taught his disciples to pray, saying:
* The Lord’s Prayer (…debts…debtors…)
SENDING
* Closing Hymn #372 “O for a World”
* Charge:
Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you. For God is kind to all and full of mercy. Filled with life-giving spirit of our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, we bear the image of the risen one and take delight in the abundance of what we have already received.
* Benediction:
* Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Lyrics found on the inside front cover of the hymnal. Bathrooms and a diaper changing station are located in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us across the way for refreshments and conversation following worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God sent you to be a preserver of what is good and healthy?
- How is your family living up to the wisdom that Joseph showed in caring for the people of Egypt and, eventually, even his own kin?
- When have you extended and received mercy and forgiveness?
- Which part of the Sermon on the Plain challenges you the most? Why?
- For whom are you called to pray at this time and place? Practice praying for those people and places in which you find it difficult to extend mercy.
- Are there stories of rift and reconciliation in your church? Your community? Your family? What happened to cause the schism? Did healing occur? When healing does occur, how do you respond?
- Notice when you find yourself rushing to judgment. What are you thinking and why?
Household Prayer: Morning
In the morning when I rise, O God, you are with me strong and sure, turning my dreams into insights and teaching me the delights of your law. You preserve my life day after day, and in return, I rejoice at the new dawn. Guard my waiting this day, O Lord, guide my feet and my hands, give me stillness and patience so that I may offer delight to those I meet, reaping joy in return; in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Lord, throughout this day you have rescued us from harm and despair, giving us instead the joy of accomplishment and fellowship with our family and friends. Protect us through the night Holy One, that in our dreams we will not be shaken but will see you face to face and wake renewed. We take refuge in you; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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