THE GATHERING
* Stand if willing and able
Gathering Music Hymn #39 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” ~ arr. Kenon D. Renfrow
* Call to Worship
From the very beginning, God calls us.
God sets us apart with a meaning and a purpose.
Through the labyrinthine journey of our lives, Jesus walks with us.
And reassures us in many and various ways.
Even if our path seems unclear at times,
The Holy Spirit is with us and sustains us through it all.
Let us pray together:
* 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 #156 “Sing of God Made Manifest”
* 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, your reign is marked by justice and peace; you are on the side of those who are oppressed. Our lives are marked by comfort and avoidance; we choose what is fair instead of what is just. You seek transformation and compassion in this world, yet we are content to wait for the promise of heaven. Forgive our failings, Lord, and convict us by your Spirit. Move us beyond our shallow faith to know the depth of your life among us; through Jesus Christ your love incarnate we pray…
* 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:
By your Spirit, O God, enlighten our hearts, open our minds, fill our vision with your radiance, and give us life as we hear your Word today. Amen.
Hebrew Scriptures: Psalm 99 p. 738-739 OT
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Children’s Moment
Epistle Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 p. 242 NT
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43) p. 95 NT
“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you, O Christ”
Message “Something Else” ~ Pastor Scott Crane
Please spend several moments in silent reflection
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
* Hymn of Response: #193 “Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain”
* 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
Invitation to Present Our Offerings
Offertory: “Song from Valders” ~ by Edvard Grieg
* 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 #366 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
* Charge:
Since we have such hope, live and act with boldness! Love and serve the Lord in the freedom of the Spirit.
* Benediction:
May the glory of the Lord shine upon you, the Word of the Lord live within you, and the Spirit of the Lord give you peace.
* 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.
Questions for Reflection
Look at Luke 9:35: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” Where have you heard words like these before in the Gospels? (Hint: see Luke 3:22.) Where have you heard words like these in your own life? When have you had a strong sense of being chosen, claimed, and called by God? How have you responded?
Household Prayer: Morning
Lord Jesus Christ, as morning dawns, be our light in this new day. Let our lives reflect your glory, our words show forth your goodness, and our actions shine with your grace; in your holy name we pray. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Lord Jesus Christ, as evening comes, be our light and hope in darkness. Draw near to us in grace, surround us with your presence and fill us with your peace; in your holy name we pray. Amen.