THE GATHERING * Stand if willing and able
Gathering Music: Hymn #14 “For the Beauty of the Earth”
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude:”Brethren We Have Met To Worship” arr.
* Call to Worship
I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord, the God who is and who was and who is to come.
Let us give thanks for all that was, let us celebrate all that is, and let us imagine all that will be.
Let us pray together:
* Prayer of the Day
God of Mercy, hear our prayer; your Spirit is a wind of change, but we would recast it as a quiet breeze. Your call is to the edges of the world, but we would confine it to the comfortable places. Your will is to free us from the chains of injustice, but we would keep them on rather than disturb the peace. Holy God of every time and place, you gather us to hear of Jesus. Help us see your infinite life in our own community and in all of creation, we pray in your holy name. Amen.
* Hymn of Praise #260 “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”
* Invitation to Healing
Let us come before God with contrite hearts, acknowledging our brokenness and trusting in forgiveness.
* Prayer of Wholeness
Faithful God, you are devoted to us. Forgive us when we are not devoted to you. We would rather be secure than be brave. We would rather be in control than be faithful. We know that you call out for us to follow, but we look for you in all the wrong places. Forgive us, God of mercy. Heal us from our self-centeredness. Empower us to know the depth of your grace, and lead us to share that grace with the world…
* Sung Response #471 “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” 3x Third time plural
* Assurance of Pardon 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 #591 “Halle, Halle, …” (chorus twice)
Celebrating Joys and where we have seen God at work
Sung Response #647 “Give Thanks”
THE WORD
Prayer of Illumination:
By the power of the Holy Spirit open our minds to the Word, your Son, who comes to us as one of us and ascends to the heavens to remain with us. Amen.
Hebrew Scripture: Psalm 97:1-12 pp. 736-737
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Epistle Reading: Acts 16:16-34 pp. 182-183
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Children’s Moment
Gospel Reading: John 17:20-26 p. 151
“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”
Message: “TL 5-29-2022 YC TL Liberation, Salvation, Or…?” ~ Pastor Scott
Please spend several moments in silent reflection
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
* Hymn #680 “Soft Rains of Spring Flow”
* Affirmation of Faith: ~ Summary of the Law as recorded in 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,” “Hear our prayers”
Minute for Mission
Invitation to Present Our Offerings
Give now with generous hearts that all people may hear God’s Word and be helped by the work of this church.
Offertory:
* Doxology Hymn tune #606 with text from #607
* Prayer of Dedication
Eternal God, who brings joy out of sorrow, plenty out of want, life out of death: we thank you for the treasures of the earth, your creation, filled with your blessing, for it was in company with these earthly things that your Son came to dwell, showing us the enormity of your love. Because of Jesus, we, too, are brought to new life, called to pray and work for the renewal of others. Take these offerings for the sake of the one without whom our poverty of soul would be extreme; Jesus our Christ, who taught his disciples to pray, saying:
* The Lord’s Prayer (“…debts…debtors…”)
SENDING
* Closing Hymn #300 “We Are One in the Spirit”
* Charge
Live in love, abide in peace, walk softly upon the earth. Tend and serve all God’s creation and one another, for we are one in God.
* Benediction
“Deep Peace be with you…” ~ stc
* 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
What chains bind you, the people of your community, or your local environment at this time in your life? Where each day do you notice the freedom of Christ working to break the chains apart?
Household Prayer: Morning
Good and gracious God, we rise with the morning light to give you thanks for rest and dreams, for warmth and safety, for the delight we have again today in a life filled with your goodness. Keep us in your care this day that we may walk in your path, glad for our friends, praying for our enemies, and eager to hear your Word; in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Merciful God, for all that we have done and failed to do this day we turn to you for respite. Forgive us for having shunned your desires; rejoice with us over moments that have filled us with joy. Bless your people, your lands, your waters, and the very air we breathe with peace. Protect us and your earth this night that we may wake again to praise your name and seek you in the dappled shadows of your land. Let the Holy Spirit abide in this house, Amen.
Scottrick - Postmodern Celtic Inspirations 