THE GATHERING
* Please stand if willing and able
Gathering Music: Hymn # 32 “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude: “How Can I Keep from Singing” arr. John Carter
* Call to Worship
The psalmist declares,
I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.
I will thank you, God, forever, because of what you have done.
Come, let us proclaim God’s name, for it is good.
* Prayer of the Day
Grant us this day, O God, not to be overtaken by anxious thoughts that can make us feel that you are not near. Give us the chance, to sit at your feet, to enjoy every word and every musical note that we may feel your real presence and in turn live out that presence within our families, our communities, our jobs, and our schools. Prepare us as we journey as your people, to worship and to serve. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. Amen.
* Hymn of Praise #49 “The God of Abram Praise”
* Invitation to Forgiveness
Christ Jesus did not call down destruction upon those who rejected him. How much more will he show mercy to those who seek forgiveness? Let us offer ourselves and our faults to Christ.
* Prayer of Wholeness
O God of balance, we ask for your help: Sometimes we behave like Martha. We get distracted in our routines, so busy with our daily chores that we forget to take the time to stop and breathe, to look up and to notice the Creation you have given and the way it speaks about your love and passion for your people. Sometimes we behave like Mary. We devote our time to looking up, thinking that everything we are commanded to do is to love God, and we forget to serve our neighbor, and to commit our time to the concrete work of the church, forgetting to get our hands dirty. God of balance, help and lead us to know when to be workers and when to be hearers. In your mercy, heal our worries and our judgments, so that we can, indeed, keep the best part. In the name of our loving Master, Amen!
* Kyrie #437 “You are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”
* 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. Please share a sign of peace with those with whom you are worshiping.
Sung Response: #591 “Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” (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:
O Holy One, open our hearts and our minds, so that we can understand the fullness of your Word. Fill us with the light of the Holy Spirit, and bless our hearing of the Word proclaimed today. In the name of Christ, Amen.
Hebrew Scripture Reading: Amos 8:1-12 p. 1131-1132 OT
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Epistle Reading: Colossians 1:15-28 p. 269-270 NT
“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”
Children’s Moment
Gospel Reading: Luke 10:38-42 p. 98 NT
“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”
Message: “Prophetic Witness” ~ Pastor Scott
Please spend several moments in silent reflection
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
* Hymn: #70 “What Does the Lord Require of You?”
* Affirmation: 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, in your mercy, Hear our prayers.”
Minute for Mission
Invitation to Present Our Offerings
With our tithes and our offerings let us give thanks and praise to the Triune God: to the Son for our salvation, the Spirit for our rising, and the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.
Offertory: “Amazing Grace” Duet: Jaqui and Ariaunna Neibauer; Janet Anderson Accompanying
* Doxology: #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, Thanksgiving, and the Lord’s Prayer
Holy One, we give today in thankfulness and with the assurance that anything we give, even our very selves, will contribute to the continuing growth and witness of your Kin-dom in the world. In the name of Christ we pray the prayer he taught his disciples to pray, saying: “Our Father…debts…debtors…”
* The Lord’s Prayer is found on p. 35 in Hymnal (Español en p.40)
SENDING
* Closing Hymn #543 “God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me”
* Charge:
Go out into the world proclaiming Christ in every corner, admonishing and teaching with all wisdom, so that everyone can comprehend fully the presence and witness of Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
* Blessing
* 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 do you balance studying the stories of Scripture and fostering a relationship with God while also serving others?
Household Prayer: Morning
God, we have too many things to do today! Help us to see you in everything we do, in everything we say. Help us to take a deep breath and to remember that the Holy Spirit is inside us, with us, around us. Help us to work for and with our brothers and sisters, giving kindness, sharing hope, and living out the faith you have given us. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
O Lord, we have sat at your feet, and listened to your words. We have been empowered by your teachings. What should we do with all this life that you have provided? We will go out into the world, after a restful night, and serve, and smile, and love, and work, and play, and forgive, and shout out, and sing…doing everything in your name! Amen.
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