Order of Worship June 26

 CENTERING PRAYER 

Holy and gracious God, you call us to ventures that cannot be foretold, to paths we do not know. Be our guide, through your word, and feed us with your assurance that your way is truly the path of love, joy, and peace. Amen. 

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) Preludium Kern 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 16 

I say to the Lord,

 “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel. 

“You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” 

Therefore, my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices. 

“You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” 

You show me the path of life. 

“You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” 

† HYMN “I’ve Got Peace Like a River” Hymnal #623 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Merciful God, we confess we desire things contrary to your will. We fear failure and cling to unquestioned habits. We are truly sorry and repent of what we have done and what we have not done. Show us the path of your prophetic way. Open our eyes to new ventures. Help us love our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us and renew us, in the name of life abundant, Jesus Christ our Lord. (Silent Confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

†GLORY TO GOD Hymnal #58 

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE Galatians 5:1, 13-25 

SERMON “Two Way Street” Dr. Rev. Dave Burgess 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism Question One

 Q. What is our chief end? A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

OFFERING       Give Me Jesus       Hayes 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

† HYMN “Will you Let Me Be Your Servant” Hymnal #727 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION (Sunday Worship) “May the God of Hope Go with Us” Hymnal #765 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Theme from Symphony 1 Brahms 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Scripture for June 25 and 26

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery,

Life by the Spirit

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Read full chapter

Daily Prayer June 24

If any want to become my followers, let

them deny themselves and take
up their cross daily and follow me.

Daily Readings for Friday, June 24, 2022

• Morning Psalms 130; 148
• First Reading Numbers 20:1-13
• Second Reading Romans 5:12-21
• Gospel Reading Matthew 20:29-34
• Evening Psalms 32; 139

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us the desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. God of all times and places, in Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, you opened for us the path to eternal life. Grant that we, being born again of water and the Spirit, may joyfully serve you in newness of life and faithfully walk in your holy ways. God of all joy, fill our souls to overflowing with the fullness of your grace. Lord, remind us of your triumph over the tragedy of the cross, and your victory for us over the powers of sin and death, so that we may reflect your glory as disciples of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

With God's help and love may your lives be blessed and your labors fruitful as you offer yourselves gladly in the service of our common Lord.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary)

Order of Worship June 19

 CENTERING PRAYER 

Morning Dear God, today I will be tempted to wander away from you. By your Spirit, guide me in the ways you want me to go. I may become discouraged by my own limitations or by interactions I have with others. Direct my thoughts and words and actions so that they reflect your love, not only for me, but also for those around me. Remind me today and every day that, in Jesus Christ, I belong to you. That will be enough. Amen. 

PRELUDE  Prelude on An Early American Folk Hymn     Martin 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

When forces in the world threaten us,  

when our bodies or spirits turn against us,  

there is One who seeks us, One who meets us,  

One who heals us, whose love washes over us and sets us free for joy.  

This One is the Lord.  

Come, let us worship God. 

 † HYMN “God Is Calling through the Whisper” Hymnal #410 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy God, give us faith to confess our sins and seek your mercy. There are empty places in our lives where we have wandered far from you. We have listened to voices who distracted us from you. We have given in to powers that compete for our attention and away from our loyalty to you. We have not taken the hand you offer to lead us out of these empty places, and into your holy ways. Savior, forgive us. Give us water to drink so that we will thirst no more, and let your love spring up in us and lead us to eternal life. Speak tenderly to us of your presence. Feed us with your word. Deliver us from evil. Let us enter into your kingdom; then send us out to serve you by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. (silent confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORY TO GOD Hymnal #58 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE 1 Kings 19:1–15 

SERMON      “Where Do We Notice God?”      Rev. MP Panco 

BAPTISM & CONFIRMATION 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH       Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. 

OFFERING The King of Love My Shepherd Is Forrest 

Amy Shelton, soloist 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

† HYMN “I Will Call Upon the Lord” Hymnal #621 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION “May the God of Hope Go with Us” Hymnal #765 

POSTLUDE  Praise God Martin 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able

Scripture for June 19

Prophet Elijah detailed in the Madonna and Child with Saints
 by Andrea di Bonaiuto

1 Kings 19:1–15

Elijah Flees to Horeb

19 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.”

3 Elijah was afraid[a] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.

The Lord Appears to Elijah

And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

14 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

15 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.

Read full chapter

Daily Prayer June 17

"My word shall accomplish that which I purpose," says the Lord, "and
succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Daily Readings for Friday, June 17, 2022

• Morning Psalms 51; 148
• First Reading Numbers 13:1-3, 21-30
• Second Reading Romans 2:25-3:8
• Gospel Reading Matthew 18:21-35
• Evening Psalms 142; 65

Eternal God, as we are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, so give us the grace of repentance that we may pass through the grave with him and be born again to eternal life, for he is the One who was crucified, dead, and buried, and rose again for us, Jesus our Savior. Eternal God, you sent us a Savior, Christ Jesus, to break down the walls of hostility that divide us. Send peace on earth, and put down greed, pride, and anger, which turn nation against nation and race against race. Speed the day when wars will end and the whole world accepts your rule. God of mercy, you are full of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy, and always ready to forgive. Grant us grace to renounce all evil and to cling to Christ, that in every way we may prove to be your loving children. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lecti

Order of Worship June 12

CENTERING PRAYER

 O God, we honor this day the majesty and the mystery of your name. You are both infinite and intimate, known and unknowable, transcendent and transparent. In love, you have made us your own, and invite us to join in your divine dance. We will never rest until we rest in you, Blessed Trinity, one God forever and ever. Amen. 

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) Voluntary Anon, 18th century 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

In the beginning, when God drew a circle on the face of the deep, 

Wisdom was there rejoicing, delighting in the human race. 

In the beginning was the Word, with God, and the Word was God. 

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. 

In every time and place, God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. 

Blessed are you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! 

† HYMN “God of Grace and God of Glory” Hymnal #307

 PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

God, within your own life there is mutuality, equality, and unity in diversity. We confess that instead of seeking mutual welfare and the common good, we seek our own gain. Instead of living in equality, justice, and respect, we construct systems that are unjust. We devise ways to elevate ourselves over others, and disrespectful thoughts, words, and actions still surface in us. We allow differences to divide us and lead to brokenness. Forgive us. Make us tender in mutuality. Make us generous in equality. Make us grateful in diversity. We pray to be one with you and one another, through Jesus Christ our Lord. (silent confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORY TO GOD Hymnal #582 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE 

FIRST READING Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-3 

SECOND READING Romans 5:1-5 

GOSPEL John 16:12-15 

SERMON “Peace. Love, and Joy” Rev. Richard Hunt 

† HYMN “God, Our Nation Feels the Loss” 

 † AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 

Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. 

OFFERING Simple Gifts arr. Martin 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 † HYMN “Seek Ye First” Hymnal #175

 † CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION (Sunday Worship) “May the God of Hope Go with Us” 

Hymnal #765 POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Sing a New Song Broughton 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Scripture for June 11 and 12

 FIRST READING Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-3 

8 Does not wisdom call out?
    Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 At the highest point along the way,
    where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
3 beside the gate leading into the city,
    at the entrance, she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O people, I call out;
    I raise my voice to all mankind.

22 “The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,[a][b]
    before his deeds of old;
23 I was formed long ages ago,
    at the very beginning, when the world came to be.

SECOND READING Romans 5:1-5

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

 GOSPEL John 16:12-15

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

Photo by Alberto Bigoni on Unsplash

Daily Prayer June 10

God is love, and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God
abides in them.

Daily Readings for Friday, June 10, 2022

• Morning Psalms 84; 148
• First Reading Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14
• Second Reading Galatians 5:25-6:10
• Gospel Reading Matthew 16:21-28
• Evening Psalms 25; 40

Eternal God, we praise you for your mighty love given in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and the new life we have received by his resurrection. We thank you for the presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering, the ministry of Word and Sacrament, all who work to help and heal, sacrifices made for our benefit, opportunities for our generous giving. God of grace let our concern for others reflect Christ's self-giving love, not only in our prayers, but also in our practice. We pray for those subjected to tyranny and oppression, wounded and injured people, those who face death, those who may be our enemies. Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation, gathered before your throne in ceaseless praise. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

CARE GIVING COMMITTEE

Matthew 25: 40 "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." 

We are called to care about our church family, but we also have a dedicated group of women who do this in our name, the Caregiving Committee. These 21 women meet monthly to make plans to care for as many as 32 church members. 

They send cards for birthdays, get well, sympathy, and thinking- of-you occasions, 27 so far this year. In the fall gift cards are sent to college students, as care packages to begin their year. The committee plans to distribute three meals to their list in the course of the year. They deliver flowers before Independence Day (Patriotic Delivery), and they prepare Advent Gift Bags with 24 individually-wrapped presents. 

The committee meets monthly to compare notes on their deliveries and solve problems that come up in reaching out to their list of clients. If you know people who would benefit from this outreach or if you would like to join the committee, contact Laurie Dolson, Committee Chair. And thank God for these caregivers who are acting on your behalf. They are the hearts and hands that answer Jesus' mandate to care for his family.

Order of Worship June 5 60th Anniversary

CENTERING PRAYER

 

Holy God, who comes to us in breath, visits us from the throne of heaven, and sets us aflame with amazement and joy, you open our paths to new visions and guide our feet deeper into your wisdom. Give us faith to trust your presence, through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) Hail Thee, Festival Day Hobby, 1998

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

GREETINGS FROM THE PRESBYTERY

 

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 104)

 

How manifold are your works, O Lord!

In wisdom you made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.

You send forth your spirit, and they are created;

You renew the face of the earth.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

I will praise my God while I have my being.

† HYMN “The Church’s One Foundation” Hymnal #321 Verses 1, 2, 4, & 5

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Without your power, O God, we are lost. We done the things we should avoid, and left undone the things you desire. Transform our lives by your purifying fire, and guide us into honesty and compassion. Renew us with gentle breezes and move us to action with your mighty wind. May our dreams and visions be one with yours; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. (Silent Confession)

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORY TO GOD Hymnal #582

 TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE Acts 2:1-21 

SERMON “A New Language” Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

RECEPTION OF THE CONFIRMANDS

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. 

OFFERING Come Gracious Spirit Chancel Choir 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION 

Invitation to the Table 

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer  

Words of Institution   

Sharing of the Bread & Cup   

Prayer After Communion 

HYMN “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” Hymnal #291 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING

 † BENEDICTION (Sunday Worship) “May the God of Hope Go with Us” Hymnal #765 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Finale Lorenz, 1969 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able