This Week in Worship
January 17, 2016
Celebrating Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reflection by William Warfield
"What Will You Do When You Get Home?"
Prayer of Preparation
God of Life, the earth belongs to you, and we are your people. We come in worship, acknowledging how much we need your grace in a world where there is so much violence and greed. We long for the living water that refreshes and gives life. Seeking justice and praying for peace, you are our hope and our strength. We open our hearts to your word. Amen.
Call to Worship
One: A child once dreamed the Voice was calling his name... 'Samuel'; fisherman once heard the Voice when a young man bid them follow; and still the Voice beckons today... can you hear?
All: Here I am. Send me.
One: Moses protested vehemently as the Voice spoke at the burning bush; Mary stood amazed as the Voice proclaimed impending birth; and still the Voice beckons today... can you hear?
All: Here I am. Send me.
One: Rosa Parks followed the Voice to the front of the bus; Martin Luther King, Jr. heard the Voice as the bullet shattered; and still the Voice beckons today... can you hear?
All: Here I am. Send me.
One: The Voice beckons from humble places... in the tears of hungry children, in the cries of the frail and frightened elderly, in the pleas of those whose dreams have been too long deferred; and still the Voice beckons today... can you hear?
All: Here I am. Send me.
One: A timid believer pauses to listen to the Voice; a struggling church hears the Voice and turns; and still the Voice beckons today... can you hear?
All: Here I am. Send me.
Prayer of Invocation
Holy God, we come fully recognizing that all people of whatever race or background belong to you. Prompt us, O Lord, to reach out in love to our brothers and sisters on earth. Help us especially to remember, that as we gather about the cross that reveals your love for everyone, we are all God's children and that Christ died for every soul on earth. In his name, we pray. Amen. (by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
January 10, 2016
Epiphany
Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke
"Arise and Shine!"
Prayer of Preparation
Reveal yourself, Gracious God, within this time of worship. Speak to us through songs we sing, prayers we speak, words we hear. R eveal yourself Gracious God, within your family here. In our speaking and listening, tears and laughter, love that’s shared. R eveal yourself, Gracious God, within these coming days. In the places we live, the lives we live, people we meet. Amen.
Call to Worship
One: Arise! Shine! The light you have been waiting for is here!
All: Darkness has been banished!
One: God's light of hope floods the earth
All: God's light comes to us all.
One: Lord, make us ready to journey to this Light.
All: Prepare our hearts to receive this Light. Amen.
Prayer of Adoration
God of all time, we praise and adore you for breaking into the darkness of this world with the glorious light of your presence. A light that made your love for the world visible in the babe born in Bethlehem - Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. A light that guided those gift-bearing travellers from afar to find and worship the Christ-child. A light that leads us to you, now revealed in Jesus Christ. We pray that you will accept our worship for it arises from hearts and minds in awe over the enormity of your gift to us of pure love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Hymns
#359 "Freedom Is Coming"
#300 "We are One in the Spirit"
#379 "We Shall Overcome"
Hymns
#157 “I Danced in the Morning”
#152 “What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright”
#159 “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem”
January 24, 2016
Sermon by Reverend Kathryn Pyke
"Do Not Despair"
Prayer of Preparation
O God, you create all things. You bear all things, you hope all things, you endure all things. Each of your creatures, all of your children, are members of your body. All partake of your promise. Open your heaven and descend like a dove upon the world; make plain your hidden plan, your mysterious purpose for our lives. Standing in the waters of our baptism, we await your presence. Amen.
Call to Worship
One: God is with us always and calls us each by name.
All: When we pass through difficulties and stress,
One: God is with us and calls us by name.
All: When we are discouraged and feel lost and alone,
One: God is with us and calls us by name, and heals us.
All: Blessed be God who knows us and calls us by name.
Prayer of Confession
Creator God, we confess that we have not always paid much attention to the baptism of Jesus, but viewed it as a nice story, which begins Jesus' ministry. We don't always see ourselves as standing in that long line of those marked for service; and therefore it is easy for us to dismiss this as a nice story and nothing more. Yet you have called us by name, knowing each of us, and loving us. This astonishes us. We know that we have behaved in very unloving ways and in some behaviors, which do not promote your love and peace. Forgive us for our blindness. Turn us around. Help us to be people who not only recognize the light, but who are willing to live in that light, bringing help to others in your name. For we pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
People of God, you are known and loved by the Creator. You are marked as God's chosen ones to bring hope and peace to others. Be at peace and live in hope. Amen.
Scripture
Hymns
#410 “God Is Calling through the Whisper”
#475 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
#375 “Shall We Gather at the River”
January 31, 2016
Sermon by Reverend Robin Crawford
"Part One: The Answer"
Prayer of Preparation
God of Gods, we come to worship today to hear your good news; to hear of faith, hope and love ringing out from your kingdom. We know that doubt, fear and hatred can shake even the strongest. Shape us into faithful hopeful people, fill us with your love that passes all understanding. We pray this together in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Call to Worship
One: God has called each one of to serve, using the gifts we have been given.
All: I don't know where to start.
One: Place your trust in God's guidance.
All: What if I fail?
One: God is with you - place your trust in God's presence.
All: Help me, O God, to trust in you and in your gracious gifts to me. Help me to serve others in your name.
Prayer of Invocation
Gracious God, we come to you each day, seeking your guidance and strength. You have called us to ministries for which we feel inadequate. Help us to understand that it is your love that will support and sustain our efforts. Give us the courage to place our trust in your abiding presence. We ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Scripture
Hymns
#693 “Though I May Speak”
#205 “Live In Charity”
#316 “Where Charity and Love Prevail”
February 7, 2016
Sermon by Reverend Robin Crawford
"Part Two: the Question"
Prayer of Preparation
O God, we still our hearts. We do not know what words you will speak to us today, but we open ourselves to receive you. We want to see you, to know you more and to receive your love and to respond in worship. Our songs, our words, our actions are for you and you alone. Guide us, Spirit, as we worship today. Change us because we have been in your presence.
Call to Worship
One: We have come to worship God, the living God,
All: Who calls prophets and teachers to bear witness.
One: We have come to praise God, the almighty God,
All: Who answers the forces of hatred and hurt with the power of grace.
One: We have come to worship God, all-gracious God,
All: Who chooses even you and me to receive and carry the Word of life and hope. All glory to God!
Prayer of Confession
One: Holy God, open our eyes to the presence of your Spirit
All: upon us, within us, among us.
One: For our apathy in the presence of oppression;
All: Forgive us.
One: If we have contributed to the broken heartedness of anyone,
All: Forgive us.
One: For our participation in systems that enslave,
All: Forgive us.
One: When we are deaf to your good news,
All: Have mercy and open our ears.
One: When our mouths remain too tightly closed,
All: Loosen our lips with songs of praise.
One: Hear our prayer, O God, and forgive our sins.
All: Hold us in your mercy, now and forever. Amen.
Scripture
Hymns
#4 “Holy God, We Praise Your Name”
#512 “The Bread and Wine are Here”
#49 “The God of Abraham Praise”
Archive - Epiphany 2016