Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Gracious God, you have made all of the peoples of the earth for your glory. You invite us to serve you in freedom and in peace. Give to the people of our nation a zeal for justice and the strength for forbearance,  that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will. We ask this on a day of celebration, a day of hope for a nation made free. We ask this in the name of the one who welcomes all to be free indeed. Inspire us to live and worship in your freedom and for the sake of your Kindom. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    Fanfare For the Common Man     Copeland

Call To Worship 2

ONE: O Lord, you are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

ALL: You are good to all people, with compassion for all of your creation.

ONE: All your works give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful people bless you.

ALL: They speak of the glory of your realm and tell of your wondrous deeds.

ONE: You are faithful in your words, O Lord, and gracious in all your deeds.

ALL: You uphold all who are falling and raise up those who are bowed down.

ONE: Let us worship God.

Hymn 385   All People That on Earth Do Dwell

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator, who created and is creating everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of God. We believe in God the Christ, who saved and is saving everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us: each of us; unique, individual and beloved of the Christ. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who guided and is guiding everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of the Spirit. We believe that this one God in three persons, is present among us, working directly in our lives and the lives of all who are born into this world, striving to bring us back into harmony with all creation and with God: forgiving, healing, touching everyone, never rejecting any who willingly receive this freely offered gift of love and grace and eternal life. Amen.

Response Hymn 286

Breathe on me, Breath of God;

fill me with life anew,

That I may love what thou dost love,

and do what thou wouldst do

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 295

Go to the world! Go into all the earth.

Go preach the cross where Christ renews life's worth,

Baptizing as the sign of our rebirth. Alleluia. Alleluia

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Born Free     John Barry and Don Black

Sermon:     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 183  Come to Me, O Weary Traveler

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

Lord God, your truth endures from age to age, and you provide for your people's needs far beyond what we can imagine. Bless this offering we make in your name as a portion of our full-hearted devotion. Send your Spirit upon those who will guide its use for the healing of this world you love. We offer our gifts in gratitude for the new life we have found in Christ. Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.     

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving 5

Welcome to the delight that is this table. Our Lord's table. Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity. We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood. Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.

This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him. Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected. Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

ONE: The Lord be with you

ALL: And also with you

ONE: Lift up your hearts

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

ALL: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, eternal God, creator of the universe. You made us from the dust of the earth, Breathed into us the breath of life, And set us in your world to love you. We rejected your love, your peace. We chose to live in enmity with one another Rather than peace with you and all creation. But you did not reject us, and you called us back to you over and over again. We thank you for the prophets like John who prepared the way of peace. Therefore we praise you, Joining our voices with the heavenly choirs And with all the faithful of every time and place, Who forever sing to the glory of your name, saying together:

ALL:  Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE:  We give you thanks for Jesus at whose birth the angels sang of the coming reign of peace on earth, who fed the hungry, humbled the mighty, and proclaimed the good news. With thanks and praise we offer ourselves to you, sharing this holy meal, Remembering Christ's dying and rising, And praying: Come, Lord Jesus! Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us— this bread, this cup, this people— Christ's body and blood, that brings us peace. As you make us one in the Spirit, grant us the strength and wisdom to seek peace in the world. Keep us in the peace of Christ until you gather us at your table in glory Guide us in the path of peace. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

God our hope, we give you thanks that you have given us this foretaste of the heavenly realm of justice and peace. Strengthen us with this food from your table as we seek to serve you. Lead us in lives of purpose and joy as we await the coming again in glory of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 337   My Country Tis of Thee

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude

1 adapted from the Book of Common Prayer

2 Worship Resources for July 5, 2026

3 Lisa Frenz, Thanksgiving Liturgy Mount Carmel

Evangelical Lutheran Church Portland, Oregon

4 A New Start

5 Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

6 re: worship

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

O God, We gather together in your presence with expectation, hungry for an encounter with you, eager to hear your word. Open our eyes and ears to the presence of your Holy Spirit. May the seeds of your word scattered among us this morning fall on fertile soil. May they take root in our hearts and lives, and produce an abundant harvest of good words and deeds. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our teacher and our Lord. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

ONE: Come and worship, everyone on earth, everywhere the sun shines,

ALL: let's praise God together!

ONE: For listening when we call, answering our prayers, forgiving our mistakes, and providing what we need:

ALL: let's praise God together!

ONE: Come and worship, everyone on earth, everywhere the sun shines,

ALL: let's praise God together!  

Hymn 367   Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator, who created and is creating everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of God. We believe in God the Christ, who saved and is saving everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us: each of us; unique, individual and beloved of the Christ. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who guided and is guiding everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of the Spirit. We believe that this one God in three persons, is present among us, working directly in our lives and the lives of all who are born into this world, striving to bring us back into harmony with all creation and with God: forgiving, healing, touching everyone, never rejecting any who willingly receive this freely offered gift of love and grace and eternal life. Amen.

Response Hymn 286

Breathe on me, Breath of God;

fill me with life anew,

That I may love what thou dost love,

and do what thou wouldst do

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 295

Go to the world! Go into all the earth.

Go preach the cross where Christ renews life's worth,

Baptizing as the sign of our rebirth. Alleluia. Alleluia

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon:     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 171     A Sower Came from Ancient Hills

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

Lord God, your truth endures from age to age, and you provide for your people's needs far beyond what we can imagine. Bless this offering we make in your name as a portion of our full-hearted devotion. Send your Spirit upon those who will guide its use for the healing of this world you love. We offer our gifts in gratitude for the new life we have found in Christ. Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.     

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 451   Open My Eyes, That I May See

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude

1,2  Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

3 Lisa Frenz, Thanksgiving Liturgy Mount Carmel

Evangelical Lutheran Church Portland, Oregon

4 A New Start

5 Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

In you alone we put our hope, God the Father, Creator and Sustainer, who gives all good things seen and unseen. In you alone we put our hope, God the Son, Saviour and Redeemer, who died for our sins and rose again. In you alone we put our hope, God the Spirit, Teacher and Comforter, who moves us to sing “Our God reigns!” In you alone we put our hope. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may experience the love and grace that your pour upon us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

We worship the God who inhabits our world and indwells our lives. We need not look up to find God, we need only to look around: within ourselves, beyond ourselves, into the eyes of another. We need not listen for a distant thunder to find God, we need only listen to the music of life, the words of children, the questions of the curious, the rhythm of a heartbeat. We worship the God who inhabits our world and who indwells our lives.

Hymn 393   O Day of Rest and Gladness

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator, who created and is creating everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of God. We believe in God the Christ, who saved and is saving everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us: each of us; unique, individual and beloved of the Christ. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who guided and is guiding everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of the Spirit. We believe that this one God in three persons, is present among us, working directly in our lives and the lives of all who are born into this world, striving to bring us back into harmony with all creation and with God: forgiving, healing, touching everyone, never rejecting any who willingly receive this freely offered gift of love and grace and eternal life. Amen.

Response Hymn 286

Breathe on me, Breath of God;

fill me with life anew,

That I may love what thou dost love,

and do what thou wouldst do

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 295

Go to the world! Go into all the earth.

Go preach the cross where Christ renews life's worth,

Baptizing as the sign of our rebirth. Alleluia. Alleluia

Scripture: Psalm 86:11-17,  Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon:     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 844     Incline Your Ear, O Lord, To Me

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

Lord God, your truth endures from age to age, and you provide for your people's needs far beyond what we can imagine. Bless this offering we make in your name as a portion of our full-hearted devotion. Send your Spirit upon those who will guide its use for the healing of this world you love. We offer our gifts in gratitude for the new life we have found in Christ. Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.     

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 714   God of the Fertile Fields

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude

1  John Birch, Faith and Worship

2  The Presbyterian Church USA

3 Lisa Frenz, Thanksgiving Liturgy Mount Carmel

Evangelical Lutheran Church Portland, Oregon

4 A New Start

5 Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Gracious God, we remember with gratitude those people who generously sowed the seeds of faith in our lives. We recognize how you have blessed our lives with the gift of the Holy Spirit so that our faith has miraculously and mysteriously grown. We pray that we remain connected to you at all times and in all places, strengthening our faith to expand and, growing strongly and vigorously, to bear the fruit of your mercy and your love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

It is not we who chose Christ, but Christ who chose us. We are not here because of our goodness but because of Christ's grace. We are not here to enlighten ourselves, but to allow Christ to enlighten us. That we have come to worship God with joy with our heart, soul, mind and strength. Let us worship together!

Hymn 5   God the Sculptor of the Mountains

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator, who created and is creating everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of God. We believe in God the Christ, who saved and is saving everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us: each of us; unique, individual and beloved of the Christ. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who guided and is guiding everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of the Spirit. We believe that this one God in three persons, is present among us, working directly in our lives and the lives of all who are born into this world, striving to bring us back into harmony with all creation and with God: forgiving, healing, touching everyone, never rejecting any who willingly receive this freely offered gift of love and grace and eternal life. Amen.

Response Hymn 286

Breathe on me, Breath of God;

fill me with life anew,

That I may love what thou dost love,

and do what thou wouldst do

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 295

Go to the world! Go into all the earth.

Go preach the cross where Christ renews life's worth,

Baptizing as the sign of our rebirth. Alleluia. Alleluia

Scripture: Psalm 119:129-136,  Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Thy Word     Amy Grant

Sermon:     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 64     I Long for Your Commandments

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

Lord God, your truth endures from age to age, and you provide for your people's needs far beyond what we can imagine. Bless this offering we make in your name as a portion of our full-hearted devotion. Send your Spirit upon those who will guide its use for the healing of this world you love. We offer our gifts in gratitude for the new life we have found in Christ. Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.     

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 830   Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude    More Love, More Power     Michael W. Smith

1  Moira Laidlaw  Liturgies Online

2  Bruce Prewer

3 Lisa Frenz, Thanksgiving Liturgy Mount Carmel

Evangelical Lutheran Church Portland, Oregon

4 A New Start

5 Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Lord, the eyes of all look to you in hope and you give them what they need. You open your hand and satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. We, too, turn to you again, longing to be filled—to eat of the Bread of Life, to drink from your life-giving streams, to taste your goodness and live.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

ONE: The hungry search for bread.

ALL: The thirsty look for water. This is a place for those who are hungry and thirsty in spirit.

ONE: Those who ache for meaning will pursue it.

ALL: Those who yearn for a deeper life will seek it. This is a place for those who ache and yearn for something more.

ONE: So let us come here today…

ALL: …with our hunger and thirst, our unsatisfied longings, our heart-felt yearnings, and let the God of life satisfy our souls. Let us worship God together.

Hymn 509   All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in God the Creator, who created and is creating everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of God. We believe in God the Christ, who saved and is saving everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us: each of us; unique, individual and beloved of the Christ. We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who guided and is guiding everything: the universe, the world, the plants and animals, and us; each of us, unique, individual and beloved of the Spirit. We believe that this one God in three persons, is present among us, working directly in our lives and the lives of all who are born into this world, striving to bring us back into harmony with all creation and with God: forgiving, healing, touching everyone, never rejecting any who willingly receive this freely offered gift of love and grace and eternal life. Amen.

Response Hymn 843

My soul is at rest in God alone;

My salvation comes from God.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 587

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon:     "Meeting God as Judge and Savior"  Reverend John Chamberlin

Hymn 498    Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

On our own what we have to give may not amount to much in the light of all you have given to your people, and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless the gifts we give and what we keep, just as it was with the loaves and fishes, that there is enough for all. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.     

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving 5

Welcome to the delight that is this table. Our Lord's table. Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity. We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood. Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.

This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him. Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected. Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

ONE: The Lord be with you

ALL: And also with you

ONE: Lift up your hearts

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

ALL: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, eternal God, creator of the universe. You made us from the dust of the earth, Breathed into us the breath of life, And set us in your world to love you. We rejected your love, your peace. We chose to live in enmity with one another Rather than peace with you and all creation. But you did not reject us, and you called us back to you over and over again. We thank you for the prophets like John who prepared the way of peace. Therefore we praise you, Joining our voices with the heavenly choirs And with all the faithful of every time and place, Who forever sing to the glory of your name, saying together:

ALL:  Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE:  We give you thanks for Jesus at whose birth the angels sang of the coming reign of peace on earth, who fed the hungry, humbled the mighty, and proclaimed the good news. With thanks and praise we offer ourselves to you, sharing this holy meal, Remembering Christ's dying and rising, And praying: Come, Lord Jesus! Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us— this bread, this cup, this people— Christ's body and blood, that brings us peace. As you make us one in the Spirit, grant us the strength and wisdom to seek peace in the world. Keep us in the peace of Christ until you gather us at your table in glory Guide us in the path of peace. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

God our hope, we give you thanks that you have given us this foretaste of the heavenly realm of justice and peace. Strengthen us with this food from your table as we seek to serve you. Lead us in lives of purpose and joy as we await the coming again in glory of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 546   Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude    

1,5,6  re: worship

2  Ann Siddall, Stillpoint Spirituality Centre

3 Lisa Frenz, Thanksgiving Liturgy Mount Carmel

Evangelical Lutheran Church Portland, Oregon

4 A New Start

5 Rev. Nathan Williams, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines, IA

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Gracious God, we gather once again to offer you praise and thanksgiving for your unfailing love and faithfulness, shown most clearly through your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us grace to worship you in spirit and in truth. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, open our eyes to recognize you here among us. Give us courage to step out in faith to meet you, and confidence to follow where you lead. For you are our God, and we are your people, called by your name. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

We gather together to worship God, who comes to us when we least expect it, who calls us out of the safety of our ordered lives. We are invited us to join God in the adventure of faith. Let's worship God together!

Hymn 8   Eternal Father, Strong to Save

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in a God who created all things and seeks for all to be in communion as God's people. We believe in Jesus Christ who showed us how to share love, and who commissioned us to go out into the highways and byways inviting all to be a part of God's work in the world. We believe in the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us into the world, then touches the lives of those around us in ways that make them receptive to love. We believe in the harvest and the call for laborers to receive and respond, sharing light and life with the world. Amen.

Response Hymn 843

My soul is at rest in God alone;

My salvation comes from God.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 587

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: Psalms 85:8-13 and Matthew 14:22-33

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    Pilot Me     Michael Johnson

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 184    Calm to the Waves

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

On our own what we have to give may not amount to much in the light of all you have given to your people, and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless the gifts we give and what we keep, just as it was with the loaves and fishes, that there is enough for all. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.     

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 834   Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude     Speak Lord     Marienne Uszler and Tim Schoenbachler    

1,2,5  re: worship

3 RE:Worship Reverend Tim Tate, Warrenton UMC

4 A New Start

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Faithful God, we come into your presence with thanksgiving, deeply grateful for the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown toward us, your people. When we call out to you, you answer. When we are exhausted, you give us the strength to go on. When we find ourselves in trouble, you are there, standing beside us. And so we come before you gratitude and praise, offering you the worship of our hearts and lives. Open our eyes to see and know you here among us; open our ears to recognize your voice. And then send us out from here, to live and work in the world as your faithful disciples. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

With open arms you welcome all who call on your name—who acknowledge you as Lord, and look to you in faith. No one stands outside the circle of your mercy and love. And so we come to offer you our worship—to declare that you are our God, and that we are your people, called and chosen by you from the very beginning. Through the presence of your Holy Spirit open our eyes to see you here; open our minds to receive your truth, and our mouths to speak and sing your praise. For you alone are God—worthy of all praise and worship, now and to the end of time. Let us worship God!

Hymn 327   From All That Dwell Below the Skies

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in a God who created all things and seeks for all to be in communion as God's people. We believe in Jesus Christ who showed us how to share love, and who commissioned us to go out into the highways and byways inviting all to be a part of God's work in the world. We believe in the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us into the world, then touches the lives of those around us in ways that make them receptive to love. We believe in the harvest and the call for laborers to receive and respond, sharing light and life with the world. Amen.

Response Hymn 843

My soul is at rest in God alone;

My salvation comes from God.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 587

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: Psalm 67 and Matthew 15:10-28

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 341    O God, Show Mercy to Us

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

On our own what we have to give may not amount to much in the light of all you have given to your people, and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless the gifts we give and what we keep, just as it was with the loaves and fishes, that there is enough for all. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.     

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 754   Help Us Accept Each Other

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude       

1,2,5  re: worship

3 RE:Worship Reverend Tim Tate, Warrenton UMC

4 A New Start

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

In the name of the Lord Jesus, the bread breaker, the light gatherer, and the cross carrier, welcome. May the peace of the Lord Jesus, the peace maker, and the temple disturber, friend of the sinner, and companion on the road be with us all. Let us draw close to the Lord Jesus, the savior, the healer, the teacher, and worship him and ask ourselves who do we say he is? Amen.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

We gather to give thanks to you, O Lord, with all our heart! We will sing your praises before all creation, and rejoice in your steadfast love! You have created us O Lord, and made us for yourself. In you we become everything you have made us to be! Let us worship God!

Hymn 81   Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in a God who created all things and seeks for all to be in communion as God's people. We believe in Jesus Christ who showed us how to share love, and who commissioned us to go out into the highways and byways inviting all to be a part of God's work in the world. We believe in the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us into the world, then touches the lives of those around us in ways that make them receptive to love. We believe in the harvest and the call for laborers to receive and respond, sharing light and life with the world. Amen.

Response Hymn 843

My soul is at rest in God alone;

My salvation comes from God.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 587

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: Psalm 138 and Matthew 16:13-20

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 334    With Grateful Heart My Thanks I Bring

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

On our own what we have to give may not amount to much in the light of all you have given to your people, and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless the gifts we give and what we keep, just as it was with the loaves and fishes, that there is enough for all. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.     

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 718  Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude       

1 inspired by Mark 8:29 Spill the Beans

2 Lectionary Sermons Archives

3 RE:Worship Reverend Tim Tate, Warrenton UMC

4 A New Start

5  re: worship

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Loving God, you call us to turn away from our own selfish interests, to take up our cross, and to follow after you—to find our lives by giving them up to your greater purpose. So we come before you this morning with open hearts and open hands, eager to hear your word, and eager to know your will. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, move within us and among us as we worship. Open our eyes to your presence; open our ears to your call, open our hearts to one another. And then send us back out into the world, to live and work as your faithful disciples. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, Amen.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

We gather together to worship the God of our fathers and mothers—the God of Abraham and Sarah, of Miriam and Moses—who hears the cries of his people and comes to their aid; who meets us on holy ground and calls us follow; who invites us to take up our cross, and discover what it means to truly live. This is our God! Let's worship together.

Hymn 93     Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

Affirmation of Faith 3

We believe in a God who created all things and seeks for all to be in communion as God's people. We believe in Jesus Christ who showed us how to share love, and who commissioned us to go out into the highways and byways inviting all to be a part of God's work in the world. We believe in the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us into the world, then touches the lives of those around us in ways that make them receptive to love. We believe in the harvest and the call for laborers to receive and respond, sharing light and life with the world. Amen.

Response Hymn 843

My soul is at rest in God alone;

My salvation comes from God.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 587

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: Psalm 26:1-8 and Matthew 16:21-28

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 833     O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

On our own what we have to give may not amount to much in the light of all you have given to your people, and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless the gifts we give and what we keep, just as it was with the loaves and fishes, that there is enough for all. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.     

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 828     Lift High the Cross

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude       

1,2,5 re: worship

3 RE:Worship Reverend Tim Tate, Warrenton UMC

4 A New Start

5  re: worship

Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Lord, the eyes of all look to you in hope; and you give them what they need. You open your hand and satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. We, too, turn to you again, longing to be filled—to eat of the Bread of Life, to drink from your life-giving streams, to taste your goodness and live. May the time we spend together in your presence nourish our hearts and minds; may it strengthen our relationship with you, and renew our commitment to live in this world as your faithful disciples. For you alone are God, the Source and sustainer of life. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen.

Welcome

Introit    

Call To Worship 2

ONE: Awake! Today is the day God has made.

ALL: Sing to God a new song and praise God's holy name.

ONE: We come with our songs of praise to our faithful God.

ALL: Where two or three are gathered in God's name, God is here among us. Praise be to God!

Minute for a Season of Preparation

Hymn 529     Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether

Prayer of Confession 3

God of hope and peace, God of strength and gentleness, remind us again of the holy way for God's people to travel. Forgive us for failing to see your joy and majesty. Forgive us for being weak in serving you. Forgive us for failing to see the glory of your creation where waters can break forth in the wilderness and the deserts shall bring forth beauty. Open our eyes to see your promises. Open our ears to hear the good news of your love for all your children. Quench our thirst with showers of your love for us. Through Christ we pray. Amen.

Response Hymn 843

My soul is at rest in God alone;

My salvation comes from God.

Words of Assurance 4

Jesus has come to heal our spirits and our souls. The demons of arrogance, indifference and apathy are being cast out. New life is offered to us in Jesus Christ. Rejoice! Be Glad! For God's love is poured out to us this day. Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 587

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture: Psalm 119:33-40 and Matthew: 18:15-20

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem     Holy Spirit (In Your Prescence)     Bryan and Katie Towalt

Sermon     Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 64     I Long for Your Commandments

Invitation to the Offering 4

All things in heaven and earth belong to God, who is coming in glory to reveal a new creation. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that blesses others through the sharing of our love, our talents, and our material possessions. Let us rejoice now in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.

Offertory  

Prayer of Dedication 5

On our own what we have to give may not amount to much in the light of all you have given to your people, and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless the gifts we give and what we keep, just as it was with the loaves and fishes, that there is enough for all. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.     

Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

Welcome to the delight that is this table. Our Lord's table. Welcome to the table where the love of God meets Humanity. We welcome everyone to this table, no matter your church background, your knowledge of biblical ideas, no matter your sexual orientation or gender truth, no matter your mood. Wherever and whoever you are you are welcome here, you belong, you are worthy.

This is for you, but it may change you from one who is anxiously concerned about their own redemption into one who knows that Christ's body is the earth and all who walk upon it, are one in Him. Into knowing that we are not redeemed by our being good but by our being connected. Into knowing that daring to eat at the table of Jesus Christ has unimaginable consequences.

So come, come to be made whole, and to participate in the work of making us one with God and each other.

ONE: The Lord be with you

ALL: And also with you

ONE: Lift up your hearts

ALL: We lift them up to the Lord

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

ALL: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

ONE: It is truly right and our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, eternal God, creator of the universe. You made us from the dust of the earth, Breathed into us the breath of life, And set us in your world to love you. We rejected your love, your peace. We chose to live in enmity with one another Rather than peace with you and all creation. But you did not reject us, and you called us back to you over and over again. We thank you for the prophets like John who prepared the way of peace. Therefore we praise you, Joining our voices with the heavenly choirs And with all the faithful of every time and place, Who forever sing to the glory of your name, saying together:

ALL:  Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

ONE:  We give you thanks for Jesus at whose birth the angels sang of the coming reign of peace on earth, who fed the hungry, humbled the mighty, and proclaimed the good news. With thanks and praise we offer ourselves to you, sharing this holy meal, Remembering Christ's dying and rising, And praying: Come, Lord Jesus! Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us— this bread, this cup, this people— Christ's body and blood, that brings us peace. As you make us one in the Spirit, grant us the strength and wisdom to seek peace in the world. Keep us in the peace of Christ until you gather us at your table in glory Guide us in the path of peace. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, now and forever. Amen.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

God our hope, we give you thanks that you have given us this foretaste of the heavenly realm of justice and peace. Strengthen us with this food from your table as we seek to serve you. Lead us in lives of purpose and joy as we await the coming again in glory of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Prayers of the People

ONE: Lord in your Mercy,

ALL: Hear our prayers.

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 472     Kum ba Yah

Pastoral Blessing

Community Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!  

Postlude     Less Like Me     Zach Williams, Hank Bentley, and Mia Fieldes

1,6 re: worship

2,3 PCUSA Season of Preparation Resources Week 1

4 Nancy C. Townley, Ministry Matters

5 A New Start