June 25, 2023
Throughout our worship series focused on a single psalm each week that becomes part of the New Testament playlist, our regular order of worship has been changed from a linear progression to a kaleidoscopic experience centering on the psalm.
Key changes and new elements include:
Embodiment: the Psalm becomes a spoken Word through deeper congruence with the emotional self.
Meditation: a five-minute moment of silence for reflection and note-taking after the Embodiment which ends with the Passing of the Peace. Please note your feelings and memories in the space provided in the bulletin.
Reflection: a homily suggesting the emotional and theological connection of a section of the psalm with a New Testament writer.
Engagement: a layperson shares how the particularities of the psalm connect, challenge, trouble, or liberate their own soul. The Engagement continues after worship in Discussion in the Gathering Place where others are invited to share their notes and “ah ha’s.” Look for a group gathering at the big table near the stained-glass windows in the Gathering Place.
Prelude: What God Ordains Is Always Good
Gastorius, arr. Burkhardt
Introit: O God, What You Ordain is Right
Rodigast/Gastorius
Lisa Phillips
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 40]
We urgently hoped for the Lord; he bent down toward us and heard our voice.
He drew us up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set our feet upon a rock.
You have multiplied, O Lord our God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us.
Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, you have opened ears for us.
Let us worship the LORD!
O Worship the King (Hymn 476)
Haydn/Grant
O worship the King, all glorious above!
O gratefully sing God’s power and God’s love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
O tell of God’s might, O sing of God’s grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
The chariots of heaven the deep thunderclouds form,
And bright is God’s path on the wings of the storm.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend.
Confession
God who bends down to listen, we have known your help and mercy in the past. When trouble overtakes us again, we try to stay positive. We try to ground ourselves in those memories and in our belonging to you, but we do not know how long we can keep this up. When being heard does not feel like enough and we lose heart, forgive us. When we try to manipulate you through worship, forgive us. Help us hold onto your truth and trust your faithfulness. Amen.
Silence
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go (Hymn 384)
Matheson/Peace
O love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee:
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Children’s Message
He Took My Feet from the Miry Clay
Spiritual
Lisa Phillips
Katriel Starbuck, violin; Karen Bart and Helen Byrne, cello
He took my feet from the miry clay—yes, he did, yes, he did,
and placed them on the rock to stay— yes, he did, yes, he did.
Embodiment: Psalm 40
Meditation (Five Minute Silent Reflection & Note-Taking)
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
Reflection on New Testament Shared World
of Psalm 40: Hebrews 10:1-7
Scott Starbuck
Response: Psalm 40:1-5 sung to Amazing Grace
The Iona Community
I waited patiently for God, for God to hear my prayer;
And God bent down to where I sank and listened to me there.
God raised me from a miry pit, from mud and sinking sand,
And set my feet upon a rock where I can firmly stand.
And on my lips a song was put, a new song to the Lord.
Many will marvel open-eyed and put their trust in God.
Great wonders you have done, O Lord, all purposed for our good.
Unable every one to name, I bow in gratitude.
Engagement
Jeannie Lemm
Pastoral Prayer & 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.
Call to Stewardship
Scott Starbuck
Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. -Proverbs 31:8-9
Offering Our Gifts: Vivace from Ten Duets, op. 53
Gliere
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Chorale: One Thing is Needful
Bach
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