October 15, 2023
Prelude: Wandering: Allemande from Suffolk Suite
Biery
Introit: Peoples, Clap Your Hands! (Psalm 47)
Patterson/Genevan Psalter
Carollen Ryan, Jill Cathey
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 113]
Praise the Lord! Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high,
who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
Let us worship the LORD!
The God of Abraham Praise (Hymn 488)
Hebrew melody/Daniel ben Judah
The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above;
The Ancient of Eternal Days, the God of love!
The Lord, the great I AM, by earth and heaven confessed,
We bow before your holy name, forever blest.
Your spirit still flows free, high surging where it will;
In prophet’s word you spoke of old and you speak still.
Established is your law, and changeless it shall stand,
Deep writ upon the human heart by your strong hand.
You have eternal life implanted in the soul;
Your love shall be our strength and stay, while ages roll,
We praise you, living God! We praise your holy name;
The first, the last, beyond all thought, and still the same!
Confession
God of wandering, sometimes we need to deconstruct our old paradigms before we can become what you would make of us. Forgive us when we cling to old patterns rather than trusting you to guide us. Forgive us when we put others at risk in our efforts to protect ourselves from what we fear. Meet us in our questioning, and help us find laughter in the midst of struggle and joy in the frustrating mysteries of following you. Amen.
Silence
The Lord Is God
Gambrel/Gläser AZMON
The Lord is God, the Lord alone! Give honor, thanks and praise
To God, the maker of all things and giver of our days.
With all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and might,
O people, love the Lord your God, the source of truth and light.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
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.
Children’s Message
I Will Change Your Name
Butler
I will change your name, you shall no longer be called
Wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid.
I will change your name, your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one,
Faithfulness, friend of God, one who seeks my face.
[Isaiah 62:2-4]
Prayer for Illumination
Sermon: Travels and Travails of Faith
Genesis 12-21
Focus: "Abraham bears the whole world with him in his personal anguished search. To roam, implies full exposure to the hazards of experience. The resonance of —“fool”—lingers on: the radical “folly” of those who abandon safe structures and fare forth on unmapped roads." -Avivah Gottlieb Zornber, The Beginning of Desire (p. 130)
Silent Reflection
Response: To Abraham and Sarah
Fetter/Welsh melody
To Abraham and Sarah the call of God was clear:
“Go forth and I will show you a country rich and fair.
You need not fear the journey for I have pledged my word
That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”
From Abraham and Sarah arose a pilgrim race,
Dependent for their journey on God’s abundant grace;
And in their heart was written by God this saving word,
“That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”
We of this generation on whom God’s hand is laid,
Can journey to the future secure and unafraid,
Rejoicing in God’s goodness and trusting in this word,
“That you shall be my people and I will be your God.”
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
Ann Hall
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9
Offering: Conversation: Prelude in G minor
attr. Bach
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: The Call: Animato from Suite in D
Callahan
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