September 17, 2023
Prelude: Thine
Schalk, arr. A.K. Organ
Introit: Gigue
Bach
Ed Anderson, viola
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 82]
God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
“Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Rise up, O God, judge the earth; for all the nations belong to you!
Let us worship the LORD!
Come! Live in the Light!
Haas
Come! Live in the light! Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!
We are called to be light for the kingdom,
to live in the freedom of the city of God.
We are called to act with justice; we are called to love tenderly;
We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.
Come! Open your heart! Show your mercy to all those in fear!
We are called to be hope for the hopeless
so hatred and violence will be no more.
We are called to act with justice; we are called to love tenderly;
We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.
Sing! Sing a new song! Sing of that great day when all will be one!
God will reign, and we’ll walk with each other
as sisters and brothers united in love.
We are called to act with justice; we are called to love tenderly;
We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.
Confession
God of justice, we long for you to bring order to our chaotic world. Too often, the strong oppress the weak, and those in authority show partiality rather than compassion. Forgive us when we use the power we have for our own advantage and security rather than to do justice for others. Forgive us when we criticize those who are trying to make a difference rather than acknowledging and supporting their work. Teach us the power of belonging to you, and help us find community with all who share your priorities. Amen.
Silence
O for a World (Hymn 386)
Winter/Gläser
O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,
Where love is lived and all is done with justice and praise.
O for a world where goods are shared and misery relieved,
Where truth is spoken, children spared, equality achieved.
The poor are rich, the weak are strong, the foolish ones are wise.
Tell all who mourn; outcasts belong, who perishes will rise.
O for a world preparing for God’s glorious reign of peace,
Where time and tears will be no more, and all but love will cease.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Children’s Message
The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor (Psalm 82)
Foley
Please join is singing the Refrain:
The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Blessed be the Lord.
Embodiment: Psalm 82
Scott Starbuck
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 82: John 10:31-39
Scott Starbuck
Response: Psalm 82
Webber
God stands in heaven’s council hall,
Among the gods he judges right;
“How long will you be so unjust
And help the wicked by your might?
Now save the orphan and the weak,
Defend the humble, those in need,
Rescue the poor, those without strength,
And save them from the wicked’s greed,
They do not know nor understand;
Though blind, they shake the whole wide earth;
So now I say, ‘Though you are gods
whom the Most High has brought to birth,
Yet like all mortals you shall die,
As any prince be overthrown.’”
Arise, O God, and rule the earth
And take all nations for your own.
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.
Engagement
Jim Price
Call to Stewardship
Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. -1 John 3:18
Offering Our Gifts: Variation on “Old Hundredth”
Scheide
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: Praise the Almighty
LOBE DEN HERREN/arr. Burkhardt
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