September 22, 2024
Prelude: Two Trios on “Forest Green”
English folk tune, arr. Lasky
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 54 & Isaiah 45]
Save us, O God, by your name, and vindicate us by your might.
Thus says the Lord to his anointed: “I will go before you and level the mountains,”
Hear our prayer, O God; give ear to the words of our mouth.
“I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron,”
Surely, God is our helper; the Lord is the upholder of our life.
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, who calls you by your name.”
Let us worship the LORD!
O Praise the Gracious Power (Hymn 471)
Doran/Troeger
O praise the gracious power that tumbles walls of fear
And gathers in one house of faith all strangers far and near:
We praise You, Christ! Your cross has made us one!
O praise persistent truth that opens fisted minds
And eases from their anxious clutch the prejudice that blinds:
We praise You, Christ! Your cross has made us one!
O praise inclusive love, encircling every race,
Oblivious to gender, wealth, to social rank or place:
We praise You, Christ! Your cross has made us one!
O praise the living Christ with faith’s bright songful voice!
Announce the gospel to the world and with these words rejoice:
We praise You, Christ! Your cross has made us one!
Confession
Trusting God, you have blessed us with an abundance of gifts and talents. Forgive us for receiving in fear what you have given freely. Forgive us when we fail to use our gifts for the sake of others, saving up for a better time or afraid to take the risk. Help us accept the risks of investing in relationships, and work through us, so that all may know that you are the LORD, and there is no other. Amen.
Silence
Do Not Be Afraid
Patterson/Morris
Please join in singing the refrain:
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Chosen and beloved, you are my own.
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you:
By your name I called you for my own.
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.
Open My Eyes (Hymn 324)
Scott
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my mouth, and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Jill Cathey
Old Testament: Isaiah 45:1-7
New Testament: Matthew 22:15-22
Sermon: It is the Forest, not the Trees
Scott Starbuck
Focus: Teacher, we know that you are sincere and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality.
Response: Melody for Watering the Flowers
Ed Anderson
Angela Bloemeke, clarinet; Ed Anderson, viola; Karen Bart, cello
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, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Zak Cannard
Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. -1 John 3:18
Offertory: Trio on “Forest Green”
English folk tune, arr. Lasky
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: Trumpet Tune
Wagner
OneLicense# A-727502
CCLI# 283345
