September 24, 2023
Prelude: Larghetto
Handel, arr. Diggle
Introit: Amid the Thronging Worshipers (from Ps. 22)
Anderson/Trad. English Melody
Carollen Ryan
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 22]
O God, we cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord;
and all the families of the nations shall worship before him.
Before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and we shall live for him.
Let us worship the LORD!
In the Presence of Your People
Chambers/Polman
In the presence of your people I will praise your name,
For alone you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Let us celebrate your goodness and your steadfast love;
May your name be exalted here on earth and in heaven above.
All who love you sing your praises and proclaim your power,
For alone you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
You have not ignored our suffering but have heard our cry;
May your name be exalted here on earth and in heaven above.
All who seek your rule will praise you and be satisfied;
For alone you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
All the peoples of the nations will bow down to you;
May your name be exalted here on earth and in heaven above.
Confession
God of life and death, in our worst moments, we can feel forsaken and unheard. Forgive us when we struggle to hold onto faith in the midst of pain and fear. Have mercy on us when we find no rest or comfort in prayer. Remind us of the stories of the community of faith who came before us, and help us know that your presence is bigger than our temporary inability to find or feel you. Thank you that you do not turn away from us when we are overwhelmed or in pain. Deepen our trust in you, and lead us through our difficulties to praise you together. Amen.
Silence
Psalm 22:9-11
Webber/O Waly Waly
Yet you, O Lord, have been my God
And only hope since I was born;
Trouble is near me, none can help;
My Savior, leave me not forlorn.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Children’s Message
Embodiment: Psalm 22/What Wondrous Love
Mead/Walker
Scott Starbuck
Congregational responses:
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul?
What wondrous love is this, O my soul?
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down...
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
And when from death I’m free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on!
And when from death I’m free, I'll sing on!
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on, and through eternity I’ll sing on!
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 22: Matthew 27:38-46
Scott Starbuck
Response: Lord, Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Psalm 22)
Webber/DICKINSON COLLEGE
Lord, why have you forsaken me, and why are you so far away
from my complaint and my distress poured out before you night and day?
Yet you are holy, and the songs of praise of Israel are your throne;
When our ancestors called on you, you saved them, rescued all your own.
But I am mocked and put to scorn. All those who see me laugh and say,
“You trust in God, so let us see the help of God to whom you pray.”
Yet you, O Lord, have been my God and only hope since I was born.
With trouble near me, none can help. My Savior, leave me not forlorn.
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
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. -Matthew 5:9
Offering Our Gifts: Elegy
Walton
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: March
Walton
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CCLI# 283345
