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Easter B

Posted in - RCL and other Common Lectionaries, Feasts, Hymn Texts, Tunes, Collections, Liturgical Texts: Eucharist, Year B on March 26, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Easter B

April 1

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Earlier Entries

Hymns for Early Easter

Gospel Acclamations for Disciples Congregations

Easter Vigil: For notes on a prior Easter Vigil posting, see https://lifeinliturgy.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/easter-b-vigil-service/

Service of Baptismal Renewal, see https://lifeinliturgy.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/baptism-of-christ-c-jan-13/

Service of Easter Evening

Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 114; 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8; Luke 24:13-49; Hymns: Any of the Easter hymns noted below are appropriate; especially for evening 227 (In the Garden), 231 (Sing of One Who Walks Beside Us), and 636 (Abide with me)

Easter Morning

Scripture (from the Revised Common Lectionary, with links provided by TextWeek.com – a source for thoughtful worship and preaching throughout the year):

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 I Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43 John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8

Suggested Hymns from Chalice Hymnal

see 215-234; suggested:

Hymn of Praise: 215-226, 228

Hymn of Prayer: 227

Hymn of Invitation: 229, 233

Communion Hymn: 233, 422, 404

More hymn suggestions, as well as helpful references for use of the arts in worship, are available from the United Church of Christ website.

On 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Come reminded of beginning.

how the gospel came alive.

In the rising of the Savior

now apprise the waking hour.

In appearing to the chosen,

Christ assures this dawning day.

In the morning exultation ,

in the shining of his face:

thus the coming of this glory

breaks as dawn upon the face.

See him in the boldest moment,

shining as all risen love.

First appearing unto Cephas

then the Twelve, then many more,

unto James and all apostle,

lastly unto Paul also –

even to the one untimely

shows our risen Christ our life.

Now again in hearts reprising

find the Lord’s appearing shine

in the hearts, upon our faces,

recognize the dawn of love.

Here indeed, in all procession

sweeps the majesty of joy.

8.7.8.7.8.7. Suggested tune: Webbe’s St. Thomas

Dealing with the Psalm of the Day:

Since Chalice Hymnal does not provide a complete Psalter, there will be occasions when suggestions may be made for alternate Psalm use (or hymn equivalent). A metrical version of the Psalter, for those Psalms not provided in Chalice Hymnal, is being prepared by Rev. David Chafin. Where practical, these may be offered here as well. You may also want to visit http://lectionarypsalms.org/

This week: Psalm 118, see p. 758.

Concerning the Following Items: Except where otherwise noted, items are created or adapted by the editor. If you are aware of source notations which are missing, please bring them to his attention. No copyright infringement is intended, but is sure to happen.

Call to Worship

Grace and peace to you from Jesus Christ our Lord.

My brothers and sisters in Christ: On this most holy morning in which Jesus Christ passed over from death to life, we gather as the church to pray and watch for the dawning of his triumph and resurrection. We join with the whole company of God’s people in heaven and on earth in recalling and celebrating his victory over death, and our deliverance from the bondage of sin and darkness to everlasting light.

Hear the Word of God of God: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”

Come, let us praise the Lord, let us worship our risen Savior, for death has given away to life, despair has been overwhelmed by hope, grief has been replaced by joy, and darkness has been dispelled by light!

Jesus has passed through the door of death and opened the way to the blessing of life. As on the third day, his presence can penetrate the barrier of our fears and give us peace, that we may proclaim the beauty of forgiveness and the strength that community supplies. Friends, Christ is risen and he is here. Let us worship God, who blesses us with life.

L: Alleluia. Christ is Risen.

P: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

L: May his grace and peace be with you.

P: May he fill our hearts with joy. Alleluia!

(The Paschal Candle is lit,)

L: Christ our Light!

P: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!

L: Alleluia. Christ is Risen.

P: The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

L: God’s desire for life to abound in us has conquered death.

P: We are now raised with Christ to life eternal. Alleluia!

L: Christ is risen.

P: Christ is risen, indeed.

L: God is alive..

P: New birth is given.

L: Hope is alive…

P: A new age is dawning.

L: Joy is alive…

P: Redemption is here.

L: Love is alive

P: Death cannot harm us.

L: We are alive…

P: New life is within us.

L: The church is alive…

P: God’s spirit is within us.

God of life, we worship you.

God of creation, we praise you.

God of revelation, we learn from you.

God of resurrection, we come to celebrate you.

Invocation or Prayer of Approach

O Life-giving God, your love for your children knows no boundaries. In Jesus Christ your Son, you have gone the full distance, even into the shadows of death, to find us, redeem us, and bring us back to life. Fill our hearts with joyous praise, even as we still may struggle to see life in the midst of its own shadows, so that as we proclaim your greatest good news this day we may bring glory to you and new hope to your world, for we pray in his name (as he taught us to pray, “Our Father…”)

God of love and glory, this week has been one of mixed emotions, of our struggle to understand. We have celebrated with palm branches, sat at table with the disciples, felt the pain of Christ’s betrayal and the agony of his death upon the cross. And on this third day, we witness your power in the Resurrection, the victory over death. Help us to truly experience your presence as we celebrate this day and every day the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Be with us now as we worship and offer our prayers together through Christ our Lord, (who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”)

OR from Bread for the Journey

Gracious God, Power of Life, we praise you that you have not abandoned us to the living death of sin and despair, but that with Jesus Christ, you have lifted us up from the grave. Grant that we might ourselves know the power of the resurrection, now and in the world to come; for it is in the name of the risen Christ that we pray (even as he taught his disciples to pray, saying, “Our Father…”)

Pastoral Prayer – Prayers of the People – Intercessions

Almighty and ever-living God, your people in all the earth adore you in this and every hour. We look to you especially in this day which by the resurrection of your Son is made holy. And for the blessings of this life, we thank you and celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, which is to be our own resurrection.

Given such great blessings, we cannot help but be awakened to the cries of those who have no earthly hope. We hear the call of the hungry, the destitute, the very old and very young who do not see the light of day. Give us the fortitude, O God, to face the call and respond with haste to feed and clothe and love all of your people, and to gather them as lambs into the hope which we have found in the light of your Christ.

We hear the cry of the soul-sick with grief and anger and fear. We see the need of our neighbors and are shamefully inattentive to their suffering. Brace us with courage, O God, where their courage is broken, and enable us to lift them up when they cannot carry themselves through the thorny paths of their lives, and to help them find the path of salvation, healing and peace.

We hear the groan of bondage in our world and see the stripes of the taskmaster on the backs of humanity. Great God of the living, give us power to break the bonds of evil which perplex and destroy. Help us to free our fellows with the liberating word of truth that Christ has broken the bonds of death, hell and the grave.

So many who are near to us are ill and suffering. Be by the side of these dear ones in this hour and the hours that lay ahead. Heal those lives for whom the world can hold no cure. Bind up the wounds which find no salve. Give peace to the broken ones who face death and separation.

Plough up the hardness of your church, O Lord, when we become infertile and unproductive. Give us grace to know that the hardships we must face are to prepare us to receive new life and a new age of fruitfulness for your kingdom. As we go through our daily walks of life, help us all to be a benediction upon the lives of our families, our co-workers and each of those lives whom we touch even briefly. Give us grace to bring our every need and those of our neighbors to the altar of your love and grace in the name of Jesus, your Christ.

Righteous and ever living God, on this day your Son shattered the power of death, bringing life and immortality to light. On this day of all days in human history, help us to not to miss the power of its significance. Give us Easter’s holy power to adequately praise you and to rejoice in the new life that is ours. Intensify our joy in the resurrection that turned night into light and mourning into laughter. May our lives that often seem so dull and drab be made new, even as we go about our daily tasks. Open our eyes to the new possibilities of a world made fresh with praise. Give us the power of the resurrection, which broke the reign of death, to shatter every ancient tyranny that entombs your children: the intrigues of war, the subtlety of vested interests, racist pride, and ambitious self-seeking; and to break the enslaving shackles of debilitating doubts, secret lusts, persistent sins, wavering self-respect, diminishing integrity, and ever-deepening bitterness.

Give us, we pray, the victory of Easter that turned a cross into a resurrection, and made the symbol of shame into the sign of victory, to gain triumph from our worst defeats, to turn darkness to day, to make temptations into redemptive opportunities, to transform tragedy into faith, freshly made graves into hope, and all bitterness to love.

Give us the peace of the resurrection that calmed the terrorized hearts of your children, and as we wait upon you, speak calm to our souls. Because Christ lives, we, too, shall live, and so we rejoice. Until the day dawns, grant us brave hearts and constant spirits, as we lift our hearts to you in praise and thanksgiving, through Christ our Lord.

Lord of life, hear us as we lift to you our hopes and prayers for the church and the world. Let your grace empower us as people of faith to better serve you in the common places of our lives, and in the people we meet on our faith journeys. Open our eyes to the living Christ as we pray for and work with the poor, the broken-hearted, the sick and the bereaved. Hear our prayers for those who are close to our hearts. In your resurrecting power, lift them up and give them renewed strength and hope; and give to us all new faith by which to live our days with you. Then will our lives be living witness to your resurrection, made whole by your love and care. In Christ’s Spirit we pray.

Holy God, we come before you in prayer, lifting to you the joys and concerns, the hopes and dreams of our lives. May we also be open to your voice in our lives that we may see with new eyes, and hear with new ears, the direction you will have us to go.

Bless, we pray, this gathering of your people that we may grow and flourish in your love and grace for the purpose to which you have called us.

Hear our prayers for those whose lives have touched us—those who are in pain, those who are ill, those who grieve. May we touch their lives not only through our prayers, but through our lives and actions as well.

Guide us, bless us, uplift us, and hold us, for we are your children called to our purpose in your world. Hear our prayers, those spoken and those hidden in our hearts, we pray in the name of Christ our Lord.

A Collect of the Day (created or adapted by the editor)

God of all ages and of all people, the shadows and gloom of Good Friday have been dispersed by the light and color of Easter Sunday. We rejoice in your power that turns our sorrow into joy, our despair into hope, our defeat into victory, and evil into goodness. Help us on this day, O God, to burst out of the tombs that have entrapped us: tombs of selfishness and sinfulness, greed and gluttony, scandal and corruption, pride and prejudice. Let now a new life of divine grace and human love burst forth from each of us, through the power of Jesus Christ, the Risen One.

Prayers from Common Worship*

Collect

Lord of all life and power,

who through the mighty resurrection of your Son

overcame the old order of sin and death

to make all things new in him:

grant that we, being dead to sin

and alive to you in Jesus Christ,

may reign with him in glory;

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit

be praise and honour, glory and might,

now and in all eternity.

Post Communion

God of Life,

who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son

to the death of the cross,

and by his glorious resurrection

have delivered us from the power of our enemy:

grant us so to die daily to sin,

that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his risen life;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Additional Collect

God of glory,

by the raising of your Son

you have broken the chains of death and hell:

fill your Church with faith and hope;

for a new day has dawned

and the way to life stands open

in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Collect of the Day (from Book of Common Prayer, 1979**)

O God, who for our redemption gave your only begotten

Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection

delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die

daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of

his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and for ever. Amen.

or this

O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the

glory of the Lord’s resurrection: Stir up in your Church that

Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we,

being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in

sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives

and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and for ever. Amen.

or this

Almighty God, who through your only begotten Son Jesus

Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of

everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the

day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death

of sin by your life giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our

Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one

God, now and for ever. Amen.

Mark 16:1-8

Inhabiting the swarming sense of utter awe,

we fumble after recognition, O God.

Beholding the improbable,

observing presence racked in wonder,

attending your immense desire,

we founder in our angst

and shudder in acute astonishment.

Service of Table

While all of our congregations navigate the Sacred Board in a different way, it seems, there are common elements in most, which are provided here. We would love to hear if your congregation has variations to these elements which we might address in the future.

Offertory / Invitation to Give

God is at work in the world, renewing, remaking, resurrecting, bringing hope through the faith, the gifts, and the work of the church. We trust in God, and together we work for peace and justice through God’s Spirit as we offer our tithes and gifts. Let us rejoice in our God-given opportunity to share in God’s work.

Offertory Prayer

We know, O God, that the good news of the resurrection is not to be kept a secret, hidden away as the private promise to a few. Rather, it is to be universal communication of hope and joy to all people; and to that worldwide proclamation we dedicate our gifts today.

Invitation to the Table

Luke wrote of our risen Savior, who at the table with two of the disciples, took bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread. In company with all believers in every time and place, and beyond all time and place, we come to this table, to know the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread.

Beloved in Christ, the gospel tells us that on the first day of the week, Jesus Christ was raised from death, appeared to Mary Magdalene, on that same day sat at the table with two disciples and was made known to them in the breaking of bread. This is the joyful feast of the people of God. Men and women, youth and children, come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and gather about Christ’s table. This table is for all who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of God’s people. (UCC, adapted)

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Prayers for Bread and Cup) from William Flewelling:

(The following may be offered as one prayer, or broken between two Elders, if that is the tradition to be followed)

When we were barely looking, Lord God, you came upon us.

In the mystery of our despair, you raised the touch of love.

In the anguish of our uncertainty you lifted the grace of Christ.

In the hour of our dejection you raised for us the cup of thanksgiving.

In the torment of our fright you held us in the risen arms of Christ.

Holy God, we rejoice in your arising.

As your raised our Lord Jesus, raise us in hope to love and to share.

As the broken bread, our Manna, the body of Christ is given to feed our souls, raise us in life to join our hearts in tenderness and care.

As the fresh wine cup, the blood of Christ, our new covenant, refreshes our souls, raise us with Jesus to share together the feast of your kingdom.

Anoint us in your Spirit that we might fully live, your people and witnesses of resurrection; in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God, creator of heaven and earth, we joyfully thank you and praise your name. You formed the universe in your wisdom, and created all things by your power. You set us in families on the earth to live with you in faith. We praise you for good gifts of bread and wine, and for the table you spread in the world as a sign of your love for all people. We praise you, Lord, for sending your only Son Jesus to live among us, full of grace and truth. He made you known to all who receive him.

Sharing our joy and sorrow, he healed the sick, befriended sinners, and showed us the way to everlasting life. Even having taken up his cross and dying that we might live, he overcame death and is risen in power. He is with us still, victorious over every power that can hurt or divide us.

And so, in remembrance of all your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we take this bread and cup and give you thanks and praise. Pour out your Spirit upon us, that this bread and cup may be for us the body and blood of Christ, and that we, and all who share this feast, may be one with Christ and he with us. Fill us with eternal life, that with joy we may be his faithful people until we feast with him in glory.

Conclusion: Through him, with him, and in him, in the power of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor be to you, O God, now and forever. Amen.

If not previously offered: “And now with the confidence of your children, we offer the prayer our Savior taught us, ‘Our Father…’”

MORE…

Resources from the Jubilee Fund: This stewardship ministry serving the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) offers weekly emails for each Sunday’s service. Visit http://www.thejubileefund.com/ to learn more.

Rev. Tim Graves offers Liturgy Bits with valuable, culturally sensitive and creatively contemplative works, well worth your time.

You may also want to visit Worship Connection at MinistryMatters.com, which offers numerous helps, including electronic versions of print resources for worship and preaching planning.

Intercessions and other helpful planning materials geared to the Lectionary (using Roman Catholic version, but normally quite useful for all traditions) for preaching and worship are supplied for several weeks in advance at The Sunday Website of St. Louis University.

Common Worship Almanac and Lectionary for the year beginning Advent Sunday 2017. Compiled by Simon Kershaw August 2016 from the Common Worship Calendar and Lectionaries using Almanac Maker; compilation © Simon Kershaw 2017; Almanac Maker © Simon Kershaw 2010. The Revised Common Lectionary is copyright © the Consultation on Common Texts 1992. The Daily Eucharistic Lectionary is adapted from the Ordo Lectionum Missae of the Roman Catholic Church reproduced by permission of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. Adaptations and additions to the RCL and the DEL, together with Second and Third Service lectionaries and the Weekday Lectionary for Morning and Evening Prayer are copyright © the Archbishops’ Council 1997-2010. http://almanac.oremus.org/lectionary

Book of Common Prayer (1979), Public domain.

NOTE: We hope you return to this posting often (and are subscribed to the feed by email, on Facebook or your favorite reader), since the content of each week’s posting may change several times before Sunday. We’d also like to include your content, even after the fact, since everything will roll around again in 3 years, and your contributions may find new life in the great cycle of the lectionary. Send your comments or content here.

Palm/Passion Sunday B

Posted in - RCL and other Common Lectionaries, Feasts, Liturgical Texts: Eucharist, Year B, tagged Palm Sunday, Passion Sunday B on March 19, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Palm/Passion Sunday B

Mar. 25

This ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is supported by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund.

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Scripture (from the Revised Common Lectionary, with links provided by TextWeek.com – a source for thoughtful worship and preaching throughout the year):

Liturgy of the Palms

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16

Liturgy of the Passion

Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 14:1 – 15:47 or Mark 15:1-39, (40-47)

Liturgy of the Palms

Suggested opening movement of the service, covering the Palm portion of the day’s Gospel

This assumes that one or the other of the Passion texts will be read during the balance of the service. If this is not practiced, the following movement could be used without the reading of the Palm text as a Call to Worship and Procession to begin the day. Because many Disciples congregations do not regularly use procession as an act of worship, it is wise to have a leader stand before the congregation to preside for this opening movement, and to have assistance for whomever is processing. If weather is good, the entire congregation could process from outside the building to their seats. When children and choir are the only ones processing (which has been the case in many places), it is helpful to have a few adult guides for them. The editor has also found it helpful for the one giving leadership to “practice” the waving of palms, if they are already in the hands of a seated congregation, during the Greeting, by repeating it a few times, and to try to encourage them to continue to wave them during the entirety of the Processional Hymn.

* Blessing of the Palms (for use before the liturgy begins) – Rev. William Flewelling

Be in these hands

wands of joy

to celebrate the One

coming in the name

of the Lord; be here

instruments of faith

beyond the common longing

for our ways; be for us

the wave of abandon

to God’s way of the cross

and the victory of love’s

pure sacrifice in hope!

Amen.

* Greeting

L: Hosanna!

P: Hosanna in the highest!

P: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

P: Hosanna in the highest heaven!

* Story of the Palms: (appointed text for the Palm Sunday liturgy is read and the hymn begins without announcement)

* Processional Hymn

* Litany of the Palms

L: Crosses of palm unite us in our devotion to Jesus of Nazareth,

and focus our gaze on the King, the Lamb, the Son of God.

P: On the way to Calvary, palms were waved to honor the King.

L: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Behold, your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious is he,

humbled and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

P: On the way to Calvary, palms were waved—

response to One who came to suffer so.

L: He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering

and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom

others hide their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.

P: On the way to Calvary, we take up our crosses,

and watch this One who rides toward death and life eternal—

one King, one Lord, one death—for all!

((L: Let us give thanks and rejoice as we join the prayer that Christ taught us:

P: Our Father…))

Suggested Hymns from Chalice Hymnal for Liturgy of the Palms

91 All Hail the Power…

191 Ride On, Ride On in Majesty

192 All Glory, Laud, and Honor

193 A Cheering, Chanting, Dizzy Crowd

129 Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates

Suggested Hymns from Chalice Hymnal for Liturgy of the Passion

Passion Hymns: 195-205 (various)

Communion Hymn: 383 Savior, Thy Dying Love

Dismissal/Missional Hymn: 207 In the Cross of Christ I Glory

More hymn suggestions, as well as helpful references for use of the arts in worship, are available from the United Church of Christ website.

On Mark 14:1 – 15:47

Upon our Savior’s anguished way,

the passage of dismay,

we hear the sinews sing their lay

upon these weary hearts.

Unfolding in the grist of night,

from alabaster jar

to broken bread and readied wine,

the Savior goes to pray.

As from the anguished mill of prayer

alone did Jesus rise,

discovered to be handed on,

into the passions seine.

Beyond rejection, in the throes

of lonely conflict bare,

did Jesus crucified abide

the sanctions of desire.

The women watched the battle rage;

they saw him laid aside,

bewildered to discover grief

accelerate strange hope.

CM Suggested tune: London New

Dealing with the Psalm of the Day:

This week: Psalm 118 on page 758

Call to Worship

L: Come, let us sing Hosannas to Christ our King.

P: Let us welcome with joy his presence among us.

L: Come, let us worship and bow down,

P: For Christ will reign forever.

L: Hosanna!

P: Hosanna in the Highest!

L: We gather in the presence of Christ to join our hearts and minds in praise of God.

P: God has exalted Jesus and given him a name above every name.

L: So let every knee bend, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess:

P: Jesus Christ is Lord. Glory to God forever!

L: We raise our voices and wave with joyful hope the palms of deliverance of God’s people.

P: Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David!

L: Our hearts are filled with expectation as we welcome the coming king.

P: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

L: We receive into the crowded streets of our lives the one who is Savior, not only of us, but of all the earth.

P: Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Invocation or Prayer of Approach

Eternal God of mercy, we gather in awesome wonder to behold your loving gift of Jesus Christ, who, coming to bring the world to wholeness, was broken by it. Yet by his death we live and know your unbreakable love. As we gather to remember Christ’s gift of fellowship at table, and to recall our frail failings of devotion, pierce our hearts with a conviction of our own betrayals, reassure us of your abiding presence and transform us by the Spirit of Christ (who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”)

We await you, Coming One, with hope and expectation. Draw near to us, your people, and to all the longing people of earth. Reveal yourself again as Savior and Lord, even as we prepare to go with you to the cross and empty tomb that tells the hard story of earth’s salvation. Let us sing again the joy of your coming, and look forward to your reign in our hearts and lives, not only for our own sake, but for the sake of the world which you have redeemed and are redeeming through Christ our Lord (who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”)

A litany on “The Mind of Christ”

(adapted by the editor from unknown source).

Let us remember Jesus: Who, though he was rich, for our sakes became poor and dwelt among us;

Who was content to be the child of a poor family;

Who lived the common life, earning his living with his own hands and declining no humble tasks;

Whom the common people heard gladly, for he understood their ways.

Let us remember Jesus: Who was mighty in deed, healing the sick and afflicted, using for others the powers he would not invoke for himself;

Who was master and Lord to his disciples, yet was among them as their Companion

and as one who served.

Let us remember Jesus: Who loved people, yet retired from them to pray, rose a great while before day, watched through the night, stayed in the wilderness, went up into a mountain, sought out a garden;

Who prayed for his tempted disciple, and for the forgiveness of all who

rejected him, and for the perfecting of those who received him;

Who observed good customs, but defied conventions that did not serve the purposes of God. Who hated sin because he knew the cost of pride and selfishness, of cruelty and impurity—the cost to humanity and to God.

May this mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus.

Let us remember Jesus: Who, when he was reviled, did not retaliate, and when he suffered did not threaten; who emptied himself and carried obedience to the point of death, even death on the cross.

May this mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus.

Let us pray for Christ to dwell within our hearts.

O Christ, our only Savior, so come to dwell in us that we may go forth with the light of your hope in our eyes, and with your faith and love in our hearts. Amen.

Confession of Sin

Forgive us, Lord, if in the light of Jesus’ concept of kingship we have possessed a distorted concept of power: if we have believed that large congregations and beautiful buildings mean success in the kingdom of God; if we have believed that through pronouncements and political pressure the church brings in the kingdom; if we have believed that Christ is defended with armaments and bombs; if we have equated power in the kingdom with a majority vote in the assembly. Father, forgive us, and teach us the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ kingship.

Forgive us, Lord, for forgetting your sacrifice and for thinking your grace is cheap. Forgive us, Lord, for using the cross as a trinket, forgetting the agony it represents. Forgive us, Lord, for taking our worship for granted, forgetting the struggle that has assured its freedom. Forgive us, Lord, for being calloused to human cruelty, forgetting that every victim is a creature of God. Forgive us, Lord, for being nonchalant about injustice, forgetting that it still nails innocence to the cross. Forgive us, Lord, for thinking that sacrifice is obsolete, forgetting that we still contend against the powers of darkness.

Words of Assurance

Christ exercises his kingship, not by force or coercion, but by forgiving our sins by his grace, by calming our spirits with his love, and by inspiring our wills by his example. Accept his lordship by going forth in peace.

Pastoral Prayer – Prayers of the People – Intercessions

How we need you anew, each day, O God. Our minds may stray away from what is truly important in search for the things that are seemingly urgent. Yet you keep calling us back to the reality of Christ’s presence with us and are always striving with us to allow his mind to dwell in our midst.

Help us to look with his eyes—the eyes of the servant of servants—upon a struggling and hurting world. Let your church regain its mission in him and be helpers to helpless, a home to the homeless, and healers of those whose health has vanished away.

We pray especially for those whom we have named this day (________), and others whom we name in our hearts, along with our own needs. Silence

Renew us as your people, O God—especially as we enter anew into the paschal mystery of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, that together we may become a fit dwelling place for your Spirit made known in the mind of Christ, for we pray in his name.

Loving God, you sent your Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. We pray that all who believe in him might be delivered from the power of sin and death, and become heirs with him of everlasting life.

Especially this day we pray for those within your community of faith who have offended you by our carelessness, and for those whose weaknesses have kept us from rightly serving you by serving our neighbors.

Forgive us our sins and free us for joyful obedience we pray in Christ. Hear us, God of grace as we pray for a new birth for your church; for its unity in witness and service; for its ministers and all those whom they serve; and especially for those who are about to be baptized and begin new life in your Spirit. Empower them to face temptation, suffering and even death with the boldness and zeal of true disciples. Together may we bring to life the gifts you have given for the sake of the mission of your holy church as servant of a dying humanity, we pray in Christ.

We pray to you, gracious giver of life, for all who suffer and are afflicted in body or in mind. For the hungry and the homeless, the destitute and the oppressed. For the sick and the wounded. For those in loneliness, fear and anguish, doubt and despair. For (____), and others whom we name in our hearts (silence). Hear the prayers of your people, we pray, for we commend ourselves to you in the name and spirit of Christ.

Loving God, you taught your disciples love for one another—love which would manifest itself in selflessness and servanthood. Hear the prayer of your people for our world and all who dwell in it.

We lift to you the nations, that they may be rebuilt in justice and in peace, and especially this nation and its leaders. Hear our prayers for the nations.

We lift to you this earth, which you so lovingly created, that as stewards of your gifts we might thankfully use its resources for the good of all. Hear our prayers for your creation.

We pray for this city and for cities and villages around us, that all might work together to strengthen and improve the lives of their citizens. Hear our prayers for the cities.

We pray for your church—both here in this faith community and around the world—that this season of Lent might be a time of renewal in faith and mission on your behalf, and that together we may learn the path of servanthood toward all humanity. Hear our prayer for your church.

We pray for ourselves and our own needs, and the needs of those around us, whose lives are closely linked with our own…

To those who are sick and sorrowful, bring your healing and hope. To the grieving, bring your peace. And to the dying bring the joy of your promise to us of eternity with you. For these and all our prayers we offer you, trusting in your goodness and your strength, in the name and spirit of Jesus the Christ.

Prayers from Common Worship*

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God,

who in your tender love towards the human race

sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ

to take upon him our flesh

and to suffer death upon the cross:

grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,

and also be made partakers of his resurrection;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

Lord Jesus Christ,

you humbled yourself in taking the form of a servant,

and in obedience died on the cross for our salvation:

give us the mind to follow you

and to proclaim you as Lord and King,

to the glory of God the Father.

Additional Collect

True and humble king,

hailed by the crowd as Messiah:

grant us the faith to know you and love you,

that we may be found beside you

on the way of the cross,

which is the path of glory.

Collect of the Day (from Book of Common Prayer, 1979**)

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the

human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to

take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross,

giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant

that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share

in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives

and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever

and ever. Amen.

Mark 14:1 – 15:47

In the throes of the Passion of our Lord, O God,

we turn afresh unto you,

glimpsing the beautiful things

that amaze us, granting wonder.

For, in the fury of disintegrating hopes,

you. O God, entice us with a sight

of profound effects,

the very crest of divine love

illumining severity with grace.

Dismissal:

Go forth in peace to walk the way of the cross and resurrection.

We are sent in the name of the Lord.

May Jesus Christ, who was put to death for our sins, bless you and keep you.

Amen.

May Jesus Christ who was raised to life for our salvation let light shine upon you.

Amen.

May Jesus Christ be your life and peace, now and forever.

Amen. Thanks be to God.

Service of Table

Offertory / Invitation to Give

The story is told of an old Sufi prophet, Nasrudin, who was asked by his neighbor to borrow his clothesline. Nasrudin replied, “Sorry, I cannot lend you my clothesline, because I am drying flour on it.” The neighbor yelled, “I didn’t know you could dry flour on a clothesline.” Nasruden explained, “It is amazing how many things can be done with a clothesline when you don’t want to lend it out.”

The same is true when it comes to serving wealth instead of serving God. There is no limit to our excuses. But if our desire is strong enough, we can always find the means to serve God. Let it be so in our stewardship giving today and always.

Offertory Prayer

As we stand in awe at the foot of the cross, we know that no offering could ever express what we feel. Nevertheless, these gifts symbolize our thanksgiving for what you have done, and they signify our commitment to your unfinished task.

Lord Jesus, you who expressed your kingship not by taking but by giving, not by demanding but by sacrificing – bless us now as we follow your example in the giving of ourselves in these signs of our lives – our tithes and offerings, given in your honor and for the good of the world.

Invitation to the Table

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. You who come to me shall not hunger; you who believe in me shall never thirst.” In company with all who hunger for spiritual food, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the sharing of this life-giving bread.

Beloved of Christ, people shall be gathered from north and south, from east and west to feast at the heavenly banquet of the Lord. Christ our Paschal Lamb has been sacrificed; therefore, let us celebrate the feast. Christ invites to this table all who desire to follow in faith in the days that lie ahead, and to acclaim him Lord. Let us come to the table in faith.

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Prayers for Bread and Cup)

(The following may be offered as one prayer, or broken between two Elders, if that is the tradition to be followed)

Redeeming God, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time, you sent your only Son to be our Savior. He lived among us. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose, he gave himself up to death; and rising from the grave, destroyed it, making the whole creation new. When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end, and provided for us the gift of himself in the breaking of bread. May we who receive this bread, his body, be strengthened in faith and renewed in the covenant until he comes again.

When we drink this cup, O Lord, we experience anew the presence of Jesus and look forward to his coming in final victory. Send the power of your Spirit upon us gathered here out of love for you, and upon these gifts of bread and wine. Make them to be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may truly be his body, cleansed by his blood. Grant that all who share in these gifts may be one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ to the praise of your name, until we feast together with all of your people of faith at your heavenly table.

Eternal God, you have created the heavens and the earth, giving breath to every living thing. We thank you for the gifts of creation and for life itself. We thank you for making us in your own image, for forgiving us when we act as though you have no claim on us, and for keeping us in your constant care.

We rejoice in Jesus Christ, the only one eternally begotten by you, born of your servant Mary, who shared the joys and sorrows of our lives. We remember his death and celebrate his resurrection, and in the beloved community of your church, we await his return in final victory.

We take courage from the abiding presence of your Holy Spirit in our midst. We offer you our praise for women and men of faith in every age who stand as witnesses to your love and justice.

Gracious God, we ask you to bless this bread and cup and all of us with the outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Through this meal, make us the body of Christ, the church, your servant people, that we may be salt and light and leaven for the furtherance of your will in all the world.

Conclusion: Through him, with him, and in him, in the power of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor be to you, O God, now and forever. Amen.

If not previously offered: “And now with the confidence of your children, we offer the prayer our Savior taught us, ‘Our Father…’”

MORE…

Rev. Tim Graves offers Liturgy Bits with valuable, culturally sensitive and creatively contemplative works, well worth your time.

You may also want to visit Worship Connection at MinistryMatters.com, which offers numerous helps, including electronic versions of print resources for worship and preaching planning.

Book of Common Prayer (1979), Public domain.

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Holy Thursday B

Posted in - RCL and other Common Lectionaries, Feasts, Liturgical Texts: Eucharist, Year B, tagged Holy Week, Maundy Thursday B on March 11, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Holy Thursday B

March 29

This ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is supported by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund.

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Scripture (from the Revised Common Lectionary, with links provided by TextWeek.com – a source for thoughtful worship and preaching throughout the year):

Click on Scripture

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

See Prior Years’ Referenced, including full services

Click here.

Suggested Hymns from Chalice Hymnal

Entrance Hymn: Any of the Palm Sunday processional hymns are appropriate, as are several of those from Advent-Christmas. See especially 127, 140, 161-verse 1

Hymn of Invitation: 600, 194

Communion Hymn: 392

Dismissal: This service traditionally ends without music (many churches silence the instruments from this point until Easter Vigil)

More hymn suggestions, as well as helpful references for use of the arts in worship, are available from the United Church of Christ website.

John 13:1-17, 331b-36

Upon the bathing of the feet,

the service of the Lord is offered unto each

in unaccounted astonishment.

O God, you know the kneeling to attend the least,

the drying of the feet in due simplicity.

Beguile our arrogance with comprehension

that we find in love divine

the bending to achieve your glory.

MORE…

Rev. Tim Graves offers Liturgy Bits with valuable, culturally sensitive and creatively contemplative works, well worth your time.

You may also want to visit Worship Connection at MinistryMatters.com, which offers numerous helps, including electronic versions of print resources for worship and preaching planning.

Book of Common Prayer (1979), Public domain.

Read Full Post »

Christmas Eve/Day

Posted in - RCL and other Common Lectionaries, Feasts, Liturgical Texts: Eucharist, Year A, Year B, Year C, tagged Christmas Day, Christmas Eve on December 11, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Christmas Eve/Day

12-24 (evening)

This ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is supported by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund.

Support Our Work … read how you can help keep lifeinliturgy.org available for use without subscription charges.

Scripture (from the Revised Common Lectionary, with links provided by TextWeek.com – a source for thoughtful worship and preaching throughout the year):

Isaiah 9:2-7 / Isaiah 62:6-12 / Isaiah 52:7-10

Psalm 96 / Psalm 97 / Psalm 98

Titus 2:11-14 / Titus 3:4-7 / Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)

Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) / Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20 / John 1:1-14

Suggested Hymns from Chalice Hymnal

Hymns of Praise:

165 Once in Royal David’s City,

142 People, Look East,

148 O Come, All Ye Faithful,

155 Angels We Have Heard on High,

150 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,

143 Joy to the World,

138 Awake! Awake!…,

159 There’s a Song in the Air,

169 O Thou Joyful

Communion Hymns:

147 Away in a Manger,

145 Silent Night, Holy Night,

160 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,

161 I Wonder as I Wander,

162 What Child Is This,

163 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Dismissal/Missional Hymns:

171 God’s Love Made Visible,

167 Go, Tell It on the Mountain

More hymn suggestions, as well as helpful references for use of the arts in worship, are available from the United Church of Christ website.

Come, O God, commune here with us, as we lift to you our cares.

You, our hope and our deliv’rance, promise to receive our prayers.

God of love and understanding, you alone know heart and soul.

Listen to our intercessions, recreate us, make us whole.

Another Advent Hymn is offered by the editor for your use.

Dealing with the Psalm of the Day:

Since Chalice Hymnal does not provide a complete Psalter, there will be occasions when suggestions may be made for alternate Psalm use (or hymn equivalent). You may also want to visit http://www.modernpsalter.com/ or http://lectionarypsalms.org/

This week: Psalms 96-97-98 begin on Page 748

Words of Greeting/Call to Prayer

The Christ Child is born! All you who would find him, prepare for a journey, as determined as the Magi. All you who would praise him, come with the faith to follow but a star. All you who would worship him , come with humility to the child who shows forth the immeasurable riches of God!

OR (from the Anglican tradition)

Beloved in Christ, with delight we prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels, and go in heart and mind to Bethlehem to see Mary and Joseph with Jesus in a manger. Let us listen to the story of God’s saving acts and celebrate the birth of this Holy Child. And let us make these hallowed walls reverberate with the glad tidings of great joy which is to all the people.

Call to Worship

L: Tonight old dreams die and new dreams come to life.

The promise is fulfilled.

P: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

L: Hope gives way to joy and prayer to proclamation.

P: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

L: The candles tell the story. Dawn invades midnight.

The Light of the world has come.

P: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

L: This light is a light for all, warming us from within, radiating love,

lighting our lives with the presence of God in human flesh,

within us and among us now and always.

P: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace. Goodwill to all.

Invocation or Prayer of Approach

Reigning God, whose rule extends to the farthest stars, come to rule within us on this glorious night when the Word becomes flesh once more to dwell among us. We open ourselves to the light and long to offer our lives as a dwelling place for your truth. Speak to us again through the Child of Bethlehem. Reach out to the child in each of us, and hold us in the warmth of love’s embrace. For we pray in his name. Amen.

Prayers of the People/Intercessions

(from the Editor)

O God, you are never revealed so completely as in the face of the child of Bethlehem. Hear us as we give you thanks for those who today reveal your love in our world in his spirit.

We pray for those who give you hands by doing their best toward their brothers and sisters; for those who give you a mouth by speaking words of justice and peace for the broken and oppressed; for those who give your poverty the look of hope for your reign, revealing you simply by being your children, reflecting your beauty as did your only Son Jesus.

We hold up in prayer the lonely and hurting, the hungry and homeless, the sick and dispossessed, knowing that your heart has always been nearest those who are poor in spirit and least likely to be thought of as people touched by the hand of divinity.

As we remember how you came to live among us in the flesh, and as we celebrate that moment long ago which lives forever in the hearts of those who believe, and as we long for your fullness in our lives that we too might enflesh the goodness and love of Christ in our day, we ask that you would bless us, your church, to be food for the hungry and hope for those who are lost and alone—a living testament of Christ’s faithfulness to you. May all who drink of your one spirit receive new life to give to those in our world who are thirsty for meaning and belonging.

Pour out your Spirit upon us, your people. Continue in our lives the mystery of Christmas. Let your Son become flesh in us, so that we may reveal you to our world all the days of our lives. Holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in. Be born in us today.

O God, who comes to us in Jesus Christ of Bethlehem, in our busy preparations and our joyous celebrations, may we not crowd you out of our minds, as he was crowded out of the inn on that first Christmas. Forbid that we should spend all for passing pleasures and fail to find the deeper, richer joys that do not pass away with the close of the day. Draw us back to his manger-bed. Rekindle our sense of wonder and worship, and grant that, as we find you in the likeness of a little child, we may experience a new reverence for childhood, and a more sincere longing for those qualities of the heart which childhood incarnates. Forgive our cynicism and pride, banish our doubts, and restore our faith in the things we cannot see or hear: the star that shines in human souls, and the song of peace that lingers over a world so troubled with war. Like the shepherds, may we return to our humble lives knowing that heaven is not some distant place, but is ever near because of the coming of the Christchild, and that in him you have revealed yourself here, among even people like us. Bless us, O God, one and all on this Christmas Day. We lift our hearts in praise, and would seek to serve you as a follower of your beloved Son, assured that in following him is perfect freedom and peace.

From Common Worship: (“R” = Hear our prayer, O Lord. Another response may be substituted)

To us a child is born, to us a son is given; let us pray for the people he came to save.

Wonderful Counsellor, you order all things with your wisdom: help the Church to reveal the mystery of your love and fill her with the Spirit of truth: R

Mighty God, the government is on your shoulders: guide the leaders of the nations and bring in your kingdom of justice and righteousness: R

Everlasting Father, you call us to live together in unity: protect by your mercy all your children, bless our families and renew our communities: R

Prince of Peace, you bring reconciliation through the cross: by your healing power give to all who suffer your gift of wholeness and peace: R

Let us commend the world, to which Christ came, to the mercy and protection of God.

Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept. The Collect and Lord’s Prayer follow.

Prayers from Common Worship*

Collect

Almighty God,

you make us glad with the yearly remembrance

of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ:

grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer,

so we may with sure confidence behold him

when he shall come to be our judge;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

Eternal God, for whom we wait,

you have fed us with the bread of eternal life:

keep us ever watchful,

that we may be ready to stand before the Son of man,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Alternative Collect

Almighty God,

as we prepare with joy

to celebrate the gift of the Christ-child,

embrace the earth with your glory

and be for us a living hope

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Service of Table

Preparation (Invitation)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Upon those who have lived in the shadow of death the light has shined. With the prophet’s words, let us joyfully participate in sharing the life-giving work of God in our world today as we prepare the Table of Christ with the offerings of our lives and our labors.

We come to this table as a people unprepared. Our world is as unready for the coming of Emmanuel as was the crowded town of Bethlehem. We are as un-attuned to the eternal as the sleeping shepherds in the field. Our expectations are as unclear as those of the travelers from the East. Though we are unprepared, though our lives are unworthy offerings, God has forgiven our sins and offered us newness of life through Jesus Christ. This is the grace of God in which we participate at this table. Come, share the feast.

Out of the darkness of our world, we have seen a great light. The birth of the Christ Child calls us to something special. God comes to us now in this busy season to make all things new. God makes room for us, even when there is no room at the inn. Where we are too busy, God brings peace. Where we are lost, salvation. Where we are sad, joy. Where we are bitter, God gives us the courage to love again. Rejoice! Christ has come to us bringing all these gifts of God. Let us join with the whole church to eat and drink with him. May the bread we eat bet to us the very bread of life. May the cup we share be God’s wine of salvation. Let us celebrate Emmanuel – God is with us – as we come to his table in faith. You are welcome here – all of you. It is he who invites you, and it is he who gives you life.

Offertory Prayer

Thank you, God of Love, for the promise of this season. We are grateful for the generosity aroused in us by Christ’s coming into the world. May these gifts represent a new spirit of joyous sharing among us, for the sake of all your children everywhere. Amen.

Great Thanksgiving (if one is offered)

Holy God, creator of heaven and earth, we joyfully thank you and praise your name. You formed the universe in your wisdom, and created all things by your power. You set us in families on the earth to live with you in faith. We praise you for good gifts of bread and wine, and for the table you spread in the world as a sign of your love for all people. You alone are God, and we join ourselves with all your faithful beyond all time and space, and join in praising your holy name (and join their unending hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord,..)

We praise you, Lord, for sending your only Son Jesus to live among us, full of grace and truth. He made you known to all who receive him. Sharing our joy and sorrow, he healed the sick, befriended sinners, and showed us the way to fulfillment in partnership with other people. Two by two he sent his disciples to extend your promise of friendship and love, and two by two he calls us still to work in your spirit of love. We trust him to overcome every power that can hurt or divide us, and believe that when he comes again in glory, we will celebrate victory with him throughout eternity at his heavenly table. (Words of Institution)

or (from William Flewelling)

Holy God

who has chosen to be known to us

through the Incarnate Lord Jesus,

we raise our souls in praise and thanksgiving

for your thorough gift of self,

even into our flesh and blood.

For in your stirring among us, Lord,

you fostered in us your own gifts of life.

You have opened in us the hope

of Jesus Christ.

You have borne in us the living Word.

You have drawn us to your own life in joy.

And so we come in awe,

rejoicing in your coming to us.

We come breaking bread

with which Jesus associated himself, saying:

This is my body.

We come sharing a cup of wine

with which Jesus gave the new covenant

in his blood.

Send forth your Spirit upon us

that in this feast we may be united in you,

that we may be fed and

that we may learn the tender gift of Christmas

in our flesh.

We pray in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Elders’ Prayers/Prayer of Thanksgiving

(The following may be offered as one prayer, or broken between two Elders, if that is the tradition to be followed)

Holy God, you have created all and love all which you have created, we give you thanks for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ who came to live among us, full of grace and truth. As we receive from his Table, we ask that you would send the power of your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine, that they would be for us the body and blood of Christ, and that as his one body we might go forth from this celebration to proclaim in word and deed the new life that is ours through the mysteries we receive. Through him, with him, and in him, in the power of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor be to you, O God, now and forever. Amen.

Holy God, we praise and bless you for creation and the gift of life; and for your abiding love which brings us close to you, the source of all blessing. We thank you for revealing your will for us in the giving of the law and the teaching of the prophets.

We thank you especially that in the fullness of time you sent your only Jesus, born of Mary, to live in our midst, to embody your grace and truth in this world. In this mystery of the word made flesh, you came to share in our struggles, and to cause the light of life to shine in our hearts. We rejoice that when he had suffered death and the grave, you raised him from death with power to become king of kings and lord of lords.

You have gathered your Church at your table to strengthen us to share the gift of eternal life. Now send the power of your Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be for us Christ’s body and blood, and that we might be for the world Christ’s body, until at last we feast with him and all your people at the table of unending joy.

[if not previously offered: “And now with the confidence of your children, we offer the prayer our Savior taught us, ‘Our Father…’”]

A Complete Service of the Nativity

+ The Gathering +

Welcome

(announcements, if any, including directions for communion, whether hymns will be announced, etc.)

Call to Worship

Organ Prelude

Choral Introit

* Greeting

L: Tonight old dreams die and new dreams come to life.

The promise is fulfilled.

P: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

L: Hope gives way to joy and prayer to proclamation.

P: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

L: The candles tell the story. Dawn invades midnight.

The Light of the world has come.

P: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

L: This light is a light for all, warming us from within, radiating love,

lighting our lives with the presence of God in human flesh,

within us and among us now and always.

P: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace. Goodwill to all.

* Hymn of Praise: O Come, All Ye Faithful

The Bidding Prayers —Chalice Worship 98

Anthem

+ Service of the Word +

The Candle of Hope: The Promised Salvation

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (LIGHT CANDLE)

Response: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

The Candle of Peace: The Kingdom of God

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.

They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. (LIGHT CANDLE)

Anthem

The Candle of Joy: The Annunciation

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”

The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. (LIGHT CANDLE)

Response: Joy to the World

The Candle of Love: The Magnificat

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” (LIGHT CANDLE)

Hymn/Anthem

The Christ Candle: Christ Is Born

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered.

Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:

to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (LIGHT CHRIST CANDLE)

* Response: Angels We Have Heard on High

The Proclamation

Anthem

+ Celebration of Christ’s Table +

Invitation to the Table

Anthem

Thanksgiving and The Lord’s Prayer

Through him and with him and in him, all glory and honor are yours, Almighty God, now and forever, and with the confidence of your children we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven…

Sharing of the Bread and Cup

Candle Lighting

* Hymn: Silent Night

* Christmas Blessing

Behold the Lord proclaims to all the earth, “Your salvation has come! You are my holy people, the redeemed, whom I have sought out, never to be forsaken.” As God delights and rejoices over you, go in peace, rejoicing in the Lord. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always. Amen.

MORE…

Rev. Tim Graves offers Liturgy Bits with valuable, culturally sensitive and creatively contemplative works, well worth your time.

You may also want to visit Worship Connection at MinistryMatters.com, which offers numerous helps, including electronic versions of print resources for worship and preaching planning.

Common Worship Almanac and Lectionary for the year beginning Advent Sunday 2016. Compiled by Simon Kershaw August 2016 from the Common Worship Calendar and Lectionaries using Almanac Maker; compilation © Simon Kershaw 2016; Almanac Maker © Simon Kershaw 2010. The Revised Common Lectionary is copyright © the Consultation on Common Texts 1992. The Daily Eucharistic Lectionary is adapted from the Ordo Lectionum Missae of the Roman Catholic Church reproduced by permission of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. Adaptations and additions to the RCL and the DEL, together with Second and Third Service lectionaries and the Weekday Lectionary for Morning and Evening Prayer are copyright © the Archbishops’ Council 1997-2010. http://almanac.oremus.org/lectionary

Book of Common Prayer (1979), Public domain.

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All Saints Day or Sunday

Posted in - RCL and other Common Lectionaries, Commemorations, Feasts, Hymn Texts, Tunes, Collections, Liturgical Texts: Eucharist, Saints, Year A, tagged All Saints A on October 16, 2017| Leave a Comment »

All Saints Day (Nov. 1) or All Saints Sunday A

Oct. 29 or Nov. 5

This ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is supported by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund.

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Editor’s note: This celebration of the Church, which in the language of earlier English-speakers is rightly celebrated on Nov. 1 as “All Hallows’ Day” (or on the Eve of All Hallows, Oct. 31, or “Hallowe’en”), remembers specifically the faithful who have passed from this life into the next through death, and celebrates the power of the Resurrection over death itself. It was created specifically to assure that those who by their remarkable faith were deserving of having a feast day set aside to their honor would be remembered. The feast established for Nov. 2, “All Souls’ Day,” was in its founding designed to mark an observance of the death of those of us who are perhaps “less remarkable” in our faith, and to lead all of us to face the story of life with those we are nurturing in faith (our children) by a visit to the parish graveyard. It might well be an occasion for those who would take note of it today to deal with the pastoral reality of a world which is widely in denial of the reality of death (or the powerful illusion of death, if that is one’s theological understanding of what happens when we cease to reside in this earthly frame), and make occasion to mark the brevity of life.

For Other Years see:

All Saints’ Day (or Sunday nearest Nov. 1) Year A

All Saints Day (or Sunday): Nov. 1 (Oct. 28 or Nov. 4) (for year B)

Preparing for All Saints’ Day/Sunday Celebration

Hymn for All Saints’ Day (by the Editor)

Scripture (from the Revised Common Lectionary, with links provided by TextWeek.com – a source for thoughtful worship and preaching throughout the year):

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:

Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3

Matthew 5:1-12

Suggested Hymns from Chalice Hymnal

637-For all the saints

649-Give thanks for life

67-O God, our help in ages past

75-I was there to hear your borning cry

See also Hymn for All Saints’ Day (by the editor)

385-An upper room did our Lord prepare

392-Draw us in the Spirit’s tether

431-Go, my children with my blessing See also: 433-434

Additional Psalm Setting:

Psalm 27 (1, 5-13 sing vs. 1, 4-8) – Metrical setting by David T. Chafin

The Lord God is my light, and my salvation near;

Who shall cause me in fright to hide my heart in fear?

While God my strength, my life sustains, secure from fear my soul remains.

When evildoers came to make my life their prey,

They stumbled in their shame and fell in great dismay;

Though hosts make war on every side, still fearless I in God abide,.

My one request has been, and still this prayer I raise,

that I may dwell within God’s house through all my days,

the Lord God’s beauty to admire, and in God’s temple to inquire.

When troubles round me grow, when fears and angers throng,

securely I will dwell in God’s pavilion strong;

Within the shelter of His tent God hides me till the storm is spent.

Uplifted on a rock above my foes around,

amid the battle shock my song shall still resound;

Then joyful offerings I will bring, the Lord God’s praise my heart shall sing.

Lord, hear me when I pray, and answer me in grace;

Lord, as I hear you say, “Come now and seek my face,”

my heart and lips their answer speak; your face, my Savior, I will seek.

Hide not your face from me; in rage turn not away;

My help and Savior be; forsake me not, I pray.

Should father, mother, all forsake, the Lord on me will pity take.

Teach me your way, O Lord,; make plain to me my path.

Because of enemies, protect me from their wrath.

Do not my soul, O Lord, expose to false accusers, cruel foes.

Faint-hearted I would be had you not promised, Lord,

to show your grace while life to me you do accord.

Wait on the Lord, and have no fears. Yes; trust and wait. The Lord is near.

66.66.88 “Darwall’s 148^th” (see Chalice #699 for tune)

More hymn suggestions, as well as helpful references for use of the arts in worship, are available from the United Church of Christ website.

Call to Worship

We gather this morning to celebrate the lives of persons we name as saints. Some of them are living, others have completed their physical lives here on earth. Some have touched us personally, others have touched and called into question the institutions and structures of our society. But all have shaken our being—all have been examples of lives and wholeness, working for justice. We celebrate these persons and their lives in all aspects of God’s creation!

OR (from Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9)

L: The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God

and no torment will ever touch them.

P: In the eyes of the foolish they seem to have died,

and their departure was thought to be an affliction,

L: And their going from us seemed to be their destruction;

P: But they are at peace.

L: Those who trust in God will understand truth,

and the faithful will abide in love.

P: Because grace and mercy are upon God’s chosen,

and God watches over the saints.

Invocation or Prayer of Approach

Eternal God, you have called us to be members of one body. Join us with those who in all times and places have praised your name; that with one heart and mind, we may show the unity of your church, and bring honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”)

Pastoral Prayer – Prayers of the People – Intercessions

Note: Not every section of this intercession need be used.

In peace, let us offer our prayers to God. In response to my words, “Lord, hear us,” please respond “Lord, graciously hear us”.

In every age you have raised up holy men and women to reflect the light of Christ and to teach us the way of holiness. We thank you for those who have been teachers in the school of Christ: give understanding to those who study the faith that the Church has handed on, and clarity to those who communicate the gospel in a changing world … Lord, hear us.

All: Lord, graciously hear us.

We thank you for those who have been shepherds of your people: give a pastoral heart to deacons, priests and bishops, and the needful gifts to all your people in their ministry …Lord, hear us. R

We thank you for those who have been Christian rulers in the world, and for those who carried the good news to lands where it had not been before: give wisdom to all who have power and influence among the nations, and establish God’s sovereignty among people of every race …Lord, hear us. R

We thank you for those whom you have called to live in community: establish mutual love among those drawn into fellowship in your service, and bless with Christ’s presence all the communities to which we relate …Lord, hear us. R

We thank you for those who have lived out their vocation in family life:give your grace to all who nurture children and all who care for the aged,and enfold in your love all your sons and daughters …Lord, hear us. R

We thank you for those who have brought wholeness through the medicine of the gospel: give skill to all who minister healing and reconciliation in your name, and comfort all who cry out to you from any sort of distress …Lord, hear us. R

We thank you for the noble army of martyrs by the shedding of whose blood the Church has been enriched: keep under your protection those who are persecuted for the cause of Christ, and acknowledge, we pray, (here, read the names of the dead, if not read elsewhere in the service), and all those who have passed through death trusting your promises …Lord, hear us. R

Hasten, Lord, the day when people will come from east and west, from north and south, and sit at table in your kingdom, and we shall see your Son in his glory. And now we offer prayer for those needs which lie closest to our hearts in silence.

Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept. The Collect and Lord’s Prayer follow.

Prayers from Common Worship*

Collect Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those inexpressible joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Post Communion God, the source of all holiness and giver of all good things: may we who have shared at this table as strangers and pilgrims here on earth be welcomed with all your saints to the heavenly feast on the day of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Alternative Collect God of holiness, your glory is proclaimed in every age: as we rejoice in the faith of your saints, inspire us to follow their example with boldness and joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect of the Day (from Book of Common Prayer, 1979**)

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one

communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son

Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints

in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those

ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love

you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy

Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.

Service of Table

Offertory / Invitation to Give

Offertory Prayer

Invitation to the Table

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Prayers for Bread and Cup)

It is always right and good to give thanks to you, Lord God of Abraham and Sarah, of Deborah and Moses, God of Isaac and Rebecca, of Mary and Joseph. You have brought all things into being by your love and grace, and have called them good; and you have called together a people of faith to praise you, and filled them with your Spirit. As we remember your people of all times and places which have lived in faith and hope of your eternal resurrection, and joining with the whole company of your people in heaven and on earth, we praise your name and join their unending hymns of praise.

Here among your saints in this community, we remember those who have touched our own so intimately: (Here the names of the dead are spoken)

These are your own beloved children. Help us to remember them with joy and thanksgiving as we come to your table today. Send the power of your Spirit upon us and upon these gifts that we may bring you praise in Christ Jesus our Lord, as we gather within his body, and in the days to come as we live to serve you in this age, and for the ages of ages to come.

ELDERS’ PRAYERS FOLLOW:

Loving God, as bread broken and scattered, your church looks to you to make us one again. Help us who receive this bread, remembering your love for us in Jesus Christ, to be strengthened in our faith and hope, knowing that in reality we are one with Christ and one with each other, enjoying the timeless feast which you have spread for us through your beloved Son.

Send your Spirit upon us who gather here in faith, and upon these gifts of bread and cup. May we who drink this wine be filled with your Spirit and renewed to join the great un-numbered host who sing your praise now and throughout eternity, until we join with them in the celebration of your victory at your heavenly table, for we offer you our praise and our lives through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Conclusion: Through him, with him, and in him, in the power of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor be to you, O God, now and forever. Amen.

If not previously offered: “And now with the confidence of your children, we offer the prayer our Savior taught us, ‘Our Father…’”

MORE…

Rev. Tim Graves offers Liturgy Bits with valuable, culturally sensitive and creatively contemplative works, well worth your time.

You may also want to visit Worship Connection at MinistryMatters.com, which offers numerous helps, including electronic versions of print resources for worship and preaching planning.

Book of Common Prayer (1979), Public domain.

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Pentecost +1, Trinity A

Posted in - RCL and other Common Lectionaries, Feasts, Liturgical Texts: Eucharist, Year A, tagged Trinity A on June 5, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Trinity Sunday A

June 11

This ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is supported by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund.

Scripture (from the Revised Common Lectionary, with links provided by TextWeek.com – a source for thoughtful worship and preaching throughout the year):

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:

Genesis 1:1 – 2:4a Psalm 8

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Matthew 28:16-20

Suggested Hymns from Chalice Hymnal

651-God who stretched the spangled heavens

27-Come, thou Almighty King

22-All creatures of our God and King

4-Holy, Holy, Holy

450-Lord, you give the great commission

395-Seed, scattered and sown

409-I hunger and I thirst

More hymn suggestions, as well as helpful references for use of the arts in worship, are available from the United Church of Christ website.

On Matthew 28:16-20

Come to the Lord as he suggests;

his invitation’s sure.

For in his presence we adore

the dawning of the age.

Behold, the Lord upon the mount,

in this appointed place.

We enter well the freshened gaze

and see and hear his will.

In him we hear the call to go,

make his disciples full,

baptize the nurtured to behold

the future in his glance.

By this commandment, let us rise,

begin to show the way

for in his teaching and his love

is our enduring grace.

CM Suggested tune: Darmstadt

Dealing with the Psalm of the Day:

This week: Psalm 8 – see p. 728

Call to Worship

L: By the calling of God’s Holy Spirit, we gather in the name of the living Christ to worship God.

P: Surely, God is in this place and calls us to worship in spirit and in truth.

L: God’s love is for you and for all people everywhere.

P: That we may share the love and life of God the Father, may we be renewed in the refreshing Holy Spirit in the presence of the living Christ.

OR (adapted from John Birch, and posted on Faith and Worship. http://www.faithandworship.com/)

L: The blessing of Father, Spirit, Son, Holy Trinity, Three in One, be in our meeting and our greeting, P: In the worship we share and the words of our prayer. L: The blessing of Father, Spirit, Son, Holy Trinity, Three in One, be in our living and our breathing, P: That through our hearts and our words your truth may be heard.

Invocation or Prayer of Approach (adapted from Arnold Ruddat http://www.arnold.theruddats.com/)

O God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in your name we are baptized, and in your fellowship we have found our home. We cling in faith to you, Father, for having loved us and sent your Son to die for our sins. We praise you, dear Jesus, for having redeemed us from our sins by giving yourself for us. We give thanks to you, Holy Spirit, for giving us faith and leading us toward your holiness. O Triune God, graciously enable us always to believe and obey, and to worship and confess you; Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer, one God, eternal and all-glorious forever.

O God, we ask you to pour out your spirit on us. Help us serve you more cheerfully so we can serve our brothers and sisters. Cast out everything which breaks or hinders the growing bonds of love between us. Give us the determination to make progress so that all our lives we may seek after your holy and perfect will. This we pray through Christ our Lord (who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”)

You are holy, O Lord our Creator and God, giving us mercies beyond number. You are holy, O Savior Jesus Christ, loving and setting us free. You are holy, O Spirit of truth and peace, leading us in ways that are right. O holy eternal Trinity, we praise you for ever and ever. (And now we are bold to pray as our Savior Christ has taught us, “Our Father…”)

God of grace and glory, make your presence known to us as we worship this morning. Jesus our Christ, may your name be praised from the rising of the sun to the midnight hour, may your name always be honored among us. Spirit of holiness, breathe on us all and bind us in Christian love and servant hood. O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be known to us today. Transform our lives and our community into the image of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray (as he taught us, saying, “Our Father…”)

Pastoral Prayer – Prayers of the People – Intercessions

Almighty God, maker of all, with joy we give thanks for all your goodness. We praise you for the love which has created and sustained us to this day, and for the gift of your Christ who brings us into covenant with you and with all your people of faith. Help us to treasure your gifts and to show our thankfulness by lives wholly given to your service.

We pray for your church whom you have redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus. Give it pastors and ministers filled with your spirit, and strength to serve by the guidance of your word. Perfect it in love and in compassion, and establish it in the faith of your saints. Unite all your people that one holy church may bear witness to you and your glory.

We pray that you would move our nation toward the justice of your peace. Bless our national, state and local leaders to serve all people with integrity. Purge from us all hatred and prejudice, and build within us your love, that even in our dealings with the other nations of earth we may be servants of peace, truth and justice.

Bless our homes with the joy of your presence. Strengthen our covenants of family and of faith, that our children may grow into fullness of faith, that together we may show forth your praise in our world through deeds and words of love and compassion—especially with those who are alone and lonely.

Let your grace be seen in seed-time and harvest, in labor and business, in leisure and rest, in arts and culture of our people. May all who do work find fulfillment of their vocations, and all who are in need of work find the relief of new endeavors.

Comfort those who sorrow and are in need, sickness or adversity. Have mercy on those to whom death draws near. Bring consolation to those in mourning, and to all give your peace, for these and all our prayers we bring to you in the name of Jesus our Christ. Amen.

OR (adapted from Words for Worship. Posted on the http://pilgrimwr.unitingchurch.org.au/ website)

To you, O God, be all glory, the One who visits us in three persons, the Holy Trinity of hope and love. For there is no place which is without you, O God, and no time when you are not there. For you are the beginning and the end, the source of all that is in the wonder of universal life. And yet, you take us by the hand and lead us, as the life of Christ walks our human way and shows us that life is stronger than death. In the Holy Spirit, we are gifted, again and again, and are called onwards toward a future in which we are surrounded with love and grace.

Hear our prayers for those of our world who do not realize the presence of your love in their lives, for those who are lonely or hurting, sick or oppressed, grieving or broken in spirit. We pray that by our lives, we might bring into their presence an awareness of your love and your healing strength.

As we seek your guidance to be the church you have called us to be, may the power of your Spirit infuse us with the hope of fulfilling your will, and of working with you to transform your world, even as you transform our lives. May the peace that is ours in Christ Jesus be spread throughout this earth, and may your glory be shown by all that we do. For we praise and worship you, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Indeed, there is no other God like you. Amen.

Prayers from Common Worship*

Collect Almighty and everlasting God, you have given us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity: keep us steadfast in this faith, that we may evermore be defended from all adversities; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Post Communion Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed yourself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and live and reign in the perfect unity of love: hold us firm in this faith, that we may know you in all your ways and evermore rejoice in your eternal glory, who are three Persons yet one God, now and for ever. Additional Collect Holy God, faithful and unchanging: enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth, and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love, that we may truly worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Collect of the Day (from Book of Common Prayer, 1979**)

Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us

your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to

acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the

power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep

us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to

see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with

the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever

and ever. Amen.

Matthew 28:16-20

Commissioned by our Lord Jesus, O God,

we come in fumbling wonder to behold

the moment of your call.

Sent forth in mission to baptize,

immerse us in your Spirit’s peace

that we become your ministers,

attendants of your love

disbursed in wonder

all our days.

Service of Table

Offertory / Invitation to Give

All good things come from God, the giver of life. We are called as stewards of God’s gifts to share in fulfillment of God’s purposes for creation. As stewards of the kingdom of God, let us give from our abundance with thanksgiving.

Offertory Prayer

Holy one, your heart abounds with gifts. Receive this offering as a sign of our trust in you and our intention to live surrounded by your mercy, inspired by your Spirit, open to the joy of your presence, hospitable to one another, and generous toward your world.

Invitation to the Table

It is into the name of the Holy Trinity that each of us are baptized. And it is in the confession of God’s saving power in our lives that we continue to live in God’s presence. At this holy Table, we again affirm that Jesus, the Son of God, is indeed the Messiah and Lord, and it is only in the power of the Holy Spirit that we can make that affirmation. This is God’s feast, now, prepared for you and for all people; a feast of good things, a feast of peace. Come and taste. Eat and be filled. Drink deep and never thirst again.

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Prayers for Bread and Cup)

(The following may be offered as one prayer, or broken between two Elders, if that is the tradition to be followed)

Almighty God, as your Spirit moved upon the face of the waters, you have created the world and called it good. As you breathed life into human beings, you made each of us in your image. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son into the world that all the world might find life and life abundant in his fellowship. As we give thanks to you for the gift of life, and your sustaining presence in all of it, we offer up these gifts of bread and wine along with our very selves, that your Spirit might come upon them and upon us, that they may be for us the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ, who living perfectly in your image offered himself up for us all. Through this breaking of bread and drinking of cup, may we who love you be conformed to his likeness, to follow you in the days which lie before us as creative, life-giving signs of your sustaining presence in our world.

Eternal God, you make yourself known to us in three Persons, yet bound together in one perfect communion of love. As we break this bread, may we come to a more perfect awareness of the unity of the Church you have called together as one through your Son Jesus Christ.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, gracious Lord, and upon these gifts of bread and wine. May we who drink from the cup Christ has offered be united with you and united with each other in the one body of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Conclusion: Through him, with him, and in him, in the power of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor be to you, O God, now and forever. Amen.

If not previously offered: “And now with the confidence of your children, we offer the prayer our Savior taught us, ‘Our Father…’”

MORE…

Rev. Tim Graves offers Liturgy Bits with valuable, culturally sensitive and creatively contemplative works, well worth your time.

You may also want to visit Worship Connection at MinistryMatters.com, which offers numerous helps, including electronic versions of print resources for worship and preaching planning.

Book of Common Prayer (1979), Public domain.

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Pentecost A

Posted in - RCL and other Common Lectionaries, Feasts, Liturgical Texts: Eucharist, Year A, tagged Pentecost on May 28, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Pentecost A

June 4

This ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia is supported by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund.

Scripture (from the Revised Common Lectionary, with links provided by TextWeek.com – a source for thoughtful worship and preaching throughout the year):

Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21

John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39

Suggested Hymns from Chalice Hymnal

237-On Pentecost they gathered

241-Holy Spirit, truth divine

254-Breathe on me, Breath of God

236-Wind who makes all winds that blow

392-Draw us in the Spirit’s tether

404-A hymn of joy we sing

422-Let us talents and tongues employ

393-One Bread, one Body

The Oremus Hymnal offers many good choices for the lectionary (although this 2010 version will have incorrect calendar dates). Not all are available in Chalice Hymnal, but some may be helpful in congregations where there is not a Chalice Hymnal available. Visit the Oremus Hymnal.

More hymn suggestions, as well as helpful references for use of the arts in worship, are available from the United Church of Christ website.

On 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

Plaited so generously by your love,

Lord, God, now we gather to breathe your delight.

Wreathe us in unity that we may become

your people in Spirit, your servants in love.

Gifts have you lavished and gifts have you sprawled,

all through the shared witness we bring in love.

Now, in the tether of the Spirit’s desire,

reap well in our unity our common good.

Surely we find your delight in our hands

bathed in the Spirit’s pure exalting design

all that we answer to your eager appeal

rises as one body in your holy light.

10.11.11.11. Suggested tune: Slane

Dealing with the Psalm of the Day:

This week: Psalm 104 – see p. 754 (vs. 1-13)

Call to Worship (from the United Church of Christ)

L: The Spirit descends like a dove, bringing peace to unite the world in a just and caring community.

P: The Spirit comes like a breath, bringing life to renew the people of God.

L: The Spirit spreads like fire, bringing energy for witnessing to the love of God.

P: Spirit of the living God, come to us and transform our lives by your power

OR (adapted by the editor from portions of the Psalm of the day; given in two parts, either or both of which may be useful.)

L: Bless the Lord, O my soul, who is clothed with honor and majesty,

P: God set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken.¹

God waters the mountains, and satisfies the earth with plentiful fruit.

L: God causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use,

gives wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine,

and bread to strengthen the human heart.

P: O Lord, how manifold are your works! The earth is full of your creatures.

II.

L: When you send forth your spirit, O God, all things are created; and you renew the face of the ground.

P: May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works.

L: I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;

P: I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

L: May my meditation be pleasing to God, for I rejoice in the Lord.

P: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord!

Invocation or Prayer of Approach

Almighty God, who gives life and power to your church through the gift of your Spirit: Inspire us to bear witness to our living Lord. Quicken us to a recognition of your presence. Create in us grateful hearts. Challenge our minds with your wisdom. Encourage us with a heightened vision and hope. This we pray in the name of your Son Jesus Christ (who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”)

Pastoral Prayer – Prayers of the People – Intercessions

(adapted from “Prayers from the Book of Common Order,” Church of Scotland, on oremus.org)

O God, the creator and preserver of all, we pray for people of all sorts and conditions. Make your purpose known in the earth, your saving power among the nations. We pray for the well-being of the catholic Church.

So guide and guard it by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in the unity of the Spirit and in righteousness of life. We commend to your generous goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or circumstances, especially as we lift to you ______________ and those we name to you in the silence of our hearts. (silent prayer) Comfort and relieve them according to their individual needs; give them patience under their sufferings, and a happy release out of all their afflictions. All this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ.

OR (The following 6 petitions may be used as collects, or brought into one pastoral prayer.)

O Holy Spirit, Tongue of Fire, descend upon us as you descended upon the disciples gathered in the upper room for prayer. Sanctify us, free us from the bondage of sin, and give us your power to speak with one voice.

Rushing Wind, sweep over our lands and make your sound gather again your devout people from every nation under heaven. Help us to manifest together the victory of life over death given through the resurrection. Make us signs of the living hope and witnesses for your peace.

Giver of Life, abide in us, transform our former selves into a new life in faithfulness to God’s will. Along with all others with whom we live, with all nations and peoples, we would enter a new time of transformation, when hatred is replaced by love, violence by meaningful discourse, condemnation by forgiveness, and self-centeredness by sharing.

Power of Unity, help us to move from the Babel of division toward the Pentecost of unity, even here amidst the diversity of gifts, traditions, and cultures. Make your church to be ministers of reconciliation among the children of the world.

Spirit of Truth, free us from our alienation from you. Liberate us from the powers and principalities which oppress and alienate. Make us instruments of your just peace, to which we have been called by prophets, apostles, and martyrs.

O Holy Spirit, the splendor of Christ’s realm is through your power, now available to us all. Make us messengers of the good news, apostles of your peace, that we may be known as children of God.

Prayers from Common Worship*

Collect

God, who as at this time

taught the hearts of your faithful people

by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:

grant us by the same Spirit

to have a right judgement in all things

and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;

through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

Faithful God,

who fulfilled the promises of Easter

by sending us your Holy Spirit

and opening to every race and nation

the way of life eternal:

open our lips by your Spirit,

that every tongue may tell of your glory;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Alternative Collect

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,

ignite in us your holy fire;

strengthen your children with the gift of faith,

revive your Church with the breath of love,

and renew the face of the earth,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Collect of the Day (from Book of Common Prayer, 1979**)

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life

to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy

Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the

preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the

earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns

with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever

and ever.

or this

O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful

people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:

Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all

things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through

Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with

you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

John 7:37-39

In our thirst, O God, refresh us

and, as we drink great draughts of joy,

become in us a spring of hope,

the living water of our Lord.

Ah, in the overflow of Spirit, breathe in us

the mystery and grace,

the bold gratuity of awe,

your buoying gift in Jesus.

Service of Table

Offertory / Invitation to Give

By the goodness of God, we are called into the family of the church. By God’s grace, we rejoice to share in the church’s life of mission and ministry. Let us offer our tithes and gifts to God’s glory as a token of the offering of our very lives.

Offertory Prayer

We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts and pray that we may safeguard them for your children. Help us to use the gifts of work and service to your glory and grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundance, to the honor and glory of your name.

O God, we thank you for your great generosity. All that we are and all that we have is a gift from you. Help us to serve one another and so reflect your spirit and goodness. Accept these offerings and grant that the cause to which they are devoted may prosper under your guidance.

Invitation to the Table

Friends, this is the joyful feast of the people of God. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit at the table in the kingdom of God. This is the Lord’s table. Jesus invites all who seek to trust him to share in the feast which he has prepared. Let us come to his table now with hope and confidence as God’s children.

Prayer of Thanksgiving (Prayers for Bread and Cup)

(The following may be offered as one prayer, or broken between two Elders, if that is the tradition to be followed)

Come, Holy Spirit, upon your people, we pray, and upon this sacred Table, that this bread which we break may be for us the body of Christ, and that we who are his body may live in unity and at peace with you and all of your creation.
Come, Holy Spirit, upon this gift of wine, that as we receive it, we may know the fullness of salvation, and bear witness to the faith which is ours in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessed are you, Lord our God; you bring forth bread from the earth, and wine in its season. Your holiness calls to us today, Lord, as you called to your people in the life of Jesus Christ. Although many rejected him and reject him still, we remember and celebrate his presence with us in the power of your Holy Spirit. Send your power and strength to us, Lord, as we gather here in love for you, and upon these gifts of bread and wine. Make them to be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we might be his true body, empowered by your Spirit to give glory and honor to you through the life of your holy Church.

Conclusion: Through him, with him, and in him, in the power of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor be to you, O God, now and forever. Amen.

If not previously offered: “And now with the confidence of your children, we offer the prayer our Savior taught us, ‘Our Father…’”

MORE…

Rev. Tim Graves offers Liturgy Bits with valuable, culturally sensitive and creatively contemplative works, well worth your time.

You may also want to visit Worship Connection at MinistryMatters.com, which offers numerous helps, including electronic versions of print resources for worship and preaching planning.

Book of Common Prayer (1979), Public domain.

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