Sunday, Sept 30/18 Bulletin

September 30, 2018                                                    Creation Time 4

(Portions of the service that are in BOLD are to be said by all.

All points marked * those who are able are invited to stand.)

Approach

Gathering song MV #82 – “Bathe Me in Your Light”

Welcome, lighting of Christ Candle, and Announcements

Call to Worship

One:Now is the time of reflection;

All: God’s word will gently come home to us.

One:    Now is the time of joyful praise;

All: we will not hold back our singing.

One:    Now is the time for giving thanks;

All:our hearts overflow as we remember our Generous Creator.

One:    Now is the time to worship God;

All: we worship God will all our hearts, our minds, and our  souls.

*     Opening Hymn MV #27 – “Creator God You Gave Us Life”

Prayer of Approach and Confession

O God of the generations, in each new beginning we hope to feel the promise of your presence with us. In this new time of worship, help us to see ourselves as more than what we think we are.

            During this worship time we are reminded of your promise to be with us always. When we doubt, help us remember that you are in each one of us and our days are filled with life.

            As we gather for worship in this place, remind each of us of your promise that you will provide. So, when our strength falls short, when our faith seems insufficient, when hope wavers, when we struggle to trust in the promise that you will provide; lead us and teach us to lean on you in all things. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Passing of the Peace

A Time for All Ages

*   Hymn – “For Everyone Born”

For everyone born, a place at the table,
For everyone born, clean water and bread,
A shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
For everyone born, a star overhead.

Refrain:

And God will delight when we are creators
Of justice and joy, compassion and peace;

Yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice, justice and joy.

For woman and man, a place at the table,
Revising the roles, deciding the share,
With wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
For woman and man, a system that’s fair.  (refrain)

For young and for old, a place at the table,
A voice to be heard, a part in the song,
The hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
For you and for old, the right to belong.  (refrain)

For just and unjust, a place at the table,
Abuser, abused, with need to forgive,
In anger, in hurt, a mindset of mercy,
For just and unjust, a new way to live.  (refrain)

For everyone born, a place at the table,
To live without fear, and simply to be,
To work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
For everyone born, the right to be free,  (refrain)

The Word

Scripture Reading: Ester 7: 1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
THANKS BE TO GOD!

Meditation – “Power and Voice!”

(a quiet time for your personal reflection and prayer)

Anthem – “Wake Up Church, Wake up!”

The Response

*Offering / Response (VU #538):

      For the gift of creation, the gift of your love,
      And the gift of the Spirit by which we live,
      We thank you and give you the fruit of our hands.
      May your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give.

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer

*   Closing Hymn MV #120 – “My Soul Cries Out”

*   Commissioning / Benediction

*   Response:

                Ancient words, ever true,
               Changing me, and changing you;
               We have come with open hearts,
               O let the ancient words impart.
               We have come with open hearts,
               O let the ancient words impart.

***

Rev. Patrick Woodbeck, Minister       Laura Steidl, Music Director
Heather Karavas, Office Administrator           Myrna Hagues, Organist
Pat Todd, Liturgist                              Gina Grant, Custodian

Welcome Ministry: Anne Derkson, Colleen Gates, Alana Davis