The Celebration of Christian Worship
Celebrating over 175 Years of Faith & Hope
November 8, 2009 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost 10:00 AM
People come to a Christian church to escape the world of human values and enter the world of divine ones. Many godly values or blessings defy logic, as witnessed by the religious leaders calling Jesus (the perfect embodiment of divine values) "crazy" or "possessed." Since Jesus is our Lord (master or leader), we need to embrace and display these "crazy" values for all to see. Therefore, for the sake of all who walk through our doors, the Christian church "flips out." When you come here, these are the things you have a right to expect.
Forgiveness Optimism
Love Unity
Insight Tolerance
Peace/ Purpose
Salvation
Today we'll hear what the gospel teaches about Salvation.
Prelude
Welcome
Announcements
Passing of the Peace
OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Votum
Sentences – Psalm 27 – Read responsively
Leader: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
People: The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Leader: When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh - my adversaries and foes - they shall stumble and fall.
People: Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
Leader: One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
People: For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
Leader: Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
People: Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
Leader: “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, LORD, do I seek.
People: Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help.
Leader: Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
People: If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.
Leader: Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
People: Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.
Leader: I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
ALL: Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Salutation
*Hymn #66 (blue) – “To God Be the Glory”
Summary of the Law of God
Prayer of Confession
God of birth, God of joy, God of life, we come to you as a people hungry for good news. We have been so dead to miracles that we have missed the world's rebirth. We have preoccupied ourselves with pleasures and have overlooked the joy you offer us. We have been so concerned with making a living that we have missed the life you set among us. Forgive us, gracious God. Open our eyes and our hearts to receive your gift; open our lips and hands to share it with all humanity in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Silent Prayers
Words of Assurance
*Gloria Patri (Hymnal #623)
THE WORD OF GOD
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture: Exodus 14:10-41, 21-20
Luke 19:1-10
Revelation 21:1-7
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Children's Sermon
*Hymn #264 (Green) – “When a Prophet Sings of Justice”
Sermon – The Hero’s Mantra
Prayer for Blessing on the Word
OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD
*Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering
*Doxology (Hymnal #625)
*Offertory Prayer
All good things come from you, O God, and with gratitude we return to you what is yours. You created all that is, and with love formed us in your image. When our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You gave your only Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior. All that we are, and all that we have, is a trust from you. And so, in gratitude for all your gifts, we offer you ourselves, and all that we have, in union with Christ's offering for us. By your Holy Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Family Prayers, The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.
*Hymn #296 (blue) – “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”
*Benediction
*Threefold Amen (Hymnal #628)
*Postlude