Tag: call to worship

Lent 2 Prayers

Sustenance for the Journey (More nourishment when we falter)

February 28

Lent 2

Lament over Jerusalem

Luke 13:1-9, 31-35

Psalm 122

Call to Worship:

Gather us together Jesus

That we might take shelter under your wings. 

For I was glad when they said unto me, let us god into the house of the Lord

Our feet are standing within your gates, O God. 

Peace be within you family and friends

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, let us seek good!

Invitation: For all those who feel empty, God invites us to lay to God in confession too. 

Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that sometimes we feel like we don’t produce enough and we deserve to be cut down. We admit that sometimes  we view ourselves, or others as a waste of space. Remind us that some years are barer than others. That sometimes, like the fig tree, we need more room and care to grow. Help us to give ourselves, and others what is needed to grow we pray.

Assurance of Pardon: God will always welcome us home and gather us under her wings, so we may be comforted by the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God loves and cares for us, sending Jesus to nourish us and wrap us under the wings of the Holy Spirit Help us God when we are bare or barren, or sick or lament Help us not to chop each other down, but to build each other up we pray. Amen.

Communion Prayer: Dear Jesus, it is a blessing to be gathered here, like your brood under your wing, through the celebration of Communion. Before you left, you gathered one last time, and left it as an invitation for any or all who wish to join in the protection of the Lord. Send your Holy Spirit upon this communion so that we might experience a moment of peace, and bless us with the nourishment we need along the way we pray. Amen. 

Hymns: Be Thou My Vision, Jesus Thy Boundless Love to Me, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Taize: Bless the Lord, My Soul, that leads me into life

For the Complete List of Narrative Lectionary Lent Resources can be found here including a way to receive a doc copy

Lent 1 Prayers

Journeying Past Our Neighbors 

February 21st

Lent 1

Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-42

Psalm 15

Call to Worship:

God you call us to love

We would like to abide in your tent God.

You call us to our neighbors and our neighborhood. Because you are present here, too. 

Let us praise the God who is in our neighborhood.

Invitation: Come let us confess our full selves to the Lord.

Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that although we strive for love, we do not always achieve it. We catch ourselves gossiping or slandering others, we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are too worried about who is going to get in first, to help those who are last. Help us to be like the good Samaritan, to take the time and energy to help all those in need without prejudice or malice. Embolden us to do what is right, we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

Assurance of Pardon: God promises that we can dwell with God’s very self on the holy hill. Through grace, is space in God’s neighborhood. Those we can tell one another the good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen. 

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord, help us to face and see our neighbors: black, brown, white, immigrant, disabled, our LGBTQIA neighbors. Let us embrace those who vote, pray or live differently. For each individual is fully human and beloved by God. Help us to love them we pray. amen. 

Communion Prayer; Lord come and bless this food of the people and this cup of the people that we might taste and see the kindom in our neighbor’s eyes and be nourished to start the work of the kindom in our own neighborhood—knowing that we are all seen and loved in the eyes of God let us start to celebrate it here, today, by taking communion together. 

Hymns: Kum ba Yah, Jesu Jesu Fill Us with Your Love, Somebody’s Knocking at Your Door 

Taize: Let All who are Thirsty Come

Ash Wednesday Prayers

Journeying towards Death

February 17th

Ash Wednesday

Jesus Turns to Jerusalem

Luke 9:51-62

Psalm 5:7-8:

Call to Worship

Who can follow you to Jerusalem Jesus?

Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head

God, may we each find a sanctuary space today.

Let us begin the journey to Jerusalem with Jesus Christ today. 

The time for Lent and death stretches us before us.

Come let us walk with God today.

Invitation: God will give heed to our sighing, come let us bring our sighs to the Lord. 

Prayer of Confession: God our sighs are loud and our cries sound out. We feel trauma of these times. But we know, you long with us for our suffering to end. You do not delight in any wickedness. We confess that we do not know how to journey to Jerusalem with you. We are lost before the journey even begins. Help us to find the way we pray. Amen.  

Assurance of Pardon: God it is through the abundance of your steadfast love, I will enter your house. It is by the grace of God, that we can be assured of the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. 

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord, let us experience the ashes with all that they entail. Let the be the beginning of our relenting: of power, of materialism, of individual achievement over the good of the community. Let us relent to Lent we pray. Amen. 

Communion Prayer: Holy Spirit, come and inspire us for this journey. When it feels like forty days in the desert: fortify us with your bread and your cup. Imbue this meal with your Holy Spirit so we can be nourished for the journey. Remind us that when we celebrate Christ’s death, we are also celebrating his life and his resurrection. Give us what we need for this journey through Lent we pray. Amen. 

Hymns: In the Garden, Come Thou Fount of Ever Blessing, What Wondrous Love Is This, 

Taize: Jesus, Remember Me

For the Complete List of Narrative Lectionary Lent Resources can be found here including a way to receive a doc copy

Narrative Lectionary: Baptism of Jesus

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 51:15, 10)
O Lord, Open my lips
and my mouth will declare your praise
For you have not delight in sacrifice, it does not please you
Create in my a clean heart, O God, that I might worship you today and everyday.

Prayer of Confession: (unison): God, I confess my transgressions. Against you, you alone I have sinned. I confess that I have done what is evil in your sight. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. Blot out my transgressions according to your abundant mercy. Wash me, and cleanse me from my sin. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

Assurance of Pardon: God restores us, creating clean hearts and new spirits within us, and God’s salvation is restored to us through Jesus Christ. Friends hear the good news; In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

HEARING THE WORD
Children’s Time : Telling God’s Story
(All children are invited to the front)

Prayer for Illumination
1st Scripture Reading Psalm 51:6-17
2nd Scripture Reading Luke 3:1-22

“Pre-Disciples” Pastor Katy Stenta

Reflection Roger Held

Joys & Concerns & The Lord’s Prayer (p. 16 in the blue hymnal)

RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Offering
*Doxology (#592 in Blue Hymnal) Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Amen.

SENDING THE WORD
Prayer of Dedication: God, remind us to share everything: food, blessings, baptisms. Send us forth into the world being the hands and feet of Christ. Help us to be your disciples we pray. Amen.

Hymn #443 “O Christ, the Great Foundation”


*Charge & Benediction

The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you. (Invitation to share Peace)

Narrative Lectionary Bulletin & Sermon Advent 4 Rev. Dr Barb Hedges-Goettl

PreludeBreath of Heaven             Amy Grant 

Opening Prayer

Lord, you bring glad tidings to the poor. Let us hear.

You heal the brokenhearted. Heal us too.

You free the prisoners from their jails. Free us from ourselves.

Loving God, please come to us, and send us out, forgiven,
to the poor, the brokenhearted the imprisoned.

Hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies,
With th’angelic host proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark! The herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n adored, Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” (interlude)

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”

Call to Worship (Isaiah 9:2, John 8:12, Malachi 4:20)

One: The people who walk in darkness will see a great light

ALL: O Lord, be our light!

Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.

O Lord, be our light!

Jesus said “I am the Light of the world; those who follow Me 

will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

O Lord, be our light!

For you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise 

with healing in its wings.

O Lord, be our light!

Call to Confession  Jesus did not worry about what others thought.

He did not avoid conflict, but confronted head-on what needed to be changed. Let us confess how hard it is to do the same.

Prayer of Confession

God, sometimes we are more interested in the approval of others than in what you want us to do and be. Forgive us, Lord.

Sometimes we play nice, avoiding conflict even when your gospel of love would call us to speak out. Forgive us, Lord. 

Sometimes we substitute a different kind of preaching for the preaching of good news that you offer the poor. Forgive us, Lord.

Sometimes we preach a gospel of self-reliance instead of the freedom offered by your grace. Forgive us, Lord.

Sometimes we want the blind to see the same way we do,

instead of taking the log out of our own eyes. Forgive us, Lord.

Sometimes we want the oppressed to just be a little more patient,

instead of letting them go free. Forgive us, Lord.

(Silent Confession)

Assurance of Pardon 

God offers us God’s very self, granting us grace and new life.

Thanks be to God for the Good News:  In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Gloria Patri: (Blue #579) Glory Be to the Father 

Sharing of Prayer Joys and Concerns  

Prayers of the People/Lord’s Prayer (traditional)

Celebration of Birthdays and Anniversaries            

Hymn of Dedication O Come, All Ye Faithful Martina McBride https://youtu.be/Y3egGjeiWEA

O come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels!

O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord

O, sing, choirs of angels Sing in exultation
O come, o come ye to Bethlehem 

Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels

O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord

O come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him Born the King of Angels!

O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord

O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord

Doxology (Blue, #592)   Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivaDXu27_IY

Prayer of Dedication

Holy One, this Advent season we come with joy,
and we give in love: Love in return for you loving us first,

Love experienced through your presence with us.
Receive and use these gifts and our very lives 

to share your love with the world. Amen.  

Prayer for Illumination  Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.

Old Testament Reading:  Isaiah 61:1-11

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
    because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
    to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
    and release to the prisoners;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
    and the day of vengeance of our God;
    to comfort all who mourn;
3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
    the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins,
    they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
    the devastations of many generations.

5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,
    foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines;
6 but you shall be called priests of the Lord,
    you shall be named ministers of our God;
you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations,
    and in their riches you shall glory.
7 Because theirshame was double,
    and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot,
therefore they shall possess a double portion;
    everlasting joy shall be theirs.

8 For I the Lord love justice,
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
    and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants shall be known among the nations,
    and their offspring among the peoples;
all who see them shall acknowledge
    that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
    my whole being shall exult in my God;
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
    and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,
so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
    to spring up before all the nations.

New Testament Lesson: Luke 4:16-21

16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because he has anointed me
        to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
    and recovery of sight to the blind,
        to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Sermon: What Do You Do While You’re Waiting?

Affirmation of Faith   (John 1, NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 

3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, 

and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines 

in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 

10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him;  yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own,     and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son,         full of grace and truth.

Closing Hymn  Go Tell It On the Mountain

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born! (repeat chorus)

While shepherds kept their watching O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!

The shepherds feared and trembled When lo! Above the Earth
Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior’s birth

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!

Down in a lowly manger Our humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born! (Repeat chorus)

Charge and Benediction

Postlude  Go Tell It On the Mountain                                  arr. S. Moorehttps://youtu.be/NaBoOAIs2lY

What do you do while you’re waiting?

Barb’s sister Beth started posting numbers in decreasing order on her facebook without explanation. Eventually it became clear that she was counting down to the beginning of Advent. It is not unusual for people to count down to Christmas, which is a big event, but Advent is typically considered a time of waiting… waiting and anticipating Christmas. So I asked, rather incredulously, “So are you waiting for when you will start waiting?” And she laughingly said “That’s right.”

But now that we are in the midst of Advent, is it a time of waiting and anticipating? Or is it something more than waiting and anticipating? Mr. Rogers used to sing a song on his TV show “What do you DO while you’re waiting…while you’re waiting for something else to do?” The scriptures today lead me to believe he was actually saying something profound about Advent, because it was not sufficient to say we are just “waiting.” Just waiting is boring and difficult. Barb and I stood outside in a line with masks on six feet away from others waiting to be allowed into an outdoor market where the number of buyers were strictly limited. We were anticipating what we would find and could not leave the line or we would lose our place. It reminded me of when I work with young children who have a terrible time waiting and I tell them “waiting is hard, but it is part of growing up.” But Mr. Rogers points to an important difference between waiting while doing nothing, and DOING something while waiting. For him, and in the scriptures today, waiting is a time to DO something. A time perhaps, to truly prepare for the event we are waiting for.

The Isaiah passage was likely written upon the return of the Israelites from exile. They faced the rebuilding of a crumbled society. They needed to rethink how government was done, how education was done, how gatherings were done, how family was done. 2020 was also a year of exile, a year of crumbling infrastructure. So, first in Isaiah, and then in Luke we hear a challenge for what we could do while we’re waiting… waiting for Christmas, waiting for a vaccine, waiting for a New Year, waiting for a new, reconstituted life together to begin.

This Advent, this waiting time is an opportunity to DO while we wait and anticipate all these new events. In Isaiah, the power to DO comes from the Spirit that falls upon him. In Luke, Jesus proclaims that “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” And indeed, we believe that the Spirit of God has already fallen upon all the people God claims as God’s own… that includes you and me.

So the Scripture begins by telling us that we have the power, and the responsibility to DO the work we are called to do while we wait for Christmas, while we wait for a vaccine, while we wait for a new reconstituted life together, while we wait for the New Year. What do WE DO while WE are waiting?

TODAY this scripture is fulfilled in our hearing! The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us…eventually it specifies that this anointing of the Lord has “named ministers of our God.” We are ALL anointed by the Spirit and we are ALL ministers of our God, so we have a ministry to DO while we’re waiting.

The ministry we are called to is a ministry that captures and embodies the Spirit of Christmas. We are anointed to preach GOOD NEWS to the poor. But this is not empty preaching that smiles and says things will be fine, this is GOOD NEWS accompanied by action, by what we ministers are DOING while we are waiting. It is the work we are challenged to DO now, and it’s a pretty tall order (good thing we are all named ministers so “many hands can make light work).

We are to reach out to the brokenhearted and bind them up with our support. The brokenhearted whose lives have been crushed, whose losses have been so great, who were so ravaged by this past year of exile. Can we think of at least one person whose heart has been broken by this past year? Can we accept the challenge to reach out and help bind up their broken heart while we are waiting?

We are to offer a release from darkness to those imprisoned by the circumstances of their lives. Poverty imprisons some, hunger imprisons some, addiction imprisons some, bondage to sin imprisons some. Can we offer the light of Christ as we provide tangible help instead of feeling repulsed or judgmental to those whose life prisons have shrouded them in darkness? Can we contribute tangible help for some imprisoned person while we are waiting?

We are to comfort those who mourn. We don’t need to force a “merry” happiness on those who are grieving. Can we reach out to someone who just can’t celebrate this Christmas and offer a listening ear, a loving heart, and comfort for them in their mourning while we are waiting?

We are called to rebuild the ruins of our society and restore the gatherings long devasted. Do we dare to look beyond individuals and extend the work of our shared ministry to acknowledge the brokenness and devastation all around us? Brokenness caused by greed, devastation caused by bigotry, racism, and injustice. Can we reach out in even one small way to rebuild and restore a society that rejects the devastation while we are waiting?

We are waiting but we are not waiting alone. We are waiting with so many other ministers anointed by God. And we are waiting and ABLE TO DO because the Spirit of the Lord, the true Spirit of Christmas is upon us while we are waiting.

And the hope that is promised is a hope fulfilled by the work of God through our meager actions as God’s ministers. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the hope is that God’s faithfulness WILL reward us with an everlasting covenant. And together we will proclaim the New Year, the year we are waiting for, a year of God’s favor!

Isaiah Bulletin by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl

All Original Prayers by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl, permission to use with credit

Prelude Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence                 Fernando Ortega

Opening Prayer (1)

O Holy God, 

like Isaiah the prophet, we stand in awe of Your glory,

feeling tremendously small and polluted by our sin, 

and the sin of our society.

Even so, You touch us with Your burning presence,

and we are made clean and whole.

O God, our Creator, 

continue to build this household of faith into what You want us to be.

O Christ, our Savior, 

lead us to do as You will.

O Spirit, our Power,

strengthen us for the work of the Kingdom.

Amen.

Call to Worship (Response is Isaiah 6:3) (2)

Glory in God’s holy name. Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory.”

99:9Exalt the Lord our God. Worship at his holy hill, 

for the Lord our God is holy.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory.”

145:17The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory.”

145:21My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord.

Let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Call to Confession   

John Calvin, whose work and theology are the basis for the Reformed tradition, including our Presbyterian faith, notes that when we compare ourselves to others, we may think highly of ourselves. But when we compare ourselves to God’s absolute holiness and goodness, we see how far we fall short of who God created us to be. Let us be reminded of God’s holiness and our need for forgiveness.

Prayer of Confession (from Isaiah 6:1-7)

O Holy Lord,                                                                                                       when we see that just the hem of your robe fills the whole temple,                                  we know we are a people of unclean lips.

When the six-winged seraphim attend you,                                                   we know we are a people of unclean lips.

As the angels proclaim that the whole earth is full of your glory,                          we know we are a people of unclean lips.

When the thresholds shake and the place is filled with smoke,                                        we know we are a people of unclean lips.

Woe to us! When we see you, O King and Lord of hosts,                                                we know we are lost because                                                                                    we know we are a people of unclean lips.     

(Silent confession)

Assurance of Pardon 

God touches us with burning coal, 

and our guilt departs, our sin is blotted out. 

Thanks be to God for the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Gloria Patri: (Blue #579) Glory Be to the Father 

Prayers of the People/Lord’s Prayer (traditional)

Celebration of Birthdays and Anniversaries

Hymn of Dedication  Just As I Am, Without One Plea

Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee O Lamb of God, I come! I come

Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot O Lamb of God, I come, I come

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind Sight, riches, healing of the mind
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe O Lamb of God, I come, I come

Doxology (Blue, #592)   Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

(1) From prayer based on Isaiah 6 from My Redeemer Lives website. 

http://www.myredeemerlives.com/prayers.html

(2) 1 Chronicles 16:10; Psalm 99:9; Psalm 145:17, 21. King James Version.

 Prayer of Dedication            Blessed are you, God of all creation; 

through your goodness we have these gifts to share. 

Accept and use all that we give and all that we are 

for your glory and for the service of your kingdom. Amen.

Prayer for Illumination  Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord

Take thou our minds, dear Lord, we humbly pray;
give us the mind of Christ each passing day;
teach us to know the truth that sets us free;
grant us in all our thoughts to honor thee.

Old Testament Reading  (NRSV)                     Isaiah 6:1-8

6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne,                  high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew.     3 3 And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”

4 The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called,            and the house filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost,                  for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”

What comes before “Here I Am”? Rev. Barb Hedges-Goettl

Affirmation of Faithfrom the Westminster Confession of Faith

God alone is the Holy One.

There is but one only living and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection.

God alone is the Holy One.

God is a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, immutable, immense, eternal, and incomprehensible.

God alone is the Holy One.

God is almighty; most wise, most holy, most free, and most absolute,

God alone is the Holy One.

God works all things according to the counsel of his own immutable 

and most righteous will for his own glory,

God alone is the Holy One.

God is most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness 

and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.

God alone is the Holy One.

God is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom, 

are all things.

God alone is the Holy One.

God is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands.

God alone is the Holy One.

To him is due from angels and from human beings, and every other creature, worship, service, and obedience for

God alone is the Holy One.

Closing Hymn  Here I Am, Lord  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcxOkht8w7c

[Verse 1] I, the Lord of sea and sky; I have heard my people cry
All who dwell in dark and sin. My hand will save

[Chorus] Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?  

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.  [Chorus]      

[Verse 2] I, who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? [Chorus]

[Verse 3]  I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne my people’s pain
I have wept for love of them They turn away [Chorus]

Charge and Benediction

Postlude Holy is the Lord Twila Paris 

God Calls Isaiah Prayers

Isaiah 6:1-8
Luke 5:8-10 Opt Psalm 138

Call to Worship (Psalm 138:1-3)

I give thanks to you O Lord 

with my whole heart, I praise you

I bow down towards your holy temple

Give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and faithfulness

On the day I called, you answered me, 

You have increased the strength of my soul; Come let us worship God

Call to Worship:

God only you are holy

When you instill our hearts with fear and wonder, you remind us of your power

Sweep our breaths away, as we worship you today.

Come let us worship God

Invitation to Confession: As you are called to confession, it is because the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. God’s mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.

Prayer of Confession: Dear God, we confess that we often do not understand your call. Too often we obsess about holiness, and how to be holy with you instead of letting ourselves wonder. We confess that we forget that there is work be done, and have trouble hearing your Call. Forgive us, please, and teach us to be a resurrection people we pray. Amen. 

Prayer of Confession: Lord, we become so frustrated when humans don’t do what we want them to do. We think of Isaiah, who surely had a troubled heart when he went to bed. Yet he awoke to visions of holiness and glory. Help us to be able to see some of your

Assurance of Pardon: God is forever faithful, God who promises Emmanuel God with us, Jesus is coming! God will not turn away from us, but give us forgiveness. Know in your hearts the Good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Prayer of Dedication: Holy, Holy, Holy God, Let us go forth saying that All the Works shall praise thy name from earth and sky and sea! You are merciful and mighty! Let us go forth proclaiming the God of three persons, the blessed Trinity, we pray. Amen.

Hymns: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Eagle’s Wings, Here I am Lord, Amazing Grace,

Jonah Bulletin by Rev. Dr. Barb Hedges-Goettl

More Narrative Lectionary Resources

Prelude  Lord, I Want to be a Christian           Joslin Grove Choral Society  

Opening Prayer (adapted from Jonah 2:7-9 NRSV)

O  Lord, we remember you.
Our prayers come to you, in your holy temple.
Those who worship vain idols forsake their true loyalty.
But we, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you;
what we have vowed we will offer. Deliverance belongs to you, O Lord. Amen.

Call to Worship (adapted from Psalm 145) 

The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger 

and abounding in steadfast love.

All God’s works shall give thanks to the Lord and all God’s faithful shall bless the Lord.

They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger 

and abounding in steadfast love.
God’s works make known to all people God’s mighty deeds

 and the glorious splendor of God’skingdom.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger 

and abounding in steadfast love.
 God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
    and God’s dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger 

and abounding in steadfast love.

AND SO WE LOVE AND SERVE THE LORD.

Hymn Lord, I Want to Be a Christian https://youtu.be/iZvUDFKAsKI

Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart, 

Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart. In my heart, in my heart, Lord, 

I want to be a Christian in my heart.

Lord, I want to be more loving….
Lord, I want to like Jesus…

Call to Confession   

God calls us to love those who are against us, and to pray for them.

God calls us not to rejoice in wrong, but to rejoice in the right.

This is a very tall order, and we often fall short.

Prayer of Confession

Lord, the hardest thing you asked was that we love our enemies.
We know how we’d like to love them:

We’d love our enemies to be far away.
We’d love them not to compromise our security.

Forgive us and change us, O God.
We’d love them not to scare us or change the way we live.
We’d love them to be lovable.

Forgive us and change us, O God.
You know, God, We’d love it to be popular to love enemies.
We’d love our neighbors to respect us for this good deed.
We’d love the people on the news to provide examples of how to love.

Forgive us and change us, O God.
If loving enemies were easy,
Jesus wouldn’t have told us about the tax collectors and gentiles,
Who love only their friends. (Matthew 5:46-47)

Forgive us and change us, O God.
If loving enemies were easy, we know
We wouldn’t need your strong arms to bear us up in difficult times.
We wouldn’t need the blood of your Son to save us from human sin.
We wouldn’t need your Spirit flowing among us, wiping our tears.
We wouldn’t need the Bible to tell us what the world does not.

Forgive us and change us, O God.
Give us the strength to stop hating

And halt the cycles of violence and revenge.
Teach us forgiveness,

which we know is suffering love through piercing tears.
Forgive us and change us, O God.
When our community looks at our congregation,
Hears our words and sees our deeds,
Help them to know that you, the God of love, live among us
And that they can come to us to learn about Christian love of enemies.

Forgive us and change us, O God.

(Silent confession)

Assurance of Pardon 

God loves us when we are yet God’s sinful enemies, 

God saves us through God’s immeasurable grace,
God gives us a gift we did not deserve,

Thanks be to God for the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Gloria Patri: (Blue #579) Glory Be to the Father 

Prayers of the People/Lord’s Prayer (traditional)

Hymn of Dedication  O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee (no intro) 

O Master, let me walk with Thee In lowly paths of service free

Tell me Thy secret; help me bear The strain of toil, the fret of care            

Help me the slow of heart to move By some clear, winning word of love;

Teach me the wayward feet to stay, And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee In closer, dearer company

In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that send a shining ray Far down the future’s broadening way;

In peace that only Thou canst give, With Thee, O Master, let me live.

Doxology (Blue, #592)   Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

 Prayer of Dedication 

Blessed are you, God of all creation; 

through your goodness we have these gifts to share. 

Accept and use all that we give and all that we are 

for your glory and for the service of your kingdom. Amen.

Prayer for Illumination Jesus Calls Us https://youtu.be/vgP70vB3lJQ

Jesus calls us: by Thy mercies, Savior, may we hear Thy call.

Give our hearts to Thine obedience, Serve and love Thee best of all. 

Old Testament Reading  Jonah summary with selected verses (NRSV)

1:4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a mighty storm came upon the sea that the ship threatened to break up.

 3:10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it. (NRSV 3:10) 

4:2-11 “O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing.” 

The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. 

8 When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, “It is better for me to die than to live.9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?” And he said, “Yes, angry enough to die.” 10 Then the Lord said, “You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labor and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?”

Message Whaddyaknow? Rev. Barb Hedges-Goettl

Affirmation of Faithfrom the Confession of 1967

We believe that God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life. God’s redeeming work includes the social and       the cultural, the economic and the political, the scientific and the technological, the individual and the corporate. 

We believe that God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life. God’s redeeming work includes the natural environment as exploited and despoiled by sin. 

We believe that God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life. God’s redeeming work fulfills the divine purpose     for human life under the rule of Christ and all evil be banished from creation.

We believe that God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life. God’s redeeming work brings about the rule of Christ, the heavenly city, the household of God, a new heaven and earth,   a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. 

We believe that God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life. God’s redeeming work brings about God’s triumph over all that resists the divine will and disrupts God’s creation.

We believe that God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life.  God’s redeeming work is already present as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in all people and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgment and redemption 

We believe that God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life. God’s redeeming work provides an urgency to present tasks and our striving for a better world. It does not identify 

We believe that God’s redeeming work in Jesus Christ embraces the whole of human life. In steadfast hope, we look beyond all partial achievement to the final triumph of God. 

THANKS BE TO GOD!

Closing Hymn  Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak (with intro)https://youtu.be/CDUkQBN4i_c

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of thy tone

As Thou hast sought, so let me seek Thy erring children lost and lone

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead The wandering and the wavering feet

O feed me, Lord, that I may feed Thy hungering ones with manna sweet

O fill me with Thy Fulness, Lord, Until my very heart o’erflow

In kindling thought and glowing word Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show

Charge and Benediction

Postlude Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

Called as partners in Christ’s service Called to ministries of grace
We respond with deep commitment Fresh new lines of faith to trace
May we learn the art of sharing Side by side and friend with friend
Equal partners in our caring To fulfil God’s chosen end

Christ’s example Christ’s inspiring Christ’s clear call to work and worth
Let us follow never faltering Reconciling folk on earth
Men and women richer poorer All God’s people young and old
Blending human skills together Gracious gifts from God unfold

Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission In a small or global sense
Help us bear each other’s burdens Breaking down each wall or fence
Words of comfort words of vision Words of challenge said with care
Bring new power and strength for action Make us colleagues free and fair

So God grant us for tomorrow Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow With a calm that conquers strife
Make us partners in our living Our compassion to increase
Messengers of faith thus giving Hope and confidence and peace

More Narrative Lectionary Resources

Jonah and God’s Mercy

Jonah 1:1-7; 3:1-10 [4:1-11]
Luke 18:13 Opt Psalm 88:3-7, 13

10am Drive in Worship Nov 1st

Announcements

Call to Worship

Lord God, when I am in the Pit, You are there 

I will come with the voice of Thanksgivingi

When I cry out to you, you hear.

In the morning, my prayer comes before your.

The steadfast love of the Lord never changes, God’s mercies never come to an end

Deliverance is the Lord’s,  Let us praise God together!

Praise Ye the the Lord, The Almighty 482

Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation

All ye who hear, Now to his temple draw near.
Join me in great adoration

Praise ye the Lord, Who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth, 

Shelters thee under His wings, yeah so gently sustaineth!

Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been

Granted in what He ordaineth? 

Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him! 

All that hath life and breath, come not with praises before Him!

Let the Amen, Sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him. 

Jonah 1:1-3, 7, 17, 2:1, 10, 17, 4:6-8, 10-11

(1 Finger) Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, ‘Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.’ 

(2 Fingers) But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; 

(3 Fingers) so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.

(4 Fingers) The sailors* said to one another, ‘Come, let us cast lots, so that we may know on whose account this calamity has come upon us.’ So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah

(5 FingersO But the Lord provided a large fish to swallow up Jonah; and Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights

(6 Fingers) Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it spewed Jonah out upon the dry land. 

(Pastor Katy) Jonah went to Ninevah, and all the people repented with fasting and rending of clothes, and God saw and changed God’s mind about punishing them, and Jonah was angry at God’s mercy and said let me die!

(7 Fingers) And the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’ 5Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there.

(8 Fingers) The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush.

(9 Fingers) But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. 8When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, ‘It is better for me to die than to live.’

(10 Fingers) Then the Lord said, ‘You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labour and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?’

Children’s Sermon

Sermon     “God Among the Sinners”   Pastor Katy Stenta sermon video

Communion: Invitation

The Lord be with you

And also with you

Lift up your hearts

We lift our hearts to the Lord

Let us give thanks to the Lord

It is right to give our thanks and praise ..

Dear God, you are our creator. You keep track of us when we are hot or tired or complaining. You are among us, and give us the shade from the sun, and the whale in the floods. You come to us when we are sad and bitter, you cleanse us and give us rest. You welcome each of us into the communion of saints. Send your Holy Spirit here today, so that we may celebrate this meal with you, Jesus! Help us we pray…

(prayer continues…) as your son taught us to pray. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by 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 Power and the Glory Forever. Amen.

For All the Saints 526

For all the saints who from their labors rest,

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy name, O Jesus,

be forever blest. Alleluia, Alleluia

Thou was their rock, their fortress and their might,

Thous, Lord their captain, in the well fought fight

Thou, in the darkness drear, 

their one true light Alleluia, Alleluia

O blest communion, fellowship divine!

We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

all are one in Thee, 

for all are Thine, Alleluia, Alleluia

Seeds of Prayer: Extended Advent Resources for Narrative Lectionary: Prayers, Hymns, Children’s Books

Please Share/Adapt with Credit to Katy Stenta and Please contribute to my Doctorate of Ministry with a Donation  I have PayPal https://paypal.me/KatyStenta?locale.x=en_US Venmo www.venmo.com/Katy-Stenta or Google Pay to Katyandtheword at gmail

About Me: My Story & My Writing

God Amongst Us

Nov 22 (Extended Advent Option 2)

God’s Promises a New Covenant

Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28 then 31:31-34

Luke 22:19-20 Opt. Psalm 89:31-37

Call to Worship (Psalm 89:1-8)

Let the heavens praise your wonder, O Lord

Who among the skies can be compared to the Lord? 

O God of hosts, who is as generous as you? 

Your faithfulness surrounds you

Your love is like a feast 

Come let us praise God, who drips in grace

(Psalm 89: 14-18) Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord God, happy are those who know you, let us walk with you and exult your name all day long. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Let us go into the world and use all of our gifts to extol your righteousness in the light of you countenance today, we pray. Amen. 

(Joel 2:13) Call to Confession: Return to the Lord, your God, for God gracious and merciful—slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love.

Prayer of Confession: Lord God, we confess that sometimes we cannot look at all of the disasters and needs of the world. We confess we long for comfort—and that sometimes we compare God to governments or the wealthy. Teach us to have the ears to hear what it is we need to do, and the eyes to see that you have gifted us with enough to do it. Help us to be thankful and share all we have. You are here, God, sharing your very self with us. Teach us, love us and forgive us we pray. 

(Psalm 89: 20-22) Assurance of Pardon: Hear the good news: we belong to God, we have been baptized and anointed, God promises that God’s very hand hand shall always remain with us. Know the truth, that God is among us: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

(Luke 22:19-20) Communion Prayer: Lord God, you have poured out your very self to us. First when you made space in your womb to birth the world. Then when you poured Jesus out into the world. Jesus who took bread and broke it and said “this is my body that is given for you, do this in remembrance of me” and in the same way he took the cup and said “this cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Then you poured your Holy Spirit onto the world, pour that Spirit on whatever elements we have here today, fill them with your love so that we might be nourished for the (Advent) journey we pray. Amen. 

Hymn Options: God is My Rock, Just As I Am, God of Peace to the tune of Silent Night

Children: Stone Soup, The Goblin Chair (room for others)

Nov 29th 

Daniel’s Hope in God

Daniel 6:6-27

Luke 23:1-5 Opt Psalm 91:1-6, 11-13

Call to Worship (Psalm 91: 1-13)

You who live in the shadow of the Bounteous God

We say to God “My refuge and my fortress”

The Holy Spirit will fly up, and wrap you in her pinions

Under her wings, we will find refuge

God will command her angels concerning you, to guard you

We are borne of God, and can depend that she is among us

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord who loves us and calls us each by name. We know that we are your beloved. If we listen we can almost hear the angels proceeding us shouting out to the universe “make way for the beloved of God.” But still we fumble: temptations and trials still exist, imposter syndrome lurks, and our imperfections sometimes shout at us louder than the angels. Open our ears to hear your voice, your voice that is here among us, that calls us by name, and remind us we are beloved children of God, we pray. 

(Joel 2:13) Call to Confession: Return to the Lord, your God, for God gracious and merciful—slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love.

(Psalm 91) Prayer Confession: Lord God we confess that we need protections. Lions and snakes are everywhere: bullying or sneaking power based upon their might or wealth. It is hard to stand up to the powerful. We also confess that we feel the terror, trust is hard to find, and pestilence lurks in diseases we cannot yet control. We confess that we feel afraid. Send your angels, spread your wings, protect us, deliver us, we pray. Help us to know how to withstand all the trials that come our way, we pray. 

Assurance of Pardon: Hear the good news, God says, Those who love me I will deliver; When they call to me I will answer, walking among them, and showing them my salvation. Know the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Communion Prayer: Christ, how huge is your wingspan! You say the kingdom of heaven is like a tree where everyone can have enough to eat, and come home to roost. Your promise comes on the wings of the dove: first flying across the ocean as you created then earth, then your Holy Spirit flew showing dry land to Noah, then to baptize Jesus your son, and finally like a wild goose dispersed among the disciples. Here we can see your promise once again, as we practice communion together. Be present among us in this celebration we pray. Amen. 

Hymn Options: Here I am Lord, A Mighty Fortress is My God, Eagles Wings, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 

Children: Daniel and the Lion’s Den story, Where the Wild Things Are, The Gruffalo

Dec 6 (Regular Advent)

Joel: God’s Promised Spirit

Joel 2: 12-13, 28-29

Luke 11:13 Opt Psalm 139:1-12

Call to Worship: 

Lord, how vast are your thoughts, O God!

I try to count them—they are more than the grains of sand. 

Lord, the journey is long. 

But I know when I come to the end, I am still with you.

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord, help us to dedicate ourselves to you in such a way that our eyes are opened to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Help us to be Christ to one another, to be the arms and legs of Jesus. Gift us with the prophecies, the dreams and the visions we need to have the energy to go forward into the world we pray. Amen.

(Joel 2:13) Call to Confession: Return to the Lord, your God, for God gracious and merciful—slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love.

(Psalm 139: 1-7) Prayer of Confession: Lord God, I confess that you know me completely. You know when I sit down and when I stand up. You have searched out my path, and are acquainted with all of my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, God, you know it completely. This is why we come to confess to you. For you know the truth, and there is nowhere to flee from your Holy Spirit. When I hide from you God, I confess that I am really hiding from myself. Forgive me Lord, and remind me that nothing I can say or do can separate me from your love I pray.

(Luke 11:13) Assurance of Pardon: Hear the Good News, God is merciful and just, always ready to give grace, how much more will God give the Holy Spirit to those who ask! We have said the word, so it is: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. 

Communion Prayer: Lord God, you have poured out your spirit on all flesh. You have come among us then commandments, then judges, then prophets, and then Jesus: all to tell of your justice and mercy. Then you only son Jesus Christ took bread, and gave thanks and blessed it and broke it, and he did the same with the cup. A reminder that we can always come home to you for supper. A reminder that whenever we want Jesus to be particularly present, we can always invite ourselves to God’s feast. Spill your spirit once again onto these elements once again we pray, so we might taste and see your love and grace together. We pray this in your son’s most Holy Name. Amen. 

Hymns: Spirit, Open My Eyes That I May See, This Little Light of Mine, O Come, O Come Emmanual, https://katyandtheword.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/advent-hymn-to-the-tune-of-awayinamanger-based-on-nl/?customize_changeset_uuid=015d328a-26f2-4f92-bba6-4d54f2507b72&customize_autosaved=on God the Weaver to the Tune of Away in a Manger

Children: Runaway Bunny By Margaret Wise Brown or Guess How Much I Love You 

Dec 13

Spirit of the Lord Upon Me

Luke 4:16-21 Opt Psalm 143: 4-10 or Psalm 139: 13-18 (this works next week too)

Call to Worship (Psalm 143: 4-10) 

Lord God, I think of all of your deeds

I meditate on the works of your hands

I stretch out my hands to you

My soul thirsts for you like parched land

Come to the Lord Our God

God is our hope and refuge

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord when I think about all you have done, when I contemplate who you are, then I long for you. I know whenever I spend time with you, my soul is lifted. I long for your teachings, I hunger for your Holy Spirit. Please come and be among us God, for it is your righteousness that brings me out of trouble. Be with us today, we pray. Amen. 

(Joel 2:13) Call to Confession: Return to the Lord, your God, for God gracious and merciful—slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love.

(Psalm 143:1-9) Prayer of Confession: Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas in your faithfulness. I confess that I am flawed, and that I am not perfect. Lord, I feel stuck in the darkness. Please answer me quickly, for my spirit fails. Teach me the way that I should go, I pray, for you lift up my soul. Save me, O Lord, I have fled to you for refuge. 

Assurance of Pardon: God’s love is steadfast, God’s mercy is new every morning. Thus take heart: In Jesus Christ you are forgiven. 

(Isaiah 61:1-2, 10) Communion Prayer: Lord God, you have come to earth to bind up the broken hearted and to proclaim liberty to the captives. For this reason you come in a feast: you continue to party people into your kingdom. You will clothe us aright, in the garments of salvation. And here we get to have a foretaste of the feast. You have us practice communion with one another, and with you, so that the seeds of righteousness and praise will spring up before all of the nations. Teach us to celebrate communion, through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, here and now we pray. Amen. 

Hymns: My Shepherd will Supply My Need, Blessed Assurance, O Come All Ye Faithful

Children: Harold and the Purple Crayon, The Color Kittens

Dec 20

Jesus’s Birth Announce

Luke 1:26-45 [46-56]

Psalm 113 Opt Psalm 139: 13-18

(Psalm 113) Call to Worship:

Praise the Lord, O servants of the Lord!

Praise the name of the Lord

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time on and forevermore 

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!!

Who is like our God? Who raises the poor from the dust and the needy from the ashes?

God raises the forgotten, they will sit with rulers of nations.

God does not forget the barren or orphaned, God will make a home and a family for them!

Let us praise the Lord! 

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: God you are the God of the poor and the forgotten. You stayed with Abraham and Sarah as they lived as immigrants in the desert. You did not forget the Hebrews when they were enslaved in Egypt. You made a family out of Ruth and Naomi, and made them the grandmother’s of Jesus himself. You have remembered you covenant with Abraham, let us rejoice as his descendants, we pray. 

(Joel 2:13) Call to Confession: Return to the Lord, your God, for God gracious and merciful—slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love.

(Luke 1:52-54) Prayer of Confession: Lord, we confess that we do not always magnify you. We forget to fill the hungry with good things. We give trust too much the human power structures and get lost in the glow of the rich and powerful. Remind us to serve you and only you. Empower us to speak for the forgotten, like Mary, and help us to rejoice in your power only, we pray. 

Assurance of Pardon: God even now stoops down on bended knee to hear us speak, and then hug us like the loving Parent God is. This God with us, forgives us: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! 

Communion Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have promised to fill the hungry with good things. We are hungering for you today. We are awaiting Jesus to be among us. Send your Holy Spirit so that we can taste your covenant. Remind us that you have blessed us to be a blessing. Jesus is here, and Jesus is coming. We celebrate both of these truths with communion. Help us to share this communion in a spirit of welcome and hope we pray. Amen

Hymns:Magnify the Lord (the Tune of O Come All Ye Faithful), It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Children’s Story: The Velveteen Rabbit, God Gave us Christmas, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Charlie Brown Christmas

Dec 24

Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]

Psalm 96

Call to Worship

O Sing to the Lord a new Song

Come we are awaiting the Lord!

Declare God’s glory among the nations!

God’s marvelous works are among all people

Come Christ we are waiting

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord God, we are awaiting for your presence among us. How wonderful is it that we have a God who stoops, taking a bended knee to be a human. Humble in birth, you showed us how to serve God. You came to be with us, and to remind us we are not alone Let us feel your presence we pray, in your most Holy Name. Amen. 

(Joel 2:13) Call to Confession: Return to the Lord, your God, for God gracious and merciful—slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love.

Prayer of Confession: God we confess that we need to practice. Every year we need to practice you being among us, otherwise we forget or are distracted. Otherwise we lose sight of the truth: That you are a God with us, for us and among us. Help us to ascribe to you all the glory, we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: God so loved the world he gave his only son, as a wee baby so we might all be saved and forgiven. Know the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. 

Communion Prayer: God, as we honor the arrival of your son, Jesus Christ, let us remember that Jesus came down to the world not to condemn it but to save it. Let us remember that God sent his only son, to love and teach us, to eat with us and heal us, to walk with us and to guide us. And as we practice communion, let us remember that Jesus washed his disciples feet, feasted with them, and then served them the bread and cup, saying take and eat every time you do this, you celebrate me until my return. Holy Spirit, help us to celebrate and remember Christ today we pray. Amen. 

Hymns: O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Aways in a Manger, Angels We Have Heard on High, Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Children Stories: Christmas in a Barn, Room for a Little One, The Story of Christmas, Christmas in the Manger (The Friendly Beasts Song)

Dec 25

Shepherds’ Visit 

Luke 2:8-20

Psalm 123:1-2

Call to Worship

Glory to God in the highest

And on Earth Peace Among all those whom God favors

For unto us a son is given!

And his name is wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Glory to God, in the highest. 

Prayer of the Day/Dedication: Lord, let us dedicate ourselves, once again to you. Help us to adopt one another as siblings of Christ, knowing that Jesus came to extol God’s love to us. Let us celebrate the beauty and miracle of Christmas. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.  

(Joel 2:13) Call to Confession: Return to the Lord, your God, for God gracious and merciful—slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love.

Confession: Lord we confess that sometimes the celebration becomes rote. Sometimes we forget to stop and ponder. Sometimes Christmas seems like a huge to do list, instead of a time to spend with you. And here you are, here among us, let take that time to wonder at this truth we pray. Amen. 

Assurance of Pardon: God so loved the world, he translated himself into human form to love us and forgive us. Here the good news: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. 

Communion Prayer: Jesus, you are here. In the manger and the elements, and the Holy Spirit. We confess we do not know how to fully imbibe your presence. So we pray that we can practice taking you in as we experience communion: we pray that it binds us together, that the taste on our tongue tastes like grace, and we pray that you send your Holy Spirit to bless us as we do. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. 

Hymns: O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Aways in a Manger, Angels We Have Heard on High, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, What Child is This

Children Stories: Christmas in a Barn, Room for a Little One, The Story of Christmas, Christmas in the Manger (The Friendly Beasts Song)

Please Share/Adapt with Credit to Katy Stenta and Please contribute to my Doctorate of Ministry with a Donation  I have PayPal https://paypal.me/KatyStenta?locale.x=en_US Venmo www.venmo.com/Katy-Stenta or Google Pay to Katyandtheword at gmail.

I plan to raise $2,000 to offset tuition