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☩ ☩ ☩ The First Sunday After Christmas Day January 1, 2023 A Liturgy For Worship & Meditation 
Opening Words Creating-Redeeming-Perfecting One, open our lips. And our mouth will declare your praise. For God is worthy of our praise. To God we raise our praise and thanksgiving. Kairos and chronos kissed and became as one. Through the telling of the Christmas story, let our temporal lives be ca ☩ught up in the eternal of that same Child, that we might join shepherds and all the heavenly host in praising the coming of the Begotten One, our Deliverer. Amen. Song—Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying (Click Here) the watchmen on the heights are crying; "awake, Jerusalem, arise!" Midnight hears the welcome voices, and at the thrilling cry rejoices: "Oh, where are all you virgins wise? The Bridegroom comes, awake! Your lamps with gladness take! Alleluia! With bridal care yourselves prepare to meet the Bridegroom, who is near." 2. Zion hears the watchmen singing, and all her heart with joy is springing; she wakes, she rises from her gloom. For her Lord comes down all-glorious, the strong in grace, in truth victorious; her star is ris'n, her light is come. Now come, O Blessed One, Christ Jesus, God's own Son. Hail! Hosanna! We enter all the marriage hall to eat the Supper at your call. 3. Now let all the heav'ns adore you, let saints and angels sing before you with harp and cymbal's clearest tone. Of one pearl each shining portal, where, dwelling with the choir immortal, we gather round your radiant throne. No vision ever brought, no ear has ever caught such great glory; therefore will we in victory sing hymns of praise eternally. Prayer For Worship Light of life, you came in flesh, born into human pain and joy, and gave us power to be your children. Grant us faith, O Holy One, Begotten and Beloved, to see your presence among us, so that all of creation may sing new songs of gladness and walk in the way of peace. Amen. Isaiah 52.7-10 7 How welcome upon the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news— who announces peace, and brings news of happy things, and proclaims deliverance, saying to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8 Listen! Those who keep watch raise a cry, together they shout for joy— for they see with their own eyes YHWH’s restoration of Zion! 9 Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the Holy One comforts the people, and redeems Jerusalem. 10 The Holy One bares a holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God! Psalm 97 1 The Holy One reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! 2 Clouds and thick darkness surround you, O Holy One; righteousness and justice are the foundation of your judgment seat. 3 Fire goes before you and destroys your enemies on every side. 4 Your lightning bolts light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax at your sight, at the sight of the God of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim your justice, and all the peoples see your glory. 7 All who worship images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; all gods bow down before you. 8 Zion hears and is glad, and the women of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O Holy One. 9 For you, O Holy One, are Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. 10 O Holy One, you love those who hate evil; preserve the lives of your faithful ones and deliver them from the hands of the wicked. 11 Light dawns for the just, and joy for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the Holy One, you just, and give praise to God’s holy Name! Hebrews 1.1-9 1 In times past, God spoke in many and varied ways to our ancestors through the prophets; 2 in these final days, God has spoken to us through the Only Begotten One, who has been made heir of all things and through whom the universe was first created. 3 Christ, the Only Begotten One, is the reflection of God’s glory, the exact representation of God’s being; all things are sustained by God’s powerful Word. Having cleansed us from our sins, the Christ sat down at the right hand of the Glory of heaven— 4 as far superior to the angels as the name Christ has inherited is superior to theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Own; today I have begotten you,” or, “I will be your parent, and you will be my child,” 6 or, as when God said upon bringing the Firstborn into the world, “Let all the angels of God worship you”? 7 Of the angels God says, “I make the angels winds, my servants flames of fire.” 8 But to the Only Begotten One, God says, “Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of your reign. 9 You love justice as much as you hate wickedness; therefore, God, your God, has set you above your companions and anointed you with the oil of gladness”. Song—"On This Day Earth Shall Ring" (Click Here) with the song children sing to the Lord, Christ our King, born on earth to save us; him the Father gave us. Id-e-o-o-o, id-e-o-o-o, Id-e-o gloria in excelsis Deo! 2. His the doom, ours the mirth; when he came down to earth, Bethlehem saw his birth; ox and ass beside him from the cold would hide him. Id-e-o-o-o, id-e-o-o-o, Id-e-o gloria in excelsis Deo! 3. God's bright star, o'er his head, Wise Men three to him led; kneel they low by his bed, lay their gifts before him, praise him and adore him. Id-e-o-o-o, id-e-o-o-o, Id-e-o gloria in excelsis Deo! 4. On this day angels sing; with their song earth shall ring, praising Christ, heaven's King, born on earth to save us; peace and love he gave us. Id-e-o-o-o, id-e-o-o-o, Id-e-o gloria in excelsis Deo! John 1.1-5,9-14 1 In the beginning there was the Word; the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God. 2 The Word was present to God from the beginning. 3 Through the Word all things came into being, and apart from the Word nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In the Word was life, and that life was humanity’s light— 5 a Light that shines in the darkness, a Light that the darkness has never overtaken. 9 The Word was coming into the world— 10 was in the world—and though the world was made through the Word, the world didn’t recognize it. 11 Though the Word came to its own realm, the Word’s own people didn’t accept it. 12 Yet any who did accept the Word, who believed in that Name, were empowered to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor urge of flesh nor human will— but born of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelled among us; we saw the Word’s glory—the favor and position a parent gives an only child—filled with grace, filled with truth. Prayer Response Creating and Perfecting God, you spoke and your Word became flesh, breathing a new song of joy and praise into the world. Grant that we may bear the good news of your redemption, proclaiming your promise of peace and justice to the ends of the earth. Amen. Credo All things came into being through the Word, and the Word was Being. And the Word became flesh and lived and toddled and laughed and cried and made friends and learned and traveled and ate and t drank and slept and gazed at the stars and watched the sunrise becausehe Word became enfleshed. The Word that is Life became a life. The Word of Being became a being. The Word that is, in fact, the Verb—the holy Verb that causes Life and Being, the Verb that is the action of God— the Verb became flesh and was born. And all of the verbs, all of the activities of God throughout time, throughout story, came into flesh: the creating and the guiding and the covenanting and the saving and the anointing and the judging and the sheltering and the loving, for the elect and for the foreigner, for the widow and for the wanderer, for the king and for the shepherd alike. All of the activities of God came into flesh in the Verb that was born of Mary, the Verb, the sign of God, that was named Emmanuel: God With Us, the Verb that was named Jesus: God heals. What has come into being through the Verb is Life: Life that proclaims “God is here!” Life that heals the outcast and comforts the orphan. Life that makes the leper clean and lifts up the paralyzed man to walk. Life that celebrates love and sets a table for all people. Life that tells stories and calls out lifeless and power-driven religion. Life that transforms and speaks of new life. Life that defies death. Life that is the full glory of God. Life that beckons our lives to live fully for God’s glory. Life that radiates Light through the deepest night and sparks our lights. Life that is full of verbs. The Verb became flesh. The eternal activities of God took on Life and Breath and Time so that our flesh and our breath and our time could witness to the Verb Made Flesh; so that all of the daily verbs that we live and do and say could reflect the holiness of the Verb’s Incarnation, could act and live with the courage and the hope and the trust that God is made flesh all around us. —Hackenberg, Rachel. Sacred Pause: A Creative Retreat for the Word-weary Christian. Paraclete Press. Prayer of Intercession May our gracious God, whose light shines in the darkness of our lives, the One who formed creation, now hear the prayers we offer this day for all people.
For a deeper awareness of the Spirit in our lives, that we may know our adoption as children of God and live in freedom and friendship with God. For the grace to ponder, that we may recognize and reverence the work of God in our lives and come to a deeper realization of how much God loves us. For the grace to begin again, that God will free us from all that holds us bound and invigorate us to live life fully for God’s glory and the service of our sisters and brothers. For God’s blessing on the New Year, that God will free us from the past, renew the gifts of the Spirit within us, and inspire us with new ways to show God’s love and compassion to others. For awareness of the deepest desires God has placed in our heart of hearts, that the Spirit will help us recognize the desires and visions that God has planted within us and give us the courage to pursue them. For the ability to listen better, that we may truly listen to the words spoken to us, find meaning in them, and act wisely upon them. For the ability to forgive and let go, that God will help us to forgive all who have injured us and release our pain into God’s hands so that we can live freely and vigorously in this new year. For the leaders of all religion and communities of worship and service, that they may exercise authority with the wisdom of the Spirit and the love of Christ in their hearts. For peace and healing within nations, that leaders and all who hold public office may faithfully fill their duties and work to relieve the suffering of the poor and marginalized. For all who are suffering, that God will bring relief to the homeless and those in refugee camps, new beginnings for those recovering from natural disasters, and safety to those who live amid violence. For our common home, the earth, that God will help us to be good stewards of creation and guide us to wisely use the natural resources for the good of all the human family. For all who are ill, that God will bring healing to the sick, comfort to those in isolation, strength to caregivers, and health to all of us. For the blessing of peace, that the Spirit of God will open us to the presence of God around us and guide us along new paths that will heal divisions and end bloodshed. For all who have died during this past year, that God’s face will shine upon them and give them eternal peace in God’s presence forevermore. grant that we may be faithful witnesses to the light that dawns this day, proclaiming your word of peace and salvation in acts of justice and mercy. Amen. Song—"O Word of God Incarnate" (Click Here)
1 O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high, O Truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky, we praise thee for the radiance that from the hallowed page, a lantern to our footsteps, shines on from age to age. 2 The Church from you, dear Master, received the gift divine, and still that light is lifted o'er all the earth to shine. It is the chart and compass that, all life's voyage through, mid mists and rocks and quicksands still guides, O Christ, to you. 3 O make your Church, dear Savior, a lamp of purest gold to bear before the nations your true light, as of old. O teach your wand'ring pilgrims by this their path to trace till, clouds and darkness ended, they see you face to face. |
Im Anfang war das Wort, und das Wort war bei Gott,und Gott war das Wort. (John 1.1, German)
The Nativity of the Holy One ☙ Christmas Eve ☩ Christmas Day ❧ December 24-25, 2022  PRELUDE—(Click Here) CAROL—"O Come All Ye Faithful" (Click Here) PRAYER O Immanuel, O Wisdom from on high, O Holy One of might, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, O Key of David, O Bright and Morning Star, O Ruler of nations, We rejoice and are glad this eve of your Nativity, for truly you have already come, full of grace and truth. Even now, come into our hearts again. Show us the path of knowledge. Comfort us in our mourning. Save us from all that would try to separate us from you. Open wide our way to heaven. Turn our darkness into light. End our sad divisions and be our Realm-Keeper of peace, so that every creature in heaven and on earth will join in a chorus of praise, and shout with joy to you, O Holy One. Amen. CAROL—"Angels From the Realms of Glory" (Click Here) Isaiah 9 2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. CAROL—"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" (Click Here) have seen a glorious light; the heav'nly dawn broke forth on those who dwelt in death and night, who dwelt in death and night. 2 To us a child of hope is born, to us a son is giv'n, and on his shoulders ever rests all pow'r in earth and heav'n, all pow'r in earth and heav'n. 3 His name shall be the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Lord, the Wonderful, the Counselor, the God by all adored. the God by all adored. 4 His righteous government and pow'r shall over all extend; on judgment and on justice based, his reign shall have no end, his reign shall have no end. 5 Lord Jesus, reign in us, we pray, and make us yours alone, for you are with the Father and the Spirit ever one, the Spirit ever one. Psalm 96 1 Oh, sing to the Holy One a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Holy One, bless God's name; Proclaim the good news of God's salvation from day to day. 3 Declare God's glory among the nations, God's wonders among all peoples. 4 For the Holy One is great and greatly to be praised; God is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Holy One made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before God; Strength and beauty are in God's sanctuary. 7 Give to the Holy One, O families of the peoples, Give to the Holy One glory and strength. 8 Give to the Holy One the glory due God's name; Bring an offering, and come into God's courts. 9 Oh, worship the Holy One in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before God, all the earth. 10 Say among the nations, “The Holy One reigns; The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved; God shall judge the peoples righteously.” 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Holy One. 13 For God is coming, for the Holy One is coming to judge the earth. God shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with God's truth. CAROL—"Sing We Now of Christmas" (Click Here) Titus 2 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. CAROL—"Good Christian Friends Rejoice" (Click Here) Luke 2 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed [a]wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward all!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. CAROL—"Angels We Have Heard On High" (Click Here) Oh Defender of shattered hearts, harm has been done in Your name, and we are among the wounded. We bare our bruised arms before You, battered by blows of deception, swollen from the sting of hypocrisy. Smitten with anger and overwhelmed with confusion, we are disgusted by those who claim to do Your work. You say Your church is meant to be Your beloved bride, Your united body, but we have encountered divided hearts and mutilated limbs— a minefield of injuries rather than a hospital for the sick, individual empires rather than a sanctuary for Yours. How do we live in community with those who disguise corruption as devotion? How do we share the same faith as those who preach a gospel of love yet live lives of deceit? How do we trust in Your goodness when those who claim Your name practice evil? We come before You now, broken and bewildered, lamenting that Your imago Dei does not always bear Your image well. May our fractured hearts not harden into bitterness but be softened by tears of grief, for You are near to every heart that has been unfairly crushed, and You are no stranger to betrayal. How good and right it is to grieve what has brought us pain, to desire that wrongs be made right and injustice be reversed. We leave vengeance in Your hand, where it belongs, for You do not stand idly by, ignoring wickedness, nor do You let the guilty go unpunished. Teach us to discern between wolves in sheep’s clothing and those who are truly controlled by Your Spirit. Would You help us forgive so that we may begin to heal? Would You soften our hearts and remind us of the beauty that is possible in Your church? For we are recipients of Your undeserved forgiveness and beneficiaries of Your infinite mercy. Let us never think, Oh Holy One, that we are better than the one who has hurt us, for we once owed You an immeasurable debt that was canceled on the cross. Restore Your church, Oh God, and do not abandon us. Have mercy on us, Your people, and lead us out of our idolatrous ways. Would Your kindness bring us to repentance so that these wounds may be healed? Would You transform us from the inside out until we are true reflections of You? There has been so much devastation at the hands of Your people, and we lift our cry of sorrow to You, Oh Healer and Redeemer. How we ache for the marriage supper of the Lamb, when Your bride will be purged of corruption and adorned with righteousness, when the purity of Your ways will be written on her heart, when she will know You to her core and be so utterly healed that she harms no longer. Amen. —Elledge, Audrey; Moore, Elizabeth. Liturgies for Hope. The Crown Publishing Group. As you untangle the knotted history of your past and sense the once-solid foundation shifting beneath your feet, take courage—for your beliefs may not be dying but awakening, your faith may not be waning but strengthening. You have reached the point of growth where pruning is required, where uprooting is needed, where sifting through rocks and weeds is essential to cultivating rich, fertile soil for your soul. Do not be afraid, for many have traveled this road before you and have returned with a deeper understanding of what they know and a profound peace about what they do not. Now is the time to be teachable, to be circumspect without being cynical, to learn and unlearn, to be soft, to listen, to unravel the threads of what you were taught and preserve the strands of truth—weaving together a tapestry of wisdom. Though it pains you to no end, now is the time to grow out of childhood, to crave the meatiness of truth rather than drinking what is easy to digest. Now is the time to leave behind those who are always right, who trust in their minds above anyone else’s, who leave no room for wonder and discovery. Now is the time to have hope, for the truth will be found by those who seek it out. Now is the time to probe the depths of wisdom, to explore what is gray with a sharp, clear eye, to courageously investigate what you do not yet understand, for a faith that asks questions is alive. Questioning your faith is not a shameful thing but rather a beautiful opportunity to have your mind realigned, your heart transformed, your soul guided home by the One who loves you. Many may try to discourage you, but remember— you do not walk this valley alone. May you find compassionate companions who are not blinded by bitterness but open to new discoveries, who are willing to wrestle with you and are anchored by steady hearts. May you surround yourself with wise teachers who are able to guide you, who may not have all the answers but you ask the right questions, who are themselves lifelong students of this infinitely beautiful, eternally mysterious, and complex thing we call faith. You are in a critical place, but take heart—you could be on the cusp of becoming a new creation. May you deconstruct in order to rebuild. May you find steady ground and a solid rock on which to plant your feet. May the end of your story be deeply satisfying, for God is leading you to the true foundation of your faith. May you learn the sound of His clarifying voice and follow your Good Shepherd when you do not know where to turn. May you ask for help when you need it and whisper the words of this simple prayer— Oh God who does not rest until the lost sheep is found, would You come and find me? Amen. —Elledge, Audrey; Moore, Elizabeth. Liturgies for Hope. The Crown Publishing Group. SONG—"Silent Night, Holy Night" (Click Here) The life of the infant Christ encircles us with surprising gifts: Look outwards and see an everlasting hope for good. Look inward and find each new possibility. The life of the infant Christ encircles us with surprising gifts: Look beyond you and see the light of the star which beckons us on. Look beside you and welcome the company of love. The life of the infant Christ encircles us with surprising gifts: Look widely and find the Christ is near in friend and stranger. Look closely and touch the life of the divine within your own heart. Stay, stay here now, in the beauty of encircling love. SONG—"O Holy Night" (Click Here) BENEDICTION Go forth and shine light in the darkness. Go and bring peace into our troubled world. Proclaim hope in the midst of despair. Go with God’s blessings— for a child has been born to us who is Love for the nations and Light for the world. Amen. POSTLUDE—(Click Here) |
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"Virgin and Child," Jesus Mafa (Cameroon, Africa, 1973)
Hopeful Expectation The Realm of God Is Near Fourth Sunday Of Advent December 18, 2022 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 hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King" Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin's womb: veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th'incarnate Deity, pleased withur Immanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King" Hail the he us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, oaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen 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" SONG —Veni, Veni—(Click Here)
Isaiah 7 10 Once more YHWH spoke to Ahaz and said, 11 “Ask for a sign from YHWH your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky!” 12 But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not put YHWH to a test!” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Listen, O House of David! Is it not enough for you to weary those around you, must you also weary my God? 14 Therefore, the Holy One will give you a sign: This young woman—(almah)—will become pregnant and will give birth. You will name the child Immanu-El—(God with us). 15 This child will be living on curds and honey by the time it knows how to refuse evil and do good. 16 For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Psalm 80 1 Shepherd of Israel, hear us, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned on the cherubim, shine out! 2 Shine out before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh! Stir up your power and come to save us! 3 O God, return to us—let your face smile on us, and we will be saved! 4 O Holy One, God of Hosts, how much longer will you fume while your people pray? 5 You fed us on the bread of tears, and made us drink our tears in such measure; 6 you now let our neighbors ridicule us and our enemies treat us with scorn. 7 O God of Hosts, return to us—let your face smile on us and we will be saved! 17 Let your hand rest upon the One at your right side, the Chosen One you raised up for yourself. 18 Then we’ll never turn from you again; our life renewed, we will invoke your Name. 19 O Holy One, God of Hosts, return to us—let your face smile on us and we will be saved! —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Romans 1 1 From Paul, a servant of Jesus, the Chosen and Anointed One, called to be an apostle and set apart to proclaim 2 the Good News, which God promised long ago through the prophets, as the holy scriptures record—the Good News 3 concerning God’s Only Begotten, who was descended from David according to the flesh, 4 but was made the Only Begotten of God in power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Jesus, the Christ, our Savior. 5 We have been favored with apostleship, that we may bring to obedient faith all the nations 6 among whom are you who have been called to belong to Jesus the Christ; 7 To all in Rome, beloved of God and called to be holy people: Grace and peace from the Holy One, our God, and our Savior Jesus the Christ. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. SONG—"Emmanuel," Amy Grant (Click Here) Luke 1 57 When the time came for Elizabeth to deliver, she gave birth to a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard that God had been merciful to her, they shared her joy. 59 When all had assembled for the circumcision on the eighth day, they intended to name the baby after his father Zechariah. 60 But his mother spoke up, “No, he is to be called John.” 61 They pointed out to her, “But no one in your family has this name.” 62 Then they made signs to the father to find out what he wanted the child to be named. 63 The father asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” They were all astonished. 64 Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. 65 Their neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea, people were talking about these events. 66 All who heard the news stored it in their hearts and said, “What will this child turn out to be?” For God’s hand was with him. 67 Zechariah, John’s father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: 68 “Blessed are you, the Most High God of Israel—for you have visited and redeemed your people. 69 You have raised up a mighty savior for us of the house of David, 70 as you promised through the mouths of your holy ones, the prophets of ancient times: 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hands of all our foes. 72 You have shown mercy to our ancestors by remembering the holy Covenant you made with them, 73 the oath you swore to Sarah and Abraham, 74 granting that we, delivered from the hands of our enemies, might serve you without fear, 75 in holiness and justice, in your presence all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you’ll go before our God to prepare the way for the Promised One, 77 giving the people the knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins. 78 Such is the tender mercy of our God, who from on high will bring the Rising Sun to visit us, 79 to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 In the meantime, the child grew up and became strong in spirit. He lived out in the desert until the day he appeared openly in Israel. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. SONG—"Let There Be Peace On Earth," Jill Jackson / Sy Miller (Click Here)> Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me Let there be peace on earth The peace that was meant to be With God as our father Brothers all are we Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now With every step I take Let this be my solemn vow To take each moment And live each moment In peace eternally Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me. |
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Magnificat On Silk, Wesley, Frank, 1923-2002
Hopeful Expectation The Realm of God Is Near Third Sunday Of Advent December 11, 2022 As men of old have sung; It came, a flow’ret bright, Amid the cold of winter, When half spent was the night. Isaiah ‘twas foretold it, The Rose I have in mind, With Mary we behold it, The virgin mother kind; To show God’s love aright, She bore to men a Savior, When half spent was the night. O Flower, whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air, Dispel with glorious splendour The darkness everywhere; True man, yet very God, From Sin and death now save us, And share our every load. Joy-Fulfilling-One, who gives us reason to rejoice: May our joy be known, not only in our laughter, but also in our tears. May our joy be found, not only in our dancing, but also in our mourning. May our joy be sufficient, not only in our celebrations, but also in our brokenness. For the joy you give exceeds all understanding and expectation. Blessed are you and blessed is your Kin-dom, for ever. SONG—Veni, Veni—(Click Here)
Isaiah 35 1 Let the desert and the wilderness exult! Let the land that was desolate rejoice and bloom like the crocus! 2 Let it blossom profusely, let it rejoice and sing for joy! The glory of Lebanon is bestowed on it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the Holy One, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees. 4 Say to all those of faint heart: “Take courage! Do not be afraid! Look, the Holy One is coming, vindication is coming, the recompense of God— God is coming to save you!” 5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf will be unsealed. 6 Then those who cannot walk will leap like deer and the tongues of those who cannot speak will sing for joy. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Psalm 98 1 Sing a new song to the Holy One, who has worked wonders, whose right hand and holy arm have brought deliverance! 2 The Holy One has made salvation known and shown divine justice to the nations, 3 and has remembered in truth and love the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Shout to the Most High, all the earth, break into joyous songs of praise! 5 Sing praise to the Holy One with the harp, with the harp and melodious singing! 6 With trumpets and the blast of the shofar, raise a shout to the Holy One, Ruler of All. 7 Let the sea and all within it thunder; the world and all its peoples. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy 9 before the Holy One, who comes to judge the earth, who will rule the world with justice and its peoples with equity. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. Philippians 4 4 Rejoice in the God always! And again I say: Rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your forbearing spirit. Our God is near. Salvation is near. 6 Dismiss all anxiety from your minds; 7 Then God’s own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus the Holy One. 8 Finally, my sisters and brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, decent, admirable, virtuous or worthy of praise. 9 Live according to what you have learned and accepted, what you have heard me say and seen me do. Then will the God of peace be with you. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. SONG—Ode to Joy, Acapella (Click Here) Luke 1 39 Within a few days Mary set out and hurried to the hill country to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth [her cousin]. 41 As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child [John the Baptizer] leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed a moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blere you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of the Holy One should come to me? 44 Thessed is she who believed that what our God said to her would be accomplished!” 46 Mary said: “My soul proclaims your greatness, O God, 47 and my spirit rejoices in you, my Savior. 48 For you have looked with favor upon your lowly servant, and from this day forward all generations will call me blessed. 49 For you, the Almighty, have done great things forme, and holy is your Name. 50 Your mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear you. instead, present your needs to God through prayer and petition, giving thanks for all circumstances. 51 You have shown strength with your arm; you have scattered the proud in their conceit; 52 you have deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. 53 You have filled the hungry with good things, while you have sent the rich away empty. 54 You have come to the aid of Israel your servant, mindful of your mercy— 55 the promise you made to our ancestors— to Sarah and Abraham and their descendants forever.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. SONG—Joy To the World (Click Here) Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let ev’ry 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. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. |
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 The Peaceable Kingdom Hopeful Expectation The Realm of God Is Near Second Sunday Of Advent December 4, 2022 A Liturgy For Worship and Meditation
☩ SONG—All Earth Is Waiting, by Alberto Taulé (1972)—(CLICK HERE FOR MUSIC) 1. All earth is waiting to see the Promised One, and open furrows await the seed of God. All the world, bound and struggling, seeks true liberty; it cries out for justice and searches for the truth. 2. Thus says the prophet to those of Israel: 'A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel,' one whose name is 'God with us' our Saviour shall be; with him hope will blossom once more within our hearts. 3. Mountains and valleys will have to be made plain; open new highways, new highways for the Lord. He is now coming closer, so come all and see, and open the doorways as wide as wide can be. 4. In lowly stable the Promised One appeared; yet feel his presence throughout the earth today, for he lives in all Christians and is with us now; again, with his coming he brings us liberty. ☩ AN ADVENT PRAYER God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the Kin-Dom that you will brng to fulfillment in all hope and peace and love and joy, now and for ever. Amen. ☩ SONG—Veni, Veni—(Click Here)
☩ PRAYER OF THE DAY We pray for the Spirit of Wisdom to rest upon us A spirit of understanding and knowledge Grant us to live in harmony God’s mercy prevail We pray for God’s steadfastness to gird our spirit May peace prevail like lamb and wolf Grant us to live in harmony God’s mercy prevail Let us pray, for voices crying out in the wilderness Women living in fear, children hiding Grant all a place of harmony God’s mercy prevail Let us pray, repent of harm done to the innocent Clear the chaff of abuse and hurt Bear the Spirit of harmony God’s mercy prevail We pray for the God of hope, joy and peace to fill All hearts, one voice glorify God, prepare the way God’s mercy prevail —adapted from Terri, revgalblogpals.org ☩ SONG—Hallelujah—(Click Here) ☩ READING—Isaiah 11:1-10 1 Then a shoot will sprout from the stump of Jesse; from Jesse’s roots, a branch will blossom: 2 The Spirit of YHWH will rest on you— a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and strength, a spirit of knowledge and reverence for YHWH. 3 You will delight in obeying YHWH, and you won’t judge by appearances, or make decisions by hearsay. 4 You will treat poor people with fairness and will uphold the rights of the land’s downtrodden. With a single word you will stike down tyrants; with your decrees you will execute evil people. 5 Justice will be the belt around this your waist— faithfulness will gird you up. 6 Then the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; the calf and the lion cub will graze together, and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear; their young will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like the ox. 8 The baby will play next to the den of the cobra, and the toddler will dance over the viper’s nest. 9 There will be no harm, no destruction anywhere in my holy mountain; for as water fills the sea, so the land will be filled with knowledge of YHWH. 10 On that Day, the Root of Jesse will serve as a symbol to the peoples of the world—nations will flock to you, and your home will be a place of honor. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. ☩ PSALMODY—Psalm 72.1-7, 18-19 1 O God, give your anointed one your judgment—and your justice. 2 Teach your chosen one to govern your people rightly and bring justice to the oppressed. 3 The mountains will bring the people peace and the hills justice! 4 Your anointed will defend the oppressed among the people, save the children of the poor, and crush the oppressor. 5 The reign of your anointed will endure as long as the sun and moon—throughout all generations. 6 The rule of the chosen one will be like rain coming down on the meadow, like showers watering the earth. 7 Justice will flower through the days, and profound peace, until the moon be no more. 18 Blessed be YHWH, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds! 19 And blessed forever be God’s glorious Name; may the whole earth be filled with God’s glory. Amen, amen! —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. ☩ READING—Luke 1.26-38 26 Six months later, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a young woman named Mary; she was engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. 28 Upon arriving, the angel said to Mary, “Rejoice, highly favored one! God is with you! Blessed are you among women!” 29 Mary was deeply troubled by these words and wondered what the angel’s greeting meant. 30 The angel went on to say to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. 31 You’ll conceive and bear a son, and give him the name Jesus—‘Deliverance.’ 32 His dignity will be great, and he will be called the Only Begotten of God. God will give Jesus the judgment seat of David, his ancestor, 33 to rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his reign will never end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have never been with a man?” 35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you—hence the offspring to be born will be called the Holy One of God. 36 Know too that Elizabeth, your kinswoman, has conceived a child in her old age; she who was thought to be infertile is now in her sixth month. 37 Nothing is impossible with God.” 38 Mary said, “I am the servant of God. Let it be done to me as you say.” With that, the angel left her. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. ☩ PRAYER Cut off from home and heritage, cut down to build somebody else’s prosperity, O God we come. Cut off from songs, traditions, and culture that kept us together for so long, O God we come. Cut off by a world that expects more misery and more money, O God we come. Cut off by systems that delight in evil and ignore righteousness, O God we come. But because we serve God who judges people like us with righteousness, God will send a righteous judge, like a shoot out of a stump. Because God is with us, the wolf will dwell with the lamb, like a shoot out of a stump. Let your spirit of wisdom and understanding rise up in us, like a shoot out of a stump. We expect you to help us grow powerful and united, righteous and holy, even in a sinful world, like a root out of a stump. —Tim Warner, The Africana Worship Book, Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Safiyah Fosua, eds. 
☩ PRAYER Creator of the universe, from whom all things come, to whom all things return, give your people such unity of heart and mind, that all the world may grow in the life of your eternal Kin-Dom. Amen. ☩ SONG—Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, Charles Wesley—(Click Here For Music) 1. Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. 2. Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne. ☩ PRAYER OF INTERCESSION For all people everywhere: that through your love freely given we may courageously live in love of you and one another and be instruments for the transformation of the world. Silence For the renewal of our minds and hearts: that your Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, of Counsel and Strength, and of Knowledge and Reverence will transform us more and more into children of the light. Silence For a greater awareness: that your Spirit will help us recognize the many roots that have nourished and helped our faith to blossom so that we may continue to deepen our discipleship and bear abundant fruit. Silence For the grace of repentance: that you will lead us to the silence of the desert where we can listen to the One who is our source of life and our hope for the future. Silence For a spirit of hospitality: that we may welcome one another as your people as sisters and brothers, each a child of God. Silence For the prophets in our day, for those who call us to face the truth, live the truth, and speak the truth to one another: that the Spirit will strengthen them, inspire their words and deeds, and guide them in presenting a convincing message to hungry hearts. Silence For the recreation of our deepest selves: that you will help us to look honestly at our lives, guide our process of disengaging from the old and cooperating with your saving action so that we may live and act in new ways. Silence For the renewal of all of creation: that you will heal the divisions amongst peoples and the wounds within nature so that your plan for the earth may flower and that we may benefit from the blessings of creation. Silence For the transformation of society: that leaders may recognize the root causes of evil, poverty, racism, greed, and abuse so that new and constructive efforts may produce a just and life-giving society. Silence For all who are ill: that the coming of your Realm will bring healing, freedom from addiction, and courage to live life fully each day. Silence For all who are mourning and in the grif of loss: that they may be comforted in your presence and supported by family and friends and that the morning of joy will once again rise within their life. Silence For an end to violence in our cities and families: that your Spirit will transform hearts, help people to recognize the dignity of each person, and disrupt the plans of those who seek to injure or kill others. Silence For the advancement of justice: that you will inspire us with a new understanding of justice and help us to show through deeds of compassion that with you, all things are possible. Silence For an end to discrimination: that you will open minds and hearts, end the marginalization of people, particularly those in the LGBTQ community, and help us to work together to show God’s mercy and compassion in our world. Silence For nations and peoples at war and in conflict: that your Spirit will awaken all to the need to live in one accord for the common good of all people. Silence For your Creation: that each of us would come to know and understand our need for stewardship and environmental justice taking care of the Earth as your gift for life for all that is part of your creating work. Amen. ☩ SONG—We Wait the Peaceful Kingdom, Kathleen Rae Moore—(CLICK HERE FOR MUSIC) 1. We wait the peaceful kingdom, when wolf and lamb shall lie in gentleness and friendship without a fear or sigh, when lion shall be grazing, when snake shall never strike; a little child shall lead us both strong and weak alike. 2. Where is the peaceful kingdom? When will this new day start? We long for peace and comfort to reign within each heart. Yet not in our lives only, nor simply in our home: we pray that all creation will one day find shalom. 3. When wars of desolation and hate come to an end, when nation meets with nation and calls the other "friend," still peace in all its fullness will only have begun: shalom for all creation begins with justice done. 4. That little child shall lead us to walk the chosen way, to share the peaceful kingdom, to greet God's newborn day. The child born in a stable is sent to break our chains, to bring through word and table the day when justice reigns. ☩ SENDING FORTH Go in peace to share the coming of God's Kin-Dom in all it's fulness. And the blessing of the Holy, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, be with you forevermore. Amen. |
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Hopeful Expectation The Realm of God Is Near First Sunday Of Advent November 27, 2022 A Liturgy For Worship and Meditation
☩ SONG—Gather Us In, by Marty Haugen—(CLICK HERE FOR MUSIC) Here in this place new light is streaming Now is the darkness vanished away See in this space our fears and our dreamings Brought here to you in the light of this day Gather us in, the lost and forsaken Gather us in, the blind and the lame Call to us now and we shall awaken We shall arise at the sound of our name We are the young, our lives are a mystery We are the old who yearn for your face We have been sung throughout all of history Called to be light to the whole human race Gather us in, the rich and the haughty Gather us in, the proud and the strong Give us a heart so meek and so lowly Give us the courage to enter the song Here we will take the wine and the water Here we will take the bread of new birth Here you shall call your sons and your daughters Call us anew to be salt for the earth Give us to drink the wine of compassion Give us to eat the bread that is you Nourish us well and teach us to fashion Lives that are holy and hearts that are true Not in the dark of buildings confining Not in some heaven light years away But here in this place the new light is shining Now is the kingdom, now is the day Gather us in and hold us forever Gather us in and make us your own Gather us in, all peoples together Fire of love in our flesh and our bones Fire of love in our flesh and our bones. ☩ AN ADVENT PRAYER God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells between us. God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells between us. God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells between us. God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the centre, the focus of our lives always, and particularly this Advent time. ☩ SONG—Veni, Veni—(Click Here)
☩ PRAYER OF THE DAY In this Advent of expectation draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo in these walls and also through our lives. In this Advent of expectation draw us together in mission, that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives. In this Advent of expectation draw us together in service, that the path we follow might lead us from a stable to a glimpse of eternity. ☩ SONG—Hallelujah—(Click Here) ☩ READING—Isaiah 2.2-5 2 In the last days, the mountain of YHWH’s Temple will be established as the most important mountain and raised above all other hills— all nations will stream toward it. 3 Many people will come and say: “Come, let us climb YHWH’s mountain to the Temple of the God of Jacob, that we may be instructed in God’s ways and walk in God’s paths.” Instruction will be given from Zion and the word of YHWH from Jerusalem. 4 God will judge between the nations and render decisions for many countries. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; § one nation will not raise the sword against another, and never again will they train for war. 5 O house of Leah and Rachel and Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of YHWH! —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. ☩ PSALMODY—Psalm 122 1 How I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of YHWH!” 2 And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem restored! The city, one united whole! 4 Here the tribes ascend, the tribes of YHWH. They come to praise YHWH’s Name, as God commanded Israel— 5 Here, where the tribunals of justice are, the judgment seats of David’s house. 6 Pray for peace within Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper! 7 May peace be in your walls! May your citadels be always secure!” 8 For the sake of my family and friends, I say, “Peace be within you!” 9 For the sake of YHWH our God, I will seek your good. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. ☩ READING—Luke 1.5-25 5 In the days of the ruler Herod, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the priestly class of Abijah. His wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both were worthy in the sight of God and scrupulously observed all the commandments and observances of our God. 7 They were childless—unable to conceive—and they were both advanced in years. 8 Now it was the turn of Zechariah’s priestly class to serve. And as he was fulfilling his priestly office before God, 9 it fell to him by lot, according to priestly usage, to enter the sanctuary of our God and offer incense. 10 While the full assembly of people was praying outside at the time of day when the incense was offered, 11 an angel of our God appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was deeply disturbed upon seeing the angel, and was overcome with fear. 13 The angel said to him, “Don’t be frightened, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, whom you’ll name John. 14 He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of our God. He must never drink wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will bring many of the children of Israel back to their God Most High. 17 He will go before God as a forerunner, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the rebellious to the wisdom of the just—to make ready a people prepared for our God.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife too is advanced in age.” 19 The angel replied, “I am Gabriel, who stands before God. I was sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. 20 But because you have not trusted my words, you’ll be mute—unable to speak—until the day these things take place. They’ll all come true in due season.” 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondered about his delay in the sanctuary. 22 When he finally came out he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision inside. But he could only make signs to them and remained mute. 23 Then, when his time of priestly service was over, he went home. 24 Some time later, Elizabeth conceived. She went into seclusion for five months, 25 saying, “our God has done this for me. In these days, God has shown favor to us and taken away the disgrace of our having no children.” —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. ☩ PRAYER God of justice and peace, from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness, that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder before your marvelous deeds. Raise our heads in expectation, that we may yearn for the day of your Advent and stand without blame in your holy and blessed realm, forevermore. Amen.
SONG—Hymn of Promise, Natalie Sleeth—(Click Here For Music) 1. In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 2. There’s a song in ev’ry silence, seeking word and melody. There’s a dawn in ev’ry darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. 3. In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. ☩ PRAYER Creator of the universe, from whom all things come, to whom all things return, give your people such unity of heart and mind, that all the world may grow in the life of your eternal Kin-Dom. Amen. ☩ PRAYER OF INTERCESSION For all people everywhere—that we may grow in our awareness of how God is fulfilling the deepest desires of our hearts, expectantly await God’s continuing work, and learn to recognize God’s presence in our lives . . . For the grace of attentiveness—that we may be aware of the signs of the times and that the Spirit will shake us from our complacency to live life fully each day . . . For authenticity—that while surrounded by the darkness of selfishness, jealousy, and greed, we may live as children of the light and show God’s love, patience, and compassion to others . . . For all who await God's blessings, particularly those who are pregnant, those who are separated from family or homeland, and for members of the military awaiting to return home—that God’s comforting and strengthening love will sustain them . . . For freedom from fear—that we may know God’s presence with us even in times of darkness and confusion . . . For leaders of nations—that their hearts may be awakened by God so that the needs for jobs, healthcare, safety and nourishment may be met for all who are in need . . . For all children—that they may recognize all the blessings that are theirs and that their hearts may not be lost in the things that they desire . . . For all who are working for peace, particularly in the middle East—that God will guide and inspire their work and open new doors for peace, cooperation, and economic advancement . . . For all who are ill, particularly those who are awaiting surgery—that God’s healing love will sustain and comfort them . . . For all who are returning home this weekend—that God will keep them safe and help them to arrive without delay . . . For the homeless and the homebound—that they may experience love and acceptance through our concern and outreach . . . For all who are searching for jobs—that God will open new doors and new opportunities for them to use their gifts and support their families . . . For all who yearn to be free and begin again, particularly those with addictions, those in abusive situations, those experiencing discrimination and persecution—that God lead them to healing and new beginnings . . . For communities torn by strife and civil discord—that God will turn hearts from violence and help everyone to listen and work toward a common good . . . For the gift of peace—that God will teach the hearts of all the human family so that swords may be turned into plowshares and the resources for war into resources for healing and development . . . God, in your mercy and companion, here our prayers. Amen. ☩ SONG—Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding, Edward Caswall—(CLICK HERE FOR MUSIC) 1. Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding! "Christ is near," we hear it say. "Cast away the works of darkness, all you children of the day!" 2. See, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heav'n. Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all, to be forgiv'n; 3. So, when next he comes in glory and the world is wrapped in fear, he will shield us with his mercy and with words of love draw near. 4. Honor, glory, might, dominion to the Father and the Son with the everlasting Spirit while eternal ages run! ☩ SENDING FORTH Go in peace to share the coming of God's Kin-Dom in all it's fulness. And the blessing of the Holy, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One be with you forever. Amen. |
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