The Seventh Sunday Of Easter May 29, 2022 A Liturgy For Worship and Meditation
		WHY WE ARE HERE—Psalm 47 People everywhere—clap your hands! Shout to God with a joyful voice! For God Most High is awe-inspiring, the great Ruler over the whole earth. God chooses our inheritance for us, the pride of Leah, Rachel and Jacob, the object of God’s love. God ascended the throne with a shout, with trumpet blasts! Sing praise to God, sing praise! Sing praise to our Ruler, sing praise! For God rules over all the earth— sing praise and understand! God rules over the nations; God sits on the throne of holiness. World leaders are gathered, and so are the people of Sarah and Abraham’s God, for God Most High reigns over all the earth, and is exalted above all. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. GATHERING WORDS God of Mystery and Wonder, we do not fully understand how You came to be among us in human flesh, but we know it. We do not understand how You came to us on that third day, after suffering and death and the finality of the tomb, but we know it. We do not understand how You ascended to heaven, wrapped in clouds and hidden from our sight, but we know it. And we do not understand how You are returning to us, except that it will be in an unexpected way, for we know You are a God of Mystery and Wonder, making all things new, bringing light out of the face of the deep, and life out of death. We are in awe of You, O Mighty One, and come before You in our worship, our prayers, and our praise. Amen. —Rev-o-lution, by the Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell, http://rev-o-lution.org/ SCRIPTURE READING—Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 ("The Promise Of God To Those In Imminent Danger") [12]. “Remember, I am coming soon! I bring with me the reward that will be given to all people according to their conduct. [13]. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. [14]. Happy are they who wash their robes so as to have free access to the tree of life and enter the city through its gates. [16]. “It is I, Jesus, who has sent my angel to give you this testimony to the churches. I am the Root and Offspring of David, the Morning Star shining bright.” [17]. The Spirit and the Betrothed say, “Come!” Let the one who hears it answer, “Come!” Let the thirsty come forward. Let all who desire it accept the gift of life-giving water. [20]. The One who gives this testimony says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Jesus! [21]. The grace of our Savior Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. PSALMODY—Psalm 97 ("The Awesome Mystery If God's Being And Power") [1]. God—the "I AM"—reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! [2]. Clouds and thick darkness surround you, O, God—the"I AM"— 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 God—the "I AM". [9]. For you, O God—I AM—are Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. [10]. O, God—the "I AM"—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 God—the "I AM"—you just, and give praise to God’s holy Name—"I AM"! —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. SCRIPTURE READING—John 17.11,13,15-26 ("Jesus' Prayer For Those Who Follow In The Way") [11]. I am in the world no more, but while I am coming to You, they are still in the world. Holy God, Almighty, protect those whom you have given me with your Name— the Name that you gave me— that they may be one, even as we are one. [13]. Now I am coming to You; I say all this while I am still in the world that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. [15]. I don’t ask You to take them out of the world, but to guard them from the Evil One. [16]. They are not of the world, any more than I am of the world. [17]. Consecrate them— make them holy through the truth— for your word is truth. [18]. As You have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world; [19]. I consecrate myself now for their sakes, that they may be made holy in truth. [20]. I don’t pray for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21]. that all may be one, as You, O God, are in me and I in You; I pray that they may be one in us, so that the world may believe that You sent me. [22]. I have given them the glory You gave me that they may be one, as we are one— [23]. I in them, You in me— that they may be made perfect in unity. Then the world will know that You sent me, and that You loved them as you loved me. [24]. O God, I ask that those You gave me may be here with me, so they can see this glory of mine which is your gift to me, because of the love You had for me before the foundation of the world. [25]. Righteous One, the world hasn’t known You, but I have; and these people know that You sent me. [26]. To them I have revealed your Name, and I will continue to reveal it so that the love You have for me may live in them, just as I may live in them.” —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. PRAYER Almighty One, Ancient of Days, we confess that we are caught up in our own timelines. We want to see promises fulfilled in our lifetime: an end to poverty and corruption, the saving of our earth from climate change, the powerless lifted up and the powerful brought down. We want peace on earth now, and to live in harmony the rest of our days. Like the disciples, we confess we desire Your Realm to come to earth with worldly power, instead of us working for Your Kin-Dom on earth as it is in heaven. Call us into Your ways, and to know that while we may not see the fulfillment in our lifetime, our work is necessary. Our love matters, and all that we strive for will make a difference for Your reign. For Yours is the Eternal Realm, and the Sovereignty, and the Glory forever. Amen. —Rev-o-lution, by the Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell, http://rev-o-lution.org/ PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Almighty God whose power is Love, You have made Your love and commitment to us so clear, You have revealed Your involvement in our world and our lives And You have repeatedly saved us, healed us and restored us. So, with confidence and thanks, we ask for Your help once again: We remember the many in our world who are alone, neglected, abused and unloved; Hear us, O God, and in Your love, answer. We remember the ones who have forgotten how to love, and who know only hate; Hear us, O God, and in Your love, answer. We remember all who mistake love for control, obsession or power; Hear us, O God, and in Your love, answer. We remember those who lovingly give themselves to serve, protect, comfort and heal others; Hear us, O God, and in Your love, answer. We remember the ones that we hold in our hearts, our families and friends, and all with whom we share Your love; Hear us, O God, and in Your love, answer. May Your love grow within us, and through us, may Your love grow. THE PRAYER OF JESUS Heavenly Father, heavenly Mother, Holy and blessed is your true name. We pray for your reign of peace to come, We pray that your good will be done, Let heaven and earth become one. Give us this day the bread we need, Give it to those who have none. Let forgiveness flow like a river between us, From each one to each one. Lead us to holy innocence Beyond the evil of our days. Come swiftly Mother, Father, come. For yours is the power and the glory and the mercy: Forever your name is All in One. —By Parker Palmer PRAYER FOR THOSE IN LOSS AND ALL WHO GRIEVE THE VIOLENCE OF UVELDA, TX O God, Life and Love and Keeper of all your Children, you have received unto yourself those who were killed in Uvelda, Texas. We name them before you: ◈ Alexandria Aniyah Rubio, 10 ☩ ◈ Alithia Ramirez, 10 ☩ ◈ Amerie Jo Garza, 10 ☩ ◈ Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, 10 ☩ ◈ Eliahana Cruz Torres, 10 ☩ ◈ Eliana “Ellie” Garcia, 9 ☩ ◈ Eva Mireles, 44 (Teacher) ☩ ◈ Irma Garcia (age not certified) ☩ ◈ Jackie Cazares, 10 ☩ ◈ Jailah Nicole Silguero, 10 ☩ ◈ Jayce Luevanos, 10 ☩ ◈ Jose Flores, 10 ☩ ◈ Layla Salazar, 10 ☩ ◈ Makenna Lee Elrod, 10 ☩ ◈ Maite Rodriguez (age not certified) ☩ ◈ Miranda Mathis, 11 ☩ ◈ Nevaeh Bravo (age not certified) ☩ ◈ Rojelio Torres, 10 ☩ ◈ Tess Marie Mata (age not certified) ☩ ◈ Uziyah Garcia, 8 ☩ ◈ Uziyah Garcia, 8 ☩ ◈ Xavier Lopez, 10 ☩ We trust in faith that they are now in your eternal peace. But, there are those who being left behind and knowing these loses are in great need of comfort and assurance. They grieve. They grieve deeply, They grieve in ways that only You know and understand. And as a people, we grieve. How can there not be grief in yet anothher senseless act. The heinous atrocity of mass-shootings, in schools, in churches, in place of gathered community, if places of public presence, seem to follow closely upon one another without anything being done to stop the killing and the wrongful use of guns. We find ourselves in company with all who mourn such evil violence, with Rachel who "is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more" we cry out to you, O God. May there be justice. May there be peace. May there be action to prevent future lossees as these. For we know that thoughts and prayers are not enough. Renew the hearts and minds and souls fo those who are our legislators, guiding their work that it may be done according to your will. May selfish greed and the seeking of power come to an end where the least of those among us, children, women, people of color, the poor, the orphans, and parents whose children are no longer in this world. May your righteous anger burn in our bellies until our communities and the world live in the way of your Kin-Dom, here and now, as it is in heaven: the Realm of perfect peace, perfect justice, and perfect love. To this hope we cling even as You cling to us. Amen. GOING FORTH—Dismissal With Blessing "The Lord Bless You And Keep You" (Click Here For Music Video) There is silence at the beginning with words showing in video. —Numbers 6:24-26 More than 500 voices, all affiliated with Abilene Christian, came together virtually to sing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” during the global pandemic.		ROBB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL May 2022 22 dead An 18-year-old gunman opened fire Tuesday at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two adults, officials said. Law enforcement killed the attacker. ☩ OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL November 2021 4 dead A sophomore student is accused of killing four people and wounding others at his school in Oxford, Michigan, near Detroit. His trial is set for September. His parents are charged with involuntary manslaughter; authorities say they ignored warning signs. ☩ SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL May 2018 10 dead A shooter opened fire at a Houston-area high school, killing 10 people, most of them students, authorities said. The 17-year-old suspect has been charged with murder. ☩ MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL February 2018 17 dead An attack left 14 students and three staff members dead at the school in Parkland, Florida, and injured many others. The 20-year-old suspect was charged with murder. ☩ UMPQUA COMMUNITY COLLEGE October 2015 10 dead A man killed nine people at the school in Roseburg, Oregon, and wounded nine others, then killed himself. ☩ MARYSVILLE-PILCHUCK HIGH SCHOOL October 2014 4 dead A 15-year-old used text messages to draw several cousins and friends to his cafeteria table at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Washington state. He fatally shot four of them before killing himself. ☩ UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA May 2014 6 dead A 22-year-old college student frustrated over sexual rejections fatally stabbed or shot six students near the school in Isla Vista, California, and injured several others before he killed himself. ☩ SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL December 2012 27 dead A 19-year-old man killed his mother at their home in Newtown, Connecticut, then went to the nearby Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 20 first graders and six educators. He took his own life. ☩ OIKOS UNIVERSITY April 2012 7 dead A former nursing student fatally shot seven people at the small private college in East Oakland, California. He died in prison in 2019. ☩ NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY February 2008 6 dead A 27-year-old former student shot and killed five people and wounded more than 20 others at the school in DeKalb, Illinois, before killing himself. ☩ VIRGINIA TECH April 2007 24 dead A 23-year-old student killed 32 people on the campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, in April 2007; more than two dozen others were wounded. The gunman then killed himself. ☩ WEST NICKEL MINES AMISH SCHOOL 2006 5 dead A 32-year-old man entered an Amish schoolhouse near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, dismissed the boys, bound the girls, and fatally shot five of them before killing himself. Five others were wounded. ☩ RED LAKE HIGH SCHOOL March 2005 9 dead A 16-year-old student killed his grandfather and the man's companion at their Minnesota home, then went to nearby Red Lake High School, where he killed five students, a teacher and a security guard before shooting himself. ☩ COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL April 1999 13 dead Two students killed 12 of their peers and one teacher at the school in Littleton, Colorado, and injured many others before killing themselves.
Deadly Killings in USA Schools Since 1998 Thurston High School ☩ Columbine High School ☩ Heritage High School ☩ Deming Middle School ☩ Fort Gibson Middle School ☩ Buell Elementary School ☩ Lake Worth Middle School ☩ University of Arkansas ☩ Junipero Serra High School ☩ Santana High School ☩ Bishop Neumann High School ☩ Pacific Lutheran University ☩ Granite Hills High School ☩ Lew Wallace High School ☩ Martin Luther King Jr High School ☩ Appalachian School of Law ☩ Washington High School ☩ Conception Abbey ☩ Benjamin Tasker Middle School ☩ University of Arizona ☩ Lincoln High School ☩ John McDonogh High School ☩ Red Lion Area Junior High School ☩ Case Western Reserve University ☩ Rocori High School ☩ Ballou High School ☩ Randallstown High School ☩ Bowen High School ☩ Red Lake Senior High School ☩ Harlan Community Academy High School ☩ Campbell County High School ☩ Milwee Middle School ☩ Roseburg High School ☩ Pine Middle School ☩ Essex Elementary School ☩ Duquesne University ☩ Platte Canyon High School ☩ Weston High School ☩ West Nickel Mines School ☩ Joplin Memorial Middle School ☩ Henry Foss High School ☩ Compton Centennial High School ☩ Virginia Tech ☩ Success Tech Academy ☩ Miami Carol City Senior High School ☩ Hamilton High School ☩ Louisiana Technical College ☩ Mitchell High School ☩ E. O. Green Junior High School ☩ Northern Illinois University ☩ Lakota Middle School ☩ Knoxville Central High School ☩ Willoughby South High School ☩ Henry Ford High School ☩ University of Central Arkansas ☩ Dillard High School ☩ Dunbar High School ☩ Hampton University ☩ Harvard College ☩ Larose-Cut Off Middle School ☩ International Studies Academy ☩ Skyline College ☩ Discovery Middle School ☩ University of Alabama ☩ DeKalb School ☩ Deer Creek Middle School ☩ Ohio State University ☩ Mumford High School ☩ University of Texas ☩ Kelly Elementary School ☩ Marinette High School ☩ Aurora Central High School ☩ Millard South High School ☩ Martinsville West Middle School ☩ Worthing High School ☩ Millard South High School ☩ Highlands Intermediate School ☩ Cape Fear High School ☩ Chardon High School ☩ Episcopal School of Jacksonville ☩ Oikos University ☩ Hamilton High School ☩ Perry Hall School ☩ Normal Community High School ☩ University of South Alabama ☩ Banner Academy South ☩ University of Southern California ☩ Sandy Hook Elementary School ☩ Apostolic Revival Center Christian School ☩ Taft Union High School ☩ Osborn High School ☩ Stevens Institute of Business and Arts ☩ Hazard Community and Technical College ☩ Chicago State University ☩ Lone Star College-North ☩ Cesar Chavez High School ☩ Price Middle School ☩ University of Central Florida ☩ New River Community College ☩ Grambling State University ☩ Massachusetts Institute of Technology ☩ Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle School ☩ Ronald E McNair Discovery Academy ☩ North Panola High School ☩ Carver High School ☩ Agape Christian Academy ☩ Sparks Middle School ☩ North Carolina A & T State University ☩ Stephenson High School ☩ Brashear High School ☩ West Orange High School ☩ Arapahoe High School ☩ Edison High School ☩ Liberty Technology Magnet High School ☩ Hillhouse High School ☩ Berrendo Middle School ☩ Purdue University ☩ South Carolina State University ☩ Los Angeles Valley College ☩ Charles F Brush High School ☩ University of Southern California ☩ Georgia Regents University ☩ Academy of Knowledge Preschool ☩ Benjamin Banneker High School ☩ D & H Conley High School ☩ East English Village Preparatory Academy ☩ Paine College ☩ Georgia Gwinnett College ☩ John F ☩ Kennedy High School ☩ Seattle Pacific University ☩ Reynolds High School ☩ Indiana State University ☩ Albemarle High School ☩ Fern Creek Traditional High School ☩ Langston Hughes High School ☩ Marysville Pilchuck High School ☩ Florida State University ☩ Miami Carol City High School ☩ Rogers State University ☩ Rosemary Anderson High School ☩ Wisconsin Lutheran High School ☩ Frederick High School ☩ Tenaya Middle School ☩ Bethune-Cookman University ☩ Pershing Elementary School ☩ Wayne Community College ☩ J & B Martin Middle School ☩ Southwestern Classical Academy ☩ Savannah State University ☩ Harrisburg High School ☩ Umpqua Community College ☩ Northern Arizona University ☩ Texas Southern University ☩ Tennessee State University ☩ Winston-Salem State University ☩ Mojave High School ☩ Lawrence Central High School ☩ Franklin High School ☩ Muskegon Heights High School ☩ Independence High School ☩ Madison High School ☩ Antigo High School ☩ University of California-Los Angeles ☩ Jeremiah Burke High School ☩ Alpine High School ☩ Townville Elementary School ☩ Vigor High School ☩ Linden McKinley STEM Academy ☩ June Jordan High School for Equity ☩ Union Middle School ☩ Mueller Park Junior High School ☩ West Liberty-Salem High School ☩ University of Washington ☩ King City High School ☩ North Park Elementary School ☩ North Lake College ☩ Freeman High School ☩ Mattoon High School ☩ Rancho Tehama Elementary School ☩ Aztec High School ☩ Wake Forest University ☩ Italy High School ☩ NET Charter High School ☩ Marshall County High School ☩ Sal Castro Middle School ☩ Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School ☩ Great Mills High School ☩ Central Michigan University ☩ Huffman High School ☩ Frederick Douglass High School ☩ Forest High School ☩ Highland High School ☩ Dixon High School ☩ Santa Fe High School ☩ Noblesville West Middle School ☩ University of North Carolina Charlotte ☩ STEM School Highlands Ranch ☩ Edgewood High School ☩ Palm Beach Central High School ☩ Providence Career & Technical Academy ☩ Fairley High School (school bus) ☩ Canyon Springs High School ☩ Dennis Intermediate School ☩ Florida International University ☩ Central Elementary School ☩ Cascade Middle School ☩ Davidson High School ☩ Prairie View A & M University ☩ Altascocita High School ☩ Central Academy of Excellence ☩ Cleveland High School ☩ Robert E ☩ Lee High School ☩ Cheyenne South High School ☩ Grambling State University ☩ Blountsville Elementary School ☩ Holmes County ☩ Mississippi (school bus) ☩ Prescott High School ☩ College of the Mainland ☩ Wynbrooke Elementary School ☩ UNC Charlotte ☩ Riverview Florida (school bus) ☩ Second Chance High School ☩ Carman-Ainsworth High School ☩ Williwaw Elementary School ☩ Monroe Clark Middle School ☩ Central Catholic High School ☩ Jeanette High School ☩ Eastern Hills High School ☩ DeAnza High School ☩ Ridgway High School ☩ Reginald F ☩ Lewis High School ☩ Saugus High School ☩ Pleasantville High School ☩ Waukesha South High School ☩ Oshkosh High School ☩ Catholic Academy of New Haven ☩ Bellaire High School ☩ North Crowley High School ☩ McAuliffe Elementary School ☩ South Oak Cliff High School ☩ Texas A&M University-Commerce ☩ Sonora High School ☩ Western Illinois University ☩ Oxford High School ☩ Robb Elementary School

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER—May 22, 2022

The Sixth Sunday Of Easter May 22, 2022 A Liturgy For Worship and Meditation
		CENTERING IN PREPARATION Breathe . . . Breathe in God's Spirit Breathe out all tension Breathe in God's calming presence Breathe out all anxiety Breathe in God's healing balm Breathe out all pain and discomfort Breathe in God's loving embrace Breathe out all worry Breathe in God's enduring blessing Breathe out all distractions Breathe . . . in . . . out . . . in . . . out . . . . . . (silence) . . MUSIC FOR LISTENING This Is The Air I Breathe (Click Here For Music and Video) —Marie Barnett, Lyrics and Music, Copyright © 1995 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (ASCAP) —this arrangement and production: Michael W. Smith If you wish to sing along, the words are provided on the website noted above. GATHERING WORDS We have had a disturbing time. The noise of politics and culture have drummed in our ears. God of good news, bring your realm where grace is gently whispered. We have had a disheartening time. Gun violence and mass shootings continue to grow in number. God of diversity, bring your realm where all are equal and pursuing the common good, We have had a trying time. The world is in conflict and suffering. God of peace, bring your realm of concord and harmony. We have had a troublesome time. The pandemic continues and mutates anew. God of wellness, bring your realm of healing wholeness. We have had a tumultuous time. Conspiracy theories have emboldened white nationalism. Lies and half-truths have sparked distrust and division. Intentional misleading for the sake of popularity and profit have led so many astray. The untrruth that might is right, rather than right is might, prevails among our leaders and their followers. Power wrought in greed not only steals the soul of the wealthy, but causes the suffering of the poor. God of righteousness, brings your realm where the truth shall set us free. We have had an anxious time. Elections in our nation and throughout the world have caused us to continue in our confusion and perplexity. God of order, bring your realm of justice. We have had a grieving time. So many loses to violence, disease, starvation, homelessness, hatred, racism, and all the ways we pit one against another. God of resurrection, bring your realm of recreation and make all things new. SONG For The Healing Of The Nations (Click Here For Music) —Fred Kaan (1965) —Words © 1968 Hope Publishing Company, 380 S Main Pl, Carol Stream, IL 60188 For the healing of the nations, Lord, we pray with one accord; for a just and equal sharing of the things that earth affords. To a life of love in action help us rise and pledge our word. Lead your people into freedom, from despair your world release, that, redeemed from war and hatred, all may come and go in peace. Show us how, through care and goodness, fear will die and hope increase. All that kills abundant living, let it from the earth be banned: pride of status, race or schooling, dogmas that obscure your plan. In our common quest for justice may we hallow life's brief span. You, Creator-God, have written your great name on humankind; for our growing in your likeness, bring the life of Christ to mind; that by our response and service earth its destiny may find. SCRIPTURE READING—Revelation 21.10, 22-22.5 10 The angel then carried me away in the Spirit to the top of a very high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 22 I saw no Temple in the city, for God Almighty and the Lamb were themselves the Temple. 23 There was no sun or moon: God’s glory was its light, and the Lamb was its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by the city’s light, and the rulers of the earth will bring their treasures. 25 The city’s gates will never be shut by day, and there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does loathsome things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb will enter. 22.1 The angel then showed me the river of life-giving water, clear as crystal, which issued from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 and flowed down the middle of the streets. On either side of the river grew the trees of life which produce fruit twelve times a year, once each month; their leaves serve as medicine to heal the nations. 3 There will no longer be any curse. The throne of the Almighty and of the Lamb will be there, and God’s subjects will serve faithfully. 4 They will see the Most High face to face, and bear God’s name on their foreheads. 5 Night will be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for our God will give them light, and they will reign forever. —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. PSALMODY—Psalm 67 1 O God, show us kindness and bless us, and make your face smile on us! 2 For then the earth will acknowledge your ways, and all the nations will know of your power to save. 3 Let the peoples praise you, O God, let all the peoples praise you! 4 Let the nations shout and sing for joy, for you dispense true justice to the world— you guide the nations of the earth! 5 Let the peoples shout and sing for joy; let all the peoples praise you! 6 The land has given its harvest: God, our God, has blessed us. 7 May God bless us, and may God be revered even to the ends of the earth! —Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible. Sheed & Ward. SCRIPTURE READING—John 14:23-29 23 Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and God will love them; and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the God who sent me. 25 "I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom God will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to God, because the God is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. THE PEACE Dona Nobis Pacem Translation: Grant Us Peace (Click Here For Music and Video) —Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Austria (1756-1791) —International Voices Houston —Mark Vogel, Artistic Director PRAYER OF INTERCESSION In this season of Easter rejoicing, let us offer our prayers and thanksgivings for the church and the world saying, O God of love, Raise us to new life in your Kin-Dom. For the well-being of your creation, that we may promote its ability that we may promote its ability to offer praise to you through spacious skies, bountiful seas, verdant lands, and precious creatures great and small. O God of love, Raise us to new life in your Kin-Dom. For the life of the church, that our generous witness may broaden your table as all find a place to live and grow in love. O God of love, Raise us to new life in your Kin-Dom. For the welfare of your world, that all leaders and people young and old will strive to live together in harmony while serving the common good. O God of love, Raise us to new life in your Kin-Dom. For all who suffer any violence, pain, or grief, that they will know the comfort of your presence as you wipe every tear from their eyes. O God of love, Raise us to new life in your Kin-Dom. For the love made known to us in Jesus Christ through this community, for this and all other blessings we give you thanks and praise. O God of love, Raise us to new life in your Kin-Dom. For all who have died, that you will bring them to the fullness of your joy, where mourning and pain will be no more. O God of love, Raise us to new life in your Kin-Dom. For so many blessings, and for answered prayers, we give you thanks, O God, our Redeemer. Amen. —Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. SONG Dear Shepherd Of Thy People, Hear (Click Here For Music) —John Newton [altered] (1725-1807) —Public Domain Dear Shepherd of Thy people, hear Thy presence now display As thou hast given a place for prayer So give us hearts to pray So give us hearts to pray Within these walls let holy peace And love and concord dwell Here give the troubled conscience ease The wounded spirit heal The wounded spirit heal May we in faith receive Thy word In faith present our prayers And in the presence of our Lord Unbosom all our cares Unbosom all our cares The hearing ear, the seeing eye The humbled heart, bestow And shine upon us from on high To make our graces grow To make our graces grow PRAYER FOR HEALING AND RECONCILIATION Whenever our own needs obscures the needs of others, forgive us. Whenever our sense of individualism forgets our neighbor, forgive us. Whenever our attemots to avoid for our own comfort, forgive us. Whenever our own accomplisments forget to affirm others, forgive us. Whenever our way differs from the way of Jesus, forgive us. Whenever our words and actionw bring sorrow or pain to another's heart, forgive us. Whenever our haste causes us to miss the opportunity to care for another, forgive us. Whenever our bias and prejudice discriminates and excludes, forgive us. Whenever our own sense of right and wrong brings us to judge others, forgive us. Whenever our desire for calm accepts cheap peace and ongoing injustice, forgive us. Whenever our turning of a situation into "me and them" or "we and they", forgive us. Whenever our brokenness is reason for another to stumble or fall, forgive us. Forgive us, O God, who compassion and mercy is always with us. Help us to be the new people that are destined to always live in you. Amen. THE PRAYER OF JESUS Heavenly Father, heavenly Mother, Holy and blessed is your true name. We pray for your reign of peace to come, We pray that your good will be done, Let heaven and earth become one. Give us this day the bread we need, Give it to those who have none. Let forgiveness flow like a river between us, From each one to each one. Lead us to holy innocence Beyond the evil of our days. Come swiftly Mother, Father, come. For yours is the power and the glory and the mercy: Forever your name is All in One. —By Parker Palmer SONG O God of Every Nation (Click Here For Music) —William Watkins Reid (1958) —LLANGLOFFAN, Welsh Hymn Melody O God of every nation, of every race and land, redeem the whole creation with your almighty hand. Where hate and fear divide us and bitter threats are hurled, in love and mercy guide us, and heal our strife torn world. From search for wealth and power and scorn of truth and right, from trust in bombs that shower destruction through the night, from pride of race and nation and blindness to your way, deliver every nation, eternal God, we pray! Lord, strengthen those who labor that all may find release from fear of rattling saber, from dread of war's increase. When hope and courage falter, Lord, let your voice be heard; with faith that none can alter, your servants undergird. Keep bright in us the vision of days when war shall cease, when hatred and division give way to love and peace, till dawns the morning glorious when truth and justice reign, and Christ shall rule victorious o'er all the world's domain. GOING FORTH Dismissal With Blessing "The Lord Bless You And Keep You" (Click Here For Music Video) There is silence at the beginning with words showing in video. —Numbers 6:24-26 —More than 500 voices, all affiliated with Abilene Christian, came together virtually to sing “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” during the global pandemic. SENDING FORTH Go in peace.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER—5/15/2022

		"The one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Revelation 21.5 THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 15, 2022 A Liturgy For Worship and Meditation
		CENTERING IN PREPARATION Let us be still for a moment as we draw near to worship God. Let us remind ourselves why we are gathered together today. Listen. God speaks even through the background noise of the world around us. O God, in this short time together, open our eyes to see your vision for this place and our part within it. Teach us, hear our prayers, and enable us for service wherever you might take us, to your praise and glory. SONG OF PRAISE "Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken" (Click Here For Music) —John Newton (1725-1807) —Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) "Austrian Hymn" 1 Glorious things of you are spoken, Zion, city of our God; he whose word cannot be broken formed you for his own abode. On the Rock of Ages founded, what can shake your sure repose? With salvation's walls surrounded, you may smile at all your foes. 2 See, the streams of living waters, springing from eternal love, well supply your sons and daughters and all fear of want remove. Who can faint while such a river ever will their thirst assuage? Grace which, like the Lord, the giver, never fails from age to age. 3 Round each habitation hov'ring, see the cloud and fire appear for a glory and a cov'ring, showing that the Lord is near. Thus deriving from their banner light by night and shade by day, safe they feed upon the manna which he gives them on their way. 4 Savior, since of Zion's city I thro' grace a member am, let the world deride or pity, I will glory in your name. Fading are the world's vain pleasures, all their boasted pomp and show; solid joys and lasting treasures none but Zion's children know. GATHERING WORDS We come to worship the One who is the Beginning and the End. The Holy One, our Alpha and Omega. The First and the Last and the All that is between is making all things new. Nothing is as it was. It is a new day, a new faith, a new hope, a new love, and a new peace. Letting go of each yesterday we enter into the today of God's making. The day of God's making is here and in this day God is making us anew! PRAYER FOR THE DAY Alpha and Omega, First and Last, glory outshining all the lights of heaven: pour out upon us your Spirit of faithful love and abundant compassion, so that we may rejoice in the splendor of your works while we wait in expectation for the new heaven and the new earth you promise when Christ shall come again. Amen. ALLELUIA "Alleluia! Sing To Jesus" (Click Here For Music) —William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898) —Rowland Hugh Prichard (1811–1887) "Hyfrydol" 1 Alleluia! sing to Jesus! His the scepter, his the throne; Alleluia! his the triumph, His the victory alone; Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion Thunder like a mighty flood; Jesus out of ev’ry nation Has redeemed us by his blood. 2 Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high; Alleluia to the Savior Who has won the victory; Alleluia to the Spirit, Font of love and sanctity; Alleluia! Alleluia! To the triune majesty. PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION O God of promise, your word made flesh in Jesus Christ is trustworthy and true. By the power of your Holy Spirit, may it rise up in us this day like a gift from the spring of the water of life to refresh our thirsty souls. Amen. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1: Advent through Pentecost (p. 162). Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Kindle Edition. FIRST READING Ezekiel 37.24-27 24 “My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall follow my ordinances and be careful to observe my statutes. 25 They shall live in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, in which your ancestors lived; they and their children and their children’s children shall live there forever, and my servant David shall be their prince forever. 26 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them, and I will bless[g] them and multiply them and will set my sanctuary among them forevermore. 27 My dwelling place shall be over them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 28 Then the nations shall know that I the Lord sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forevermore.” PSALMODY Psalm 84 1 What a beautiful home, O God of Hosts! 2 I’ve always longed to live in a place like this, always dreamed of a room in your house, where I could sing for joy to the Living God! 3 Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship. 4 O God of Hosts! Our Sovereign One! God Most High! How blessed they are to live and sing there! 5 And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; 6 they wind through shadowed valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! 7 They go from strength to strength, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn is Zion! God in full view! 8 God of Hosts, listen: O God of Jacob, hear my prayer. 9 Like a Shield, glistening in the sun, our faces, shining with your gracious anointing. 10 One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent elsewhere. I’d rather be a servant in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of godlessness. 11 All sunshine and sovereign is God, generous in gifts and glory. God does not withhold anything good from those who follow in God's way. 12 Blessed happiness is for those who trust in you, O God of Hosts. SECOND READING Revelation 21.1-6 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "See, the home of God is among mortals. The Holy One will dwell with them as their God, they will be God's peoples, and God will be with them; 4 God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." 5 And the One who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new." Also the Enthroned One said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 Then the Holy One said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. THIRD READING John 14.1-3,15-19,23b-27 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In God's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 15 If you love me and obey the command I give you, 16 I will ask the One who sent me to give you another Comforter, another Helper to be with you always— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept since the world neither sees Her nor recognizes Her; but you can recognize the Spirit because She remains with you and will be within you. 18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 23 ...“Those who love me will keep my word, and God will love them, and we will come to them and make our dwelling place with them. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from God who sent me. 25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate-Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom God will send in my name, will teach you everything and She will remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. SONG OF FAITH "Of The Father's Love Begotten" (For Music Click Here) —Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, (348-410) —J. M. (John Mason)Neale, (1818-1866) Translator —Plain Song (13th Century) Divine Mysterium —Michael Lining Music (A Capella version) Singing All 4 Parts 1 Of the Father's love begotten ere the worlds began to be, he is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see evermore and evermore. 2 Oh, that birth forever blessed when the virgin, full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race, and the babe, the world's Redeemer, first revealed his sacred face evermore and evermore. 3 This is he whom seers and sages sang of old with one accord, whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word. Now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise its Lord evermore and evermore. 4 Let the heights of heav'n adore him, angel hosts his praises sing, pow'rs, dominions bow before him and extol our God and King. Let no tongue on earth be silent, ev'ry voice in concert ring evermore and evermore. 5 Christ, to thee, with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to thee hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unending praises be, honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory evermore and evermore. PRAYER Eternal God, you are the beginning, and you are the end. You are the source, and you are the destination. You are the spring of the waters of our lives. And you are the sea toward which we flow. We pray that you would send your Holy Spirit to fall upon our lives again today. Refresh our faith, renew our course, and help us live for you. Amen. PRAYER OF CONFESSION You love us without questioning, heal and bring wholeness without prejudice, embrace us as a parent would their child. Forgive us when we forget, feel isolated and alone, and don’t know where to turn. Forgive us when we fail you, choose those we will minister to and don’t listen to your word. You love us without questioning; may we bring compassion, healing and peace without prejudice to all whom you might lead us to this day. SONG OF FAITH "O Holy City Seen Of John" (Click Here For Music) —Walter Russell Bowie (1882–1969) —Elkanah Kelsay Dare (1782-1826) "Morning Song" —Oasis Chorale (A Capella) 1 O Holy City, seen of John, Where Christ, the Lamb, does reign, Within those four-square walls shall come No night, nor need, nor pain, And where the tears are wiped from eyes That shall not weep again. 2 O shame to us who rest content While lust and greed for gain In street and shop and tenement Wring gold from human pain, And bitter lips in blind despair Cry, "Christ has died in vain." 3 Give us, O God, the strength to build The City that has stood Too long a dream, whose laws are love, Whose ways, the common good, And where the shining sun becomes God’s grace for human good. 4 Already in the mind of God That City rises fair: Lo, how its splendor challenges The souls that greatly dare: Yea, bids us seize the whole of life And build its glory there. PRAYER Surprising God, in the resurrection of your Only-Beogotten-And-Beloved-One you make all things new. Long ago you called your church to a love beyond all social and cultural differences and gave them the gift of your Holy Spirit to open their hearts to enact such love. Give us that same spirit of openness, that we too might discern new directions in our day for your dream to reconcile and heal all creation. For blessed are You, and blessed is your Kin-Dom forevermore. Amen. —Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. (adapted) PRAYER OF INTERCESSION Holy God, you have called us to follow in the way of your Risen-Anointed-One, and to care for those who are our companions, not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love. Seeking to be true friends of all, we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world: saying, O God of love, Raise us to new life in Christ. For the well-being of your creation, that we may promote its ability to offer praise to you through spacious skies, bountiful seas, verdant lands, and precious creatures great and small. O God of love, Raise us to new life in Christ. For the life of the church, that our generous witness may broaden your table as all find a place to live and grow in love. O God of love, Raise us to new life in Christ. For the welfare of your world, that all leaders and people young and old will strive to live together in harmony while serving the common good. O God of love, Raise us to new life in Christ. For all who suffer any violence, pain, or grief, that they will know the comfort of your presence as you wipe every tear from their eyes. O God of love, Raise us to new life in Christ. For the love made known to us in Jesus Christ through this community, for this and all other blessings we give you thanks and praise. O God of love, Raise us to new life in Christ. For all who have died, that you will bring them to the fullness of your joy, where mourning and pain will be no more. O God of love, Raise us to new life in Christ. For so many blessings, and for answered prayers, we give you thanks. O God of love, Raise us to new life in Christ. Guide us, O God, in the path of discipleship, so that, as you have blessed us, we may be a blessing for others, bringing the promise of the kingdom near by our words and deeds. Amen. PRAYER OF JESUS Our mother, which art the earth, Nurturing are thy ways. Thy web of life be woven Thy way be found within, As it is all around. Thank you this day for our daily bread and work and forgive us our misuse of you, as we forgive others their misuse of us. And lead us not into exploitation, But deliver us From lording it over you, And over each other, And over all our other fellow creatures. For thine are the waters of life, The hills, valleys and plains of home, The breeding, seeding, feeding ground, For now, and for as close to forever As we will ever come. Ah, woman! —Earth Dance, based on the Lord's Prayer, Minnesota Women's Press, 12/1999 SONG OF PRAISE IN GOING FORTH "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (Click Here For Music) —Charles Wesley (1707-1788) —John Zundel (1870) "Beecher" 1 Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heav’n, to earth come down, fix in us thy humble dwelling, all thy faithful mercies crown. Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art. Visit us with thy salvation; enter ev'ry trembling heart. 2 Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit into ev’ry troubled breast. Let us all in thee inherit, let us find the promised rest. Take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be. End of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty. 3 Come, Almighty, to deliver, let us all thy life receive. Suddenly return, and never, nevermore they temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, serve thee as thy hosts above, pray, and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love. 4 Finish, then, thy new creation; true and spotless let us be. Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee. Changed from glory into glory, till in heav’n we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love and praise. DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING May God who has made you a new creation give you the grace to grow in faith, hope, love, and justice.
Please note: As to my original and current aim, what I provide here is both "contemporary" and "inclusive" in language. This aim is to meet the need for worship that frees God and us from male gender bias and the long tradition wherein that has been central. Likewise, during Easter's 50 Days, there are so many beloved songs that witness to the theme of this blog—resurrection and life as being known and experienced in doing justice, loving kindness, and walk humbly with our God. Now, when it comes to hymns and music, I find myself in a quandary. My usual practice has been to simply not include the songs of the church if they were outside the aim of inclusion, knowing full well that most hymns are not contemporary being written earlier when traditional theological terms and expressions were employed. I find, however, that music adds so much beauty and sacred sound to worship. Thus, in some weeks I have included hymns and songs that unfortunately use gender exclusive langauge. I am sorry if this offends anyone. I often take offense with such things myself. Might I suggest that is the music selections do not bring blessing and express the faith of your heart of hearts, simply read past them and avoid the CLICK HERE links.