Communion Worship Service
January 5, 2025
Prelude: Praeludium 1 in C from “Well-Tempered Clavier” by J.S. Bach – Kimie Karlton, pianist
Greetings
Announcements
Hymn: “Hymn of Promise”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation:
Listen to my words, O Lord;
attend to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God, for to you I pray.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in awe of you.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover them with favor as with a shield.
Invitation to Prayer:
O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our maker.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,and take not your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit. Amen.
O Lord, our heavenly Creator, whose great love holds a forgiveness for all who desire and seek it: we thank thee for thy gracious assurance that thou art always near and ready to forgive. Pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and truth, and bring us into everlasting life; for thy mercy’s sake. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou our lips:
And our mouths shall show forth thy praise.
Praise ye the Lord!
The Lord’s name be praised!
Sung Response: Sanctuary
Lord, prepare me to be sanctuary, pure and holy tried and true.
With thanksgiving, I”ll be a living sanctuary for you.
Scripture Readings: Luke 8:40-56; Leviticus 15:25-30; Arcana Coelestia #10130 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Anthem: “The Servant Song” Words and Music by Richard Gillard; Incorporating tune Nettleton: Traditional American Melody, 1813; Arranged by Tom Fettke
Spiritual Message: A Girl Restored to Life, A Woman Healed – Rev. Junchol Lee
Sacrament of Communion
Concluding Communion Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, by whose mercy we have been fed with heavenly gifts: Abide with us, O Lord, and fill us with your peace. Direct us in our way; uphold our going in our paths. Give us grace so to keep your commandments henceforth, that we may abide in your love forever. Amen.
Silent Meditation
Prayer of the People/Pastoral Prayer
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory: Stargazer by Patrick Hawes
Doxology
Praise God the Source of life and birth
Praise God the Word who came to earth
Praise God the Spirit, holy flame
All glory, honor to God’s name. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Hymn: “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”
Benediction
Closing of the Word
Sung Response: Advent Benediction
May the Lord God Almighty bless and keep you, we pray. May God’s face shine upon you, and grace hallow your way with hope and peace and joy; Love, God’s own incarnation, be born in you today. Amen.
Postlude: Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel