Communion Worship Service
March 2, 2025
Prelude: Ave Verum Corps by W. A. Mozart (arr. William Haviland) – Kimie Karlton, pianist
Greetings
Announcements
Hymn: “Let Us Break Bread Together”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation: From Psalm 132
Rise up, O Lord, and go to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
and let your faithful shout for joy.
For the Lord has chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his habitation:
“This is my resting place forever;
here I will reside, for I have desired it.”
I will abundantly bless its provisions;
I will satisfy its poor with bread.
There I will cause a horn to sprout up for David;
I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one.
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: John 12:1-8; I Samuel 10:1-8; Secrets of Heaven #2162 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Anthem: “We Seek a Mighty Nation”, Tune Aurelia by Samuel Sebastian Wesley; Arr. by Melissa Blanton; Words by Terre Johnson, 2024
Spiritual Message: What does it mean to be the Messiah? – 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: Sarabande by G.F. Händel
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: “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Benediction
Closing of the Word
Sung Response: Aaronic Benediction
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you; the Lord be gracious to you, and give you peace, and give you peace. Amen.
Postlude: Aria from Goldberg-Variation by J.S. Bach