Communion Worship Service
May 5, 2024
Prelude: An Improvisation: “Turning” by J. Washington – James Washington, pianist
Greetings/Announcements
Hymn: “We Limit Not the Truth of God”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation:
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
O guard my life and deliver me;
do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
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.
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!
Sanctus/Sung Response
God of All, Your Name is Holy Earth and Heaven are full of Your Glory Alleluia, Amen.
Scripture Readings: Revelation 21:1-8; Isaiah 65:17-25; True Christianity #347 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Choral Anthem: “As the Deer Panteth” from Psalm 42, and True Christianity #347, words and music by Martin J. Nystrom with additional text by H. Garland for the Church of the New Jerusalem, 2024
Message: What do Swedenborgians believe? – Rev. Junchol Lee
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
Pastoral Prayer
Invitation to Offertory
Offertory: An Improvisation: “The Call” by J. Washington
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: “Come, Thou my Light, That I May See”
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: An Improvisation: “Living by the Truths” by J. Washington