Worship Service
July 16, 2023
Prelude: “The Song is You” by J. Kern, arr. J. Washington – James Washington, pianist
Greetings
Announcements
Wise Words from John Gaul
Hymn: “Just As I Am”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation:
Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered around you,
and over it take your seat[b] on high.
The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness
and according to the integrity that is in me.
O let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous,
you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God.
God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart.
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness
and sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
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!
The Sanctus
God of all, Your Name is Holy. Earth and Heaven are full of Your Glory. Alleluia, Amen.
Scripture Readings: Luke 4:1-13 & 1 Kings 19:11-18; Secrets of Heaven #1690 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Solo: “O Love, That Will Not Let Me Go” Words by George Matheson, 1882
Music by John Ness Beck, Transcribed by Craig Courtney – Heather Garland, soloist
Spiritual Message: The Temptation of Jesus – Rev. Junchol Lee
Silent Meditation
Affirmation of Faith
Great Spirit, Christ, the Compassionate One, Light of the World, You are that which sustains and nurtures our spirit. You draw us closer to Heaven and to each other. Your Divine Love and Wisdom flows into every living soul. You dwell among us and warm every human heart. We acknowledge our need to be fed by your Sacred Spirit, to share in the beauty of life, and to build a Holy City on Earth by giving of ourselves, yet knowing that all that is good and true flows into us from You. Amen.
Prayer of the People/Pastoral Prayer
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory: “That’s All” by B. Haymes arr. 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: “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” Vs. 1-3
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: “Yardbird Suite” by C. Parker arr. J. Washington