Worship Service
July 30, 2023
Prelude: “Mercy Reels”, Lord, Revive Us, An Irish Reel, and Pleading Savior by Thomas Keesecker – Satoko Leisek, pianist
The music in this week’s service is in honor of John Gaul.
Greetings
Announcements
Wise Words from John Gaul
Hymn: “Come to the Church in the Wildwood”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation:
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
O Lord my God, you are very great.
You are clothed with honor and majesty,
wrapped in light as with a garment.
You set the earth on its foundations,
so that it shall never be shaken.
You cover it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
they flow between the hills, giving drink to every wild animal.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
You cause the grass to grow for the cattle
and plants for people to cultivate, to bring forth food from the earth
and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine
and bread to strengthen the human heart.
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: John 2:1-11; Isaiah 1:21-31; Apocalypse Revealed #316:2 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Solo: “It Is Well With My Soul”, Words by Horatio G. Spafford, Tune: Ville du Havre by Philip P. Bliss, Arranged by Mark Hayes – Heather Garland, soloist
Spiritual Message: The First Miracle 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: “Träumerei”, Kinderscenen Op. 15, Scenes From Childhood, 1838, by Robert Schumann
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: “When You’re Smiling”, Words and Music by Mark Fisher, Joe Goodwin, and Larry Shay
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: “A Romp”, Candler / Ye Banks and Braes and Dove of Peace, by Thomas Keesecker