Worship Service
October 15, 2023
Prelude: “Footprints” by Wayne Shorter – James Washington, pianist & Steven Faivus, alto saxophone
Greetings
Announcements
Wise Words from John Gaul
Hymn: “This Little Light of Mine”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation:
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.
I think of God, and I moan;
I meditate, and my spirit faints.
I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all your work
and muse on your mighty deeds.
Your way was through the sea, your path through the mighty waters, yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
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: Matthew 5:1-12; Isaiah 25:1-5; True Christianity #156 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Solo: “Ever Be” Written by Kalley Heiligenthal, Gabriel Wilson, Chris Greely, Bobby Strand – Angel Vasquez, soloist
Spiritual Message: The Beatitudes – 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: “Satin Doll” by Duke Ellington
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: “Let it Be” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Benediction
Closing of the Word
Sung Response: “After the Rain” by Saint John Will I Am Coltrane
May we never forget
that in the sunshine of our lives,
through the storm and after the rain —
it is all with God –
In all ways,
and forever,
All praise to God.
With love to all.
Vocal Postlude: “Till There Was You” from The Music Man by Meredith Willson
Instrumental Postlude: “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie