Thanksgiving Worship Service
November 19, 2023
Prelude: Improvisation – James Washington, pianist
Greetings
Announcements
Wise Words from John Gaul
Hymn: “For the Fruit of All Creation”
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation:
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name,
O Most High.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name
put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken
those who seek you.
The Lord has made himself known, he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.
The needy shall not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor perish for ever.
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 15:11-32; Psalm 100; True Christianity #110:6 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Duet: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” by Harry Rowe Shelley – Heidi Moss Erickson & Heather Garland, soloists
Spiritual Message: Thankfulness as a Spiritual Practice
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: “How Can I Keep from Singing?” Quaker Song, Arranged by Jay Althouse
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 Fount of Every Blessing” 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: “Flower Duet” from Lakmé by Léo Delibes, 1836-1891