Communion Worship Service
September 4, 2022
Prelude: Air from Suite no. 3 by J.S. Bach (1685-1750) – Charles Calhoun, keyboardist
*Greetings
Announcements
Wise Words from John Gaul
*Hymn: “O Bless the Lord, My Soul” – Vs. 1, 2, 6
*Opening of the Word
*Responsive Invocation:
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth
and their words to the end of the world.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes.
*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
Holy, holy, holy; Lord God of hosts: Heav’n and earth are full of thy glory. Amen.
Scripture Readings: Exodus 26:31-37; Revelation 21:15-21; Arcana Coelstia #9680 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Choral Anthem: Deep Within, Words and Music by David Haas, Arranged by Mark Hayes
Spiritual Message: How To Build Heaven Within – Rev. Junchol Lee
Silent Meditation
Prayer of the People/Pastoral Prayer
Sacrament of 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.
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory: Air from Water Music by G.F. Handel (1685-1759)
*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: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” – Vs. 1, 2, & 4
*Benediction
*Closing of the Word
*Sung Response: Nunc Dimittis
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, According to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel. Amen.
Postlude: Fugue in D by William Selby (1738-98)