Communion Worship Service
May 7, 2023
Prelude: Prelude in F by Flor Peeters (1903-86) – Charles Calhoun, keyboardist
*Greetings
Announcements
Wise Words from John Gaul
*Hymn: “As Moses Raised the Serpent Up” – Vs. 1, 3, 4
*Opening of the Word
*Responsive Invocation:
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous.
Praise befits the upright.
Praise the Lord with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings.
For the word of the Lord is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him
because we trust in his holy name.
*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: Numbers 21:1-9; John 3:11-21; Secrets of Heaven #251 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Choral Anthem: “Here I Am, Lord”, Words and Music by Daniel Schutte; Arranged by Lloyd Larson
Spiritual Message: The Symbolism of the Serpent in the Bible – 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: à deux Choeurs from Missa Octavi Toni by Gaspard Corrette (1671-1733)
*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: “How Great Thou Art”
*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: Voluntary VI, Andante, Vivace by John Stanley (1713-86)