04-21-24

Prelude: An Improvisation by J. Washington – James Washington, pianist

Greetings

Announcements

Hymn: O Life That Maketh All Things New

Opening of the Word

Responsive Invocation: 

Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time on and forevermore.
     From the rising of the sun to its setting,
    the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high,

     who looks far down
    on the heavens and the earth?

He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
     to make them sit with princes,
    with the princes of his people.

He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
    Praise the Lord!

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: Mark 3:31-35; Deuteronomy 9:1-7; Secrets of Heaven #2576 (Swedenborg)

Solo: “Imagine (How God Can Sing)” by Sandi Patty – Heather Garland, soloist

Spiritual Message: Kindred 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: “Gentle Spirit, Truth Divine” by Greg Murai, arr. by J. Washington

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: “Send Down Thy Truth, O God”

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: An Improvisation by J. Washington