Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 September 23, 2007 10:30 a.m.Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost God is Still Speaking, |
The Greatest Command: Love God with all your heart, mind and soul.
A Time for Gathering
Centering and Prelude
* Opening Hymn #553 (Black) There is a Balm in Gilead
* Call to Worship
One: There is a balm in Gilead. There is a physician who heals.
Jesus Christ is our mediator, healer, and savior.
Many: We bring all our pain and unresolved anger.
We come in all our confusion to seek answers.
One: Bring all your urgent prayers and honest laments.
God is eager to offer salvation and open us to truth.
Many: We cry out to God for deliverance from our sin.
We cry out for relief from our suffering.
* Prayer: Into this holy temple, we have come, gracious God. This is not our church but yours. We cannot claim our world; it is a trust from your hand. Our lives, our health, our length of days call forth our stewardship. We are managers, not owners, so we come to you now to give account and seek your further commands. Help us, O God of our salvation. Amen.
Our Prayers of Confession
*Call to Confession: We have not always been eager to do things God's way. Join me as we seek forgiveness.
*Prayer of Confession: O God, we have not managed well the wealth of the earth, which is our trust from you. Our concerns are narrow and our compassion is weak. We are restless and unfilled for we have not tried your ways. Forgive us, we pray, and lead us into your new day. Amen.
*Assurance of Forgiveness: Let the confusion and despair of your former ways melt into trust in a God who cares. God's gift to us is a quiet and peaceable life, full of dignity and godliness. Such acceptance and inner peace enliven our active care for others and our sharing in the joy of service.
* Gloria Patri (Brown hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: As managers for God of the world's resources, we share the hurt of those who are poor, sick, and in mourning. Our wealth is meant to bring good news to them in Jesus' name. We invest in the church's outreach, that our money may serve God.
Children collect for the Parish Pantry
Presentation of our Talent – Choir
Children’s Chat
Scripture Readings:
Hebrew Scriptures Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13
Sermon: Where is Gilead, anyway?
Hymn #542 (Black) Born of God, Eternal Savior
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
* Doxology
* Prayer of Dedication: We give, loving God, because of your generosity to us. We share because this is your will for us. In faithfulness to your call, we seek to manage the resources you provide for the greatest benefit to humankind. May these gifts bring a bit closer an awareness of your intentions for us and your rule among us. We worship and serve you with all we have. Amen.
Reflection:
A Time for Prayer
Hymn #222 (Brown) I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go
(Refrain only-twice)
Sharing Our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer – followed by the Lord’s Prayer (using sins/sinners)
Commission and Blessing
One: God has delivered and blessed us here.
God will assist us every day as we are open to God's help.
Many: We will look to God for guidance and direction.
We will seek God's truth for every situation.
Amen. Amen
A Time to Depart
* Fellowship Circle
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates Unison.