Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 October 28, 2007 10:30 a.m.Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost God is Still Speaking, |
The Lakeville United Church of Christ is a God-centered, inclusive congregation where all are welcome. Using Jesus' life and teachings as our example and guide, we support each other, the community, and the world.
A Time for Gathering
Centering and Prelude
* Opening Hymn #86 (Black) When Morning Gilds the Skies
* Call to Worship
One: Sing praises to God, O you saints of God.
Give thanks to God's holy name.
Many: Praise God for the joyous gift of a new day.
Thank God for healing and ever-present help.
One: Extol the one who lifts us up from defeat.
Praise the one who upholds us when we are discouraged.
Many: God sees and hears our weeping.
God lifts our souls from the pit of despair.
* Prayer: Come to us as a light from heaven, Sovereign God. Pierce the shadows of doubt and despair, anger and scorn, that we allow to rule in our lives. Turn us from ways that deny your presence among us. Awaken us from dull routines to worship that is alive with awe and wonder, spontaneity, and joy. Surprise us with a presence we cannot avoid, a summons we dare not evade and a mission we may not escape.
A time for Confession
*Call to Confession: Do we live by a self-limited agenda or by a God-given mission? Surely we have much to confess.
*Prayer of Confession: Loving God, we admit to attitudes that exclude rather than embrace. We prefer to associate with others who think and act as we do. We turn away from those who are different from us. Forgive us, God, for seeking to limit your family. Awaken us to the limits of our understanding and the narrowness of our dealings. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
*Assurance of Forgiveness: Let the scales fall from your eyes. God has offered you new sight. Unplug your ears. God is claiming you as a beloved servant. You are forgiven and claimed and sent.
* Gloria Patri (Brown hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: Who will carry the name of Christ into the marketplace? Who will try new ways of faithfulness? Our offerings empower those who serve. They express our praise and thanksgiving, and witness to the reign of love in our midst.
Presentation of our Talent – Choir
Children’s Chat -
Hymn # #303 (Black) Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing
Mission Moment: Warm Things - Harold Hoops
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
* Doxology
Prayer of Dedication: We bring our offerings to feed your lambs and tend your sheep, gracious God. May these gifts extend love in the form of food, pure water, shelter, and acceptance to many. Help us focus on what is important, that we may work together to make a difference in this world. Amen
Scripture Readings:
Hebrew Scriptures: Psalm 30
Gospel: Acts 9:1-20
Sermon: A call to Greatness? Seldom; Catalyst? Sometimes!
A Time for Prayer
Sharing Our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer – followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Commission and Blessing
Hymn #580 (Brown) Jesus Calls Us
One: Rise and go where God directs.
Your caring may be the answer to someone's prayer.
Many: We will extol our God in word and deed.
We will reach out to our neighbors with love.
Amen. Amen
A Time to Depart
* Fellowship Circle Peace on Earth
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates unison.