Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 November 11, 2007 10:30 a.m.Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost God is Still Speaking, |
No matter who, no matter what, no matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome.
A Time for Gathering
Centering and Prelude
* Opening Hymn #495 (Black) Called as Partners in Christ's Service
* Call to Worship
One: Come apart to this place of rest and renewal;
Let your spirits rejoice in the presence of God.
Many: We will sing of God's steadfast love for all people.
We will proclaim God's faithfulness to all generations.
One: Blessed are those who walk in God's light.
Blessed are all who say 'yes' to God's call.
Many: Let the heavens proclaim the wonders of God.
Let all the earth rejoice in Christ's presence.
* Prayer: We bring our spiritual hungers to this place, O God, hoping to be fed. We bring our weariness, expecting to find rest for our souls. We bring our dullness, asking that we might be alerted to those things that you consider important. We come because we want the scattered fragments of our lives to come together in a meaningful wholeness. Heal us, O God. Amen
A Time for Confession
*Call to Confession: We have often broken covenant and declared our independence from the Giver of Life. Then, when we are brought down from the thrones of our pretension, we wonder why. Let us confess the sin that separates us from God's promises.
*Prayer of Confession: Gracious God, in whom all things are possible, we confess that we have doubted what we cannot explain. We have sought strength and enjoyment apart from you. We have taken pride in ownership more than giving praise through stewardship. We have neglected to thank you, either in good times or when you have supported us during days of uncertainty. Forgive us, we pray, and lead us in paths of trust and obedience. Amen.
* Assurance of Forgiveness: God does not turn away from steadfast love, even when we are unfaithful. The Rock of our salvation keeps covenant with us despite our iniquity. God's mercy is for all who humbly seek it.
* Gloria Patri (Brown hymnal: back page)
* Passing of the Peace: May the Peace of Christ be with you.
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: God gives us responsibilities in the church and the world to carry good news, to build and not destroy, to feed the hungry, and house the homeless, to be faithful in all things. Our offerings are one sign of faithfulness and obedience.
Presentation of our Talent – Choir
Welcoming New Members (see insert)
Children’s Chat
Hymn # #222 (Brown) I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go
Reflection - Lynette Parsons
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
* Doxology
Prayer of Dedication: Our best we give to you, loving God, for you have given your best to us in the mystery of the incarnation. May our offerings proclaim Jesus in ways that will be received with joy. Send your Word to the world through our caring service. May we share it with one another in ways that help us all to grow. Amen.
Scripture Readings:
Hebrew Scriptures: 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Sermon: A Call to Thanksgiving
A Time for Prayer
Sharing Our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer – followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Commission and Blessing
Hymn #357 (Black) You Are Called to Tell the Story
One: God has granted a beautiful earth for our home..
God appoints us as care-givers of the land and its people.
Many: We are a covenant people, shaped by love.
Wherever God sends us, we will go.
Amen. Amen
A Time to Depart
* Fellowship Circle Peace on Earth
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates unison.