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Lakeville United Church of Christ5687 Big Tree Road Lakeville, New York 14480 February 3, 2008 10:30 a.m. Last Sunday after Epiphany God is Still Speaking, |
A Time for Gathering
*Opening Hymn # 182 (Black) We Have Come at Christ's Own Bidding
*Call to Worship
One: The coming of a new day calls us to anticipate God's dawn.
The day of God's dawning is like a morning star rising.
Many: The light of God is like a devouring fire.
God's brightness is too intense for our gaze.
One: Come up to the mountain of God's presence.
Wait for God to reveal divine intentions for us.
Many: We are eyewitnesses to God's majesty.
We have sensed God's presence in stories of Jesus.
One: Look up, and do not be afraid.
Jesus, whom you seek, is transfigured before you.
Jesus, your Redeemer, awaits you in the broken bread.
Many: We will serve our God with fear and trembling.
Happy are those whose refuge is in God.
Blessed are those who participate in Christ’s supper.
* Prayer: Amazing God, as leaders of old sought high places of encounter with you, lift us up above the fogs of our technology and theology that we might meet you in this hour. If you have instructions for us, we want to hear them. If our lives need a change of direction, turn us around. Awaken our attention and grant us coverage to respond in new and positive ways. Amen
Our Prayers of Confession
*Call to Confession: Day after day we are surrounded by the majesty of God, yet our eyes do not see nor our thoughts comprehend the gift of transcendence. Let us come to God, confessing our short-sightedness.
*Prayer of Confession: God of dazzling splendor, we confess that we have lived in a cloud, hiding from your glory and pretending not to notice the wonders of your majesty. The mystery of life eludes us because we take for granted what seems commonplace and refuse to deal with matters beyond our understanding. Shake our complacency, we pray, and awaken us to new life in all its fullness. Amen.
*Assurance of Pardon: Happy are all who take refuge in God. We are accepted as God's own children.
*Gloria Patri (Brown Hymnal: back page)
A Time for Stewardship
Offertory Invitation: As we encounter the mystery of God's revelation in the breaking of the bread, our giving is a symbol of our willingness to invest our time and best efforts to bring God's vision for humanity to life.
Presentation of our Treasure: The offering is collected at this time.
Presentation of Our Talent – Choir
* Doxology
* Prayer of Dedication: God of clouds and devouring fire, we are amazed by the experiences of Moses and the disciples of Jesus. They point us beyond our everyday attempts to be faithful to you. Enrich our lives in the season of Lent we are entering, that we may see the lamp of your love shining amid the shadows. May we sense the morning star rising in our hearts, giving hope to a world reclaiming the values of your reign among us. Amen
Commissioning of New Officers, Church Council Members and Committee Members (see insert)
A Time for Scripture and Consideration of God's Word
Scripture Reading: Hebrew Scriptures: Exodus 24:12-18
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Hymn # 183 (Black) Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain
Sermon: Holy Encounter
A Time for Communion
Hymn # 184 (Brown) Let Us Break Bread Together
Invitation to the Lord's Table and Communion Prayer
The Elements: The Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation
Prayer of Thanksgiving
A Time for Prayer
Sharing our Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer, followed by the Lord’s Prayer (sins)
Commission and Blessing
One: We have been to the mountaintop with Moses.
We know that God's established order brings life.
Many: God is our refuge and our inspiration
Prayer empowers our thinking and our doing
Amen. Amen.
A Time to Depart
*Fellowship Circle Amazing Grace
* Benediction
*Please stand in body or in spirit.
Bold print indicates Unison