Loving God, creator of our world, we pray to you this day that you would give us eyes to see and ears to hear you. Give us mouths to sing of your love and lips to proclaim your praise. And when we are done here, give us hands to serve you in our world and feet to walk in your path all our days. Bless us, Lord, we pray, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
CARILLON
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please sign the fellowship pad found on the center aisle of the pew. After signing return the book down your row, matching names with faces, and be sure to greet one another after worship.
ORGAN PRELUDE "Ariosa" J.S. Bach
CALL TO WORSHIP (responsively)
All: We are the people of God’s realm.
Leader 1: Here is the table,
Leader 2: we are gathered around it.
All: We are the people of sacred stories.
Leader 1: Here is the word that lives,
Leader 2: let us grow through it.
All: We are the people of eternal presence.
Leader 1: Here is the glory,
Leader 2: let us reflect it.
All: We are the people of God.
Leader 1: learners from Jesus,
Leader 2: the Spirit’s children.
All: Let us gather as one and worship here.
HYMN "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit" (See insert)
OPENING PRAYER (unison)
Living God, may we make the time and space in our lives of busyness to be with you. May we find your presence in this time and space and ourselves within it; listening for your living word, feeling your hand hold our very being, knowing your love surrounds each moment. Amen.
HYMN #190 "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus" verses 1 & 2
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
Ushers will collect prayer request cards at this time.
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (responsively)
Leader: May we open our hearts to you, O God, moving beyond all that clutters our lives and all that is waiting for our attention.
All: May your Spirit calm us amid the chaos, and tune our ears to hear your voice above all else; calling us to find our center with you.
Leader: May your Spirit guide us in our busyness-the expectations of community, the needs of others, the necessary demands of ministry-help us to let them be for a while.
All: Move us deeper into your presence where we can be fully attentive to the depth of Jesus’ teaching, the stirring of your spirit, the gift of your listening.
Leader: May we create space within our lives to meet you, O God, and to know you more. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: In the stillness of your soul, you will find the Spirit of Christ. In deep attentiveness, you will discover God at your center. Hold onto this Sacred Presence and live amidst the fullness of life. Amen.
GLORIA PATRI #35 "Glory Be to the Father"
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Presentation of Prayer Request Cards
Joys and Concerns
Instrumental Meditation (to Silent Prayer)
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS Psalm 52
(Pew Bible OT p.510)
Colossians 1:15-28
(Pew Bible NT p.196 or p.1072)
SOLO "Mighty to Save" Morgan & Fielding
Amanda Bosley - Alto
GOSPEL READING Luke 10:38-42
(Pew Bible NT p.70 or p.946)
MESSAGE Sermon by the Very Rev. Anthony F.M. Clavier
from July 22, 2007
HYMN #263 "Surely the Presence of the Lord"
SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
Invitation & Welcome
Address
Questions of Candidate
Congregational Assent
Leader: Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support, and care to the one about to be baptized, as he lives and grows in Christ?
People: We promise our love, support, and care.
Affirmation of Faith
Leader: Let us unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God. Do you believe in God?
People: I believe in God.
Leader: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
People: I believe in Jesus Christ.
Leader: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
People: I believe in the Holy Spirit.
Prayer of Baptism
Act of Baptism
Prayer for Baptized
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Invitation to Offering
Offertory "Variations on 'Tis a Gift to be Simple" LaChenauer
DOXOLOGY (tune #46)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host: Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER (unison)
Our Lord, in response to the new life of your Word, we bring gifts and offerings with hearts full of gratitude. We are thankful for opportunities to give and dedicate our gifts and our lives to your creative purposes. Bless them and us that all may be used for your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
HYMN #550 "There's Within My Heart a Melody"
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE "Postlude on St. Denio" Robert Graham
