Prelude Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum
Call to Worship
God created all things. This good and almighty God created all things, Both visible and invisible. By the word of God the heavens were made, And all their host by the breath of God s mouth.
Come, gather, pray as we ask for guidance in how we make the most of all God has made.
Opening Hymn NCH #12 I Sing the Mighty Power of God
I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies. I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; The moon shines full at God's command, and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of our God that filled the earth with food; God formed the creatures with a word and then pronounced them good. Oh, how your wonders are displayed, wher-e'er I turn my eye: If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky!
On earth there's not a plant or flower but makes your glory known. The clouds arise and spread their showers by order from your throne. All life is but a gift from you and ever in your care; Wherever people gather, you, O God, are present there.
Please be Seated
Unison Prayer From The Mystery and Miracle of Grace The Breath of Life by Frederick Buechner
Spiritus the Latin from which our word spirit comes.
Each one of us has a spirit, this power of life in us, and like breath it is not just something that is in us but something that also issues from us. Every person has the capacity, more at some times than at others, to project some of this power literally
it is perhaps the greatest and most dangerous power we have. How, then, will we use this power?
Assurance of God s Love
Passing of the Peace
Please be Seated
First Reading The Whistler by Mary Oliver
Musical Praise Communion Prayer by Allen Pote
Second Reading James 1: 17-27 (Inclusive Bible - Modified)
Provocation
Hymn NCH #207 Just As I Am
Just as I am, without one plea but that your blood was shed for me, and that you called inviting me, Lamb of God, I come, I come! Just as I am, thought tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, you will receive, will welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because your promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come! Just as I am, your love unknown has broken every barrier down, Now to be yours, and yours alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Please be Seated
Prayer for Others and Ourselves
The Prayer of Jesus
Invitation to the Give
Offertory
We praise thee, O God, our Redeemer, Creator; in grateful devotion our tribute we bring. We lay it before thee, we come and adore thee, We bless thy holy name, glad praises we sing. Amen.
Please be Seated
Communion Prayer
God be with you. And with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God. Let us give thanks to God Most High. It is right to give God thanks and praise..
Invitation to the Table
Pastor: Jesus said: I am the bread of life. You who come to me shall not hunger; You who believe in me shall never thirst. All: In company with all who hunger for spiritual food, we come to this table to know the risen Christin the sharing of this life-giving bread.
Liturgist Prayer
The Church Covenant
In response to God s love, we covenant with each other to be faithful to the demands and inspiration of the eternal spirit, revealed in the event of Jesus Christ; to accept and respect each other with love and concern in our worship and witness;
to reach out with the courage of our convictions in the cause of justice, liberation and equality for all; In this, we covenant to keep the ultimate promise; I care, I am with you.
Sharing of the Elements
Please take a piece of bread and move to the cups. Dip your bread and consume it immediately. The cups with ribbons contain wine. The cups without ribbons contain grape juice.
Communion Responses The Bread of Life~ The Cup of Blessing
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Thank you, God for inviting us to this table, remembering your active presence in our lives. We are grateful and continuously Thirst for the new and right spirit of this communion with you today, tomorrow and every day. Guide us always, as we embrace you and all those who have gone before us. Amen.
Please be Seated
Closing Hymn NCH #423 Great is Your Faithfulnes
Great is your faithfulness, O God, Creator, with you no shadow of turning we see. You do not change, your compassions they fail not; all of your goodness forever will be.
Refrain: Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed your hand has provided, Great is your faithfulness, God, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness to your great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Refrain: Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed your hand has provided, Great is your faithfulness, God, unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace so enduring, your own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.
Refrain: Great is your faithfulness! Great is your faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed your hand has provided, Great is your faithfulness, God, unto me!
Benediction and Sending Forth
Postlude Concerto in G, 2nd mvmt by Maurice Ravel