Order of Worship
“Everything Between Faith and Works”
Let us be as open vessels that God’s spirit may enter.
The Community Gathers: Experience God’s presence in the assembly. Please greet one another with joy and welcome new friends into our community of love.
You are welcome here…come and worship!
Gathering Music: In the Middle (by Rob Duquette) -Rob Duquette
Welcome:
Call To Worship:
Come as you are. If you have deep faith or your faith has run dry,
if you know every scripture or none at all,
if you have calloused hands and live your faith
through good works,
or if you kneel at God’s feet, with a million
hungry questions,
come as you are.
This is God’s house.
None are turned away.
All are welcome here.
Opening Hymn: Rock of Ages #438 vs. 1,2 & 4
Call to confession
The story of Mary and Martha is often painted as a story where one does right and one does wrong. We know that life is often more complicated than that. We know that faith is embodied through being present and taking action—and everything in
between. Knowing this, like Mary and Martha, let us draw near to God. Let us be honest about our lives, our hopes, and our mistakes. For even in our messy middle, God meets us with grace.
Quiet Reflection Time
Prayer of confession:
Let us pray: God of Grace, We long to do the “right” thing.
We long to make the “right” choice. We long to stand on the “right” side of the dividing line. In our earnestness, we sometimes miss the sacred right in front of us.
In our earnestness, we sometimes miss opportunities to show love. Show us how to hold our heart’s desire for perfection loosely. Show us how to lead with grace and love, over anything else. For even more than our desire to be right, we desire to be close to you. Show us the way. Amen.
Words of forgiveness:
Faithful friends, God knows your heart. When you mean well
and lose your way, God knows. When you try to do the right thing and miss the point, God knows. When you long to be close to God, and doubt your worth, God knows. You are seen. You are loved. You are forgiven. You have been sent to serve. This is the good news of the gospel! Nothing can separate you from God’s love. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Prayer for illumination:
Loving God, When our anxiety hovers close,
when fear clings to our bones, when our stress rises like the tide, see us. Speak to us. Call us by name. See us in the kitchen, in the classroom, in the hospital waiting room. Speak to us in the quiet, in the crowd, in the inky black of night. Call us beloved. Call us by name. Call us your child. Whatever you do, speak to us, for we cannot live on bread alone. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Scripture: Psalm 27, Luke 10:38-42 -Cris Hudson
Sermon: A Time to Rest in God Rev. Paula Norbert
Music: Meditative Instrumental ~ Rob Duquette
Musical call to Prayer: Hush now in quiet peace, be still your mind at ease. The Spirit brings release, so wait upon the Lord.
Prayers of the People:
Offertory: It’s Ok (by Rob Duquette) -Rob Duquette
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly hosts, Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Dedication Prayer:
Closing Music: On Eagle’s Wings #43
Blessing: As you leave this place, May you trust that you are made in God’s image: may you move through this world with an open heart and mind and with the confidence that you do not go alone. God is with you in the mountains, in the valleys, and everywhere in between. Believe that good news and go in peace.
Postlude:
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.
celebrate and share the joy. Celebrate new life.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.