Call to Worship
We
shout for joy to God who rides upon the clouds!
We sing praises to our awe-inspiring God,
before whom the earth quakes,
and whose abundant blessings provide for all in need!
God is Sovereign over the earth,
Defender of the defenseless, and Parent to orphans;
God creates families for those who are alone.
God leads captives to freedom
and breaks the yoke of oppression.
God goes forth before the people,
marching through the wilderness of their lives,
bringing forth restoration and justice.
Sing praise to God, Rider of the ancient skies,
who dwells in holiness. Proclaim the power of God!
O God, how awesome you are in your sanctuary!
You give power and strength to your people.
Let us worship God!
Prayer of Confession
Blessed One, you
created human beings
for your glory and pleasure.
Forgive us for being self-absorbed and
choosing to live solely for ourselves.
Forgive us for ignoring the prompting of your Spirit,
your purpose for our lives, and for placing our will above yours.
Grant us courage to share in Christ’s sufferings, to be his witnesses, and
to carry your loving compassion to a hurting world. Amen.
Silent Reflection
Assurance of Pardon
As the Body of Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be
Christ’s witnesses. Each of us has our own story of what Jesus’ life
means for us. Through our
life-stories we can convey hope to the hopeless,
joy to the downtrodden, and peace where there is turmoil.
Therefore, let us “clothe ourselves in humility,”
sharing the Good News of Christ, that we “may all be one.”
In this God is well pleased.
Scripture Readings
Psalter Lesson: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
Gospel Lesson: John 17:1-11
The Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived
by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hades;
the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Benediction
Continue
to be faithful, remain committed, be witnesses for Christ.
For the God of all grace has called you to eternal glory
through Jesus Christ, and will fulfill, restore, strengthen, and establish you
through suffering and struggle. Go forth from this place, empowered by Christ’s
love, with Christ’s name on your lips, the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit in your mind,
God’s love in your hearts, God’s beloved ones always in your sight, and God’s
still speaking voice in your ear. Amen.