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Prelude
Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Psalm 19:1-6 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; Yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong person, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat, *Hymn 634 To God Be the Glory Prayer of Confession God of justice and righteousness, your call beckons us: to live faithful lives, to turn from wickedness, to walk in your ways. Yet it is easy to turn aside: to speak a thoughtless word, to ignore those in need, to strike out in anger, to forget your ways. Forgive us. Implant your word in our hearts, and cleanse us from all evil. By the power of your love, save us, that we might fully love and serve you. Amen. Hymn 698 Take, O Take Me As I Am Assurance of Forgiveness God’s word has the power to save us. God has anointed us with gladness, forgiven and freed us, to live holy and joyful lives. Alleluia! Amen. First Reading Psalm 81:1, 10-16 Time With Our Young Disciples Second Reading Luke 14:1, 7-14 Morning Message I love to travel and it has been my great good fortune to go on some really nice trips. Most of them have been with my husband and his choirs. I am richly and undeservedly blessed. Once on a return trip from New York City our bus broke down. We pulled into something close to a park and ride and waited for another bus to arrive that would safely carry us back to Ona. When that replacement bus pulled up, one of the fathers accompanying us stood and announced in an authoritative voice, “Gentlemen, we have a job to do. Meet me outside.” And with that he exited the bus. And every male passenger and some of the women, followed him. Some had been asleep when we stopped, some had been playing cards, many had been doing homework. The response was immediate. They laid aside whatever they were doing in order to dis-embark and help transfer the contents of the bus’s storage compartment to that of the replacement bus. We were soon on our way. The textbooks and the cards came out and the pillows were plumped as if we had never been inconvenienced, and the guys, mostly, had never climbed into the cold and dirty storage compartments of two tour buses to get the job done. As I was preparing this message, I was reminded of a sermon by Rev. Dr. John Claypool, an Episcopal priest who is regarded as an excellent preacher, author, and authority on issues of practical ministry. I’d like to share his words about this story in Luke’s gospel. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. The day the bus broke down, everyone on it was exhausted. And growing a little tired of each other. We’d had a great trip. We had seen a Broadway show, an off-Broadway show, an opera at the Met, toured several museums, gone to the top of the Empire State Building, visited the Statue of Liberty, and I can’t remember what else. The only destination we cared about by Sunday afternoon was home. And I think that’s what Jesus was pointing to in our text. We all come from different circumstances, but, we are all citizens of one kingdom, one fellowship. We have one destination and we are united around one purpose. Our home is with Jesus and the work to which he has called us is to usher in the kingdom whenever and wherever the opportunity appears. Could be at a wedding, or in a classroom, or waiting in line at the grocery store, or when the bus breaks down. It really doesn’t matter what the situation is. What is important is our response. “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to God’s purpose.” *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles’ Creed p. 35 *Hymn 581 Gloria Patri Sharing Our Joys and Concerns Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer Presenting Our Tithes and Offerings Offertory *Hymn 607 Doxology Prayer of Dedication God of light and beauty, every gift is from you. Even our ability to give is a blessing of your love. We offer what we have and what we are that you may use our gifts to give birth to a world of peace and understanding, where none are in need, and all are drawn into your embrace. Amen. *Hymn 692 Spirit, Open My Heart *Blessing In everything, let us offer our thanks to God. In our darkness and questioning, in our relief and rejoicing, in the assurance that God holds us in love, that we may cheerfully serve others, replacing fear with the hope born of Eternal Love. Amen. *Postlude Comments are closed.
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PastorCinda Harkless Archives
January 2023
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