All Hallows Morning and Evening Worship for Sunday (December 4, 2022)
This Sunday's Morning and Evening Worship is adapted from the service provided in A New Zealand Prayer Book (2020) for those occasions of public worship for which there is a need for a Service of the Word. The service is loosely modeled on Morning and Evening Prayer from The Book of Common Prayer.
MORNING WORSHP
THE PREPARATION
The leader may greet the other participants.
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Jesus said, ‘Do not think that I have
come to abolish the law and the
prophets: I have not come to abolish them
but to fulfil them.’
Amen. Come soon, Lord Jesus!
The second candle is lit and this response is used
Jesus is the light of the world.
A light no darkness can ever put out.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Mark Earey’s “Advent Candles Tell Their Story.”
Advent candles tell their story
as we watch and pray,
longing for the Day of Glory,
‘Come, Lord, soon,’ we say.
Pain and sorrow, tears and sadness,
changed for gladness
on that Day.
Prophet voices loudly crying,
making pathways clear;
glimpsing glory, self-denying,
calling all to hear.
Through their message - challenged, shaken –
hearts awaken: God is near!
Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom,
thanksgiving and honour, power and might,
be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townsend’s “Creation Sings the Father’s Song.”
Creation sings the Father's song;
He calls the sun to wake the dawn
And run the course of day '
till evening falls in crimson rays.
His fingerprints in flakes of snow,
His breath upon this spinning globe,
He charts the eagle's flight;
commands the newborn baby's cry.
Hallelujah! Let all creation stand and sing,
"Hallelujah!" Fill the earth with songs of worship;
Tell the wonders of creation's King.
Creation gazed upon His face;
the ageless One in time's embrace
Unveiled the Father's plan
of reconciling God and man.
A second Adam walked the earth,
whose blameless life would break the curse,
Whose death would set us free
to live with Him eternally.
Hallelujah! Let all creation stand and sing,
"Hallelujah!" Fill the earth with songs of worship;
Tell the wonders of creation's King.
Creation longs for His return,
when Christ shall reign upon the earth;
The bitter wars that rage
are birth pains of a coming age.
When He renews the land and sky,
all heav'n will sing and earth reply
With one resplendent theme:
the glory of our God and King!
Hallelujah! Let all creation stand and sing,
"Hallelujah!" Fill the earth with songs of worship;
Tell the wonders of creation's King.
Hallelujah! Let all creation stand and sing,
"Hallelujah!" Fill the earth with songs of worship;
Tell the wonders of creation's King.
Fill the earth with songs of worship;
Tell the wonders of creation's King.
Hear these words of scripture.
Love one another,
for love is of God,
and whoever loves is born of God and knows God.
Spirit of God, search our hearts.
Let us bow our heads and, in silence,
remember our need for God’s forgiveness.
Silence
Let us confess our sins to God.
Almighty and merciful God,
we have sinned against you,
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with all our heart.
We have not loved others
as our Savior Christ loves us.
We are truly sorry.
In your mercy forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may delight in your will
and walk in your ways,
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Almighty God, you pardon all who truly repent,
forgive us our sins, strengthen us by the Holy Spirit,
and keep us in life eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lori True’s responsorial setting of Psalm 63, “In the Morning Let Us Sing.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
1 O God, you are my God, for you I long;
for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
like a dry, weary land without water.
I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
2 For you love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.
I will bless you all my life,
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
3 On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night
for you have been my help;
in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
Your right hand holds me fast.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
In the morning let us sing,
let us sing praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
Let us sing glad songs of praise to you.
We’ll sing praise to you!
Open this link in a new tab to hear Nathan Stiff and Marc Willerton’ “Praise His name (Psalm 148)”
1 Reaches of heaven, starry heights
Lights of the evening dancing in silent skies
Brilliance of morning, breaking day
O let them praise Him, praise His name
O praise His name, O praise His name
Let all His wondrous works declare His praise
2 Mightiest mountains, peaceful plains
Snowfall and fire, thundering ocean waves
Kings and their kingdoms, age to age
O let them praise Him, praise His name
O praise His name, O praise His name
Let all His wondrous works declare His praise
O praise His name, O praise His name
Let all His wondrous works declare His praise
King enthroned in majesty, all things made by His decree
Hear creation’s melody, “Praise Him! Praise Him!”
Everything with life and breath, everywhere from east to west
Every heart raised from the dead, praise Him, praise Him
Angels echo the refrain, “Jesus, Lamb for sinners slain!”
Name above all other names, praise Him
O praise His name, O praise His name
Let all His wondrous works declare His praise
O praise His name, O praise His name
Let all His wondrous works declare His praise
O praise His name, O praise His name
Let all His wondrous works declare His praise
O praise His name, O praise His name
Let all His wondrous works declare His praise
The Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1–10
Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—
yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
He will delight in obeying the Lord.
He will not judge by appearance
nor make a decision based on hearsay.
He will give justice to the poor
and make fair decisions for the exploited.
The earth will shake at the force of his word,
and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.
He will wear righteousness like a belt
and truth like an undergarment.
In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;
the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.
The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,
and a little child will lead them all.
The cow will graze near the bear.
The cub and the calf will lie down together.
The lion will eat hay like a cow.
The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.
Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm.
Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,
for as the waters fill the sea,
so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.
In that day the heir to David’s throne
will be a banner of salvation to all the world.
The nations will rally to him,
and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.
Silence follows the reading.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
The following Song of Praise is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Ruth Duck’s paraphrase of the Benedictus Dominus Deus, “Now Bless the God of Israel.”
1 Now bless the God of Israel who comes in love and power,
who raises from the royal house deliv’rance in this hour.
Through holy prophets God has sworn to free us from alarm,
to save us from the heavy hand of all who wish us harm.
2 Remembering the covenant, God rescues us from fear,
that we might serve in holiness and peace from year to year.
And you, my child, shall go before, to preach, to prophesy,
that all may know the tender love, the grace of God most high.
[Instrumental interlude]
3 In tender mercy, God will send the dayspring from on high,
our rising sun, the light of life for those who sit and sigh.
God comes to guide our way to peace, that death shall reign no more.
Sing praises to the Holy One, O worship and adore.
The Reading from the New Testament: Matthew 3:1–12
In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ”The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”
John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the River Jordan.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the axe of God’s judgement is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
Silence follows the reading.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
The following Song of Praise is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Mike Keatings’ adaptation of the Te Deum, "You Are God, We Praise You."
You are God, we praise you
You are lord, we thank you
All creation worships you
Father, Ancient of Days
To you all the angels
All the powers of heaven
Seraphim and cherubim
Sing in endless praise!
You are holy, holy
Powerful and mighty!
Your glory fills the heavens
Your splendor fills the earth
You are holy, holy
Powerful and mighty!
Your glory fills the heavens
Your splendor fills the earth
Your servants the apostles
Honor you and praise you
The fellowship of prophets
Your greatness glorifies
The army of the martyrs
Robed in white adores you
Throughout the world
your holy church
proclaims you to the skies
Father, glorious
Infinite in majesty
Son victorious
Spirit, comfort and guide
You are holy, holy
Powerful and mighty!
Your glory fills the heavens
Your splendor fills the earth
Christ, Son of the Father
King of endless glory
You came among us lowly
Birth of Mary’s womb
You robbed death of its power
You opened heaven’s treasure
Now you sit at God’s right hand
Soon to be our judge!
Come Lord Jesus
Come to help your people
Those for whom you shed your blood
To whom you gave new birth!
You are holy, holy
Powerful and mighty!
Your glory fills the heavens
Your splendor fills the earth
How to Put the Advent Season to Good Use
Putting up the Christmas lights, going to the Christmas parade, buying a Christmas tree, decorating and trimming the Christmas tree, shopping for Christmas presents, wrapping Christmas presents, taking the kids to see Santa at the mall or the Christmas lights at the park, planning Christmas dinner, making travel arrangements—all these activities are apt to overshadow the Season of Advent. Even at church the praise band or the choir may already be singing Christmas carols and other Christmas music. We may be more comfortable hearing songs about a tiny babe in a manger than we are Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah or John the Baptist’ call to repentance. John did not mince words.
“You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the axe of God’s judgement is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
We are not that much different from the Pharisees and Sadducees who convinced themselves that they did not have any cause for worry. Repenting of their sins and turning to God did not apply to them. They lived in their own estimation the lives of the righteous. They kept the Law and offered the requisite sacrifices in the Temple. In our own minds we see ourselves in a similar light.
But if we are Christians, can we honestly say that we are living our lives in the way that Jesus taught his disciples to live, the way that he modeled for them? Do we really love God and love people as he did? It is not just something to think about during the remaining weeks before Christmas Eve and the beginning of the Christmas Season. It is something to think about, pray about, and act upon in the Christmas Season and the New Year.
God does not stint on grace. God provides us with an infinite supply of grace, more than enough to enable us to not only believe in Jesus but also to live our lives Jesus’ way, in a way that reflects the One whom we call Lord. God himself in the person of the Holy Spirit lives in us. God lives in our innermost being. We on our part need to open our hearts and minds to God’s grace and to make use of it, to heed the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit.
The best Christmas present that we can give ourselves and those around us is to take advantage of God's grace and to let God transform us into the kind of person that we were meant to be--a person who in every way is a true child of God.
Silence is kept.
Make your ways known upon earth, O God,
your saving power among all peoples.
Silence is kept.
Make your ways known upon earth, O God,
your saving power among all peoples.
Renew your Church in holiness,
and help us to serve you with joy.
Guide the leaders of this and every nation,
that justice may prevail throughout the world.
Let not the needy, O God, be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Make us instruments of your peace,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
Let us pray to God the Father,
who has reconciled all things to himself in Christ:
For peace among the nations,
that God may rid the world of violence
and let peoples grow in justice and harmony …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For those who serve in public office,
that they may work for the common good …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For Christian people everywhere,
that we may joyfully proclaim and live our faith in Jesus Christ …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For those who suffer from hunger, sickness or loneliness,
that the presence of Christ may bring them health and wholeness …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.
Almighty God,
you sent your servant John the Baptist
to prepare the way for the coming of your Son;
grant that those who proclaim your word
may so guide our feet into the way of peace,
that we may stand with confidence before him
when he comes in his glorious kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer.
Amen.
Holy and everliving God,
by your power we are created
and by your love we are redeemed;
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live each day in love to one another and to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we pray:
and help us to serve you with joy.
Guide the leaders of this and every nation,
that justice may prevail throughout the world.
Let not the needy, O God, be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Make us instruments of your peace,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
Let us pray to God the Father,
who has reconciled all things to himself in Christ:
For peace among the nations,
that God may rid the world of violence
and let peoples grow in justice and harmony …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For those who serve in public office,
that they may work for the common good …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For Christian people everywhere,
that we may joyfully proclaim and live our faith in Jesus Christ …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For those who suffer from hunger, sickness or loneliness,
that the presence of Christ may bring them health and wholeness …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.
Almighty God,
you sent your servant John the Baptist
to prepare the way for the coming of your Son;
grant that those who proclaim your word
may so guide our feet into the way of peace,
that we may stand with confidence before him
when he comes in his glorious kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer.
Amen.
Holy and everliving God,
by your power we are created
and by your love we are redeemed;
guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,
that we may give ourselves to your service,
and live each day in love to one another and to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we pray:
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,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Richard Horn’s anthem, “A Shoot Shall Come Forth.”
A shoot shall come forth out of Jesse,
And a bud shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of life shall be with him,
The spirit of wisdom and truth.
Then the lamb shall lie down with leopard,
And the lion eat straw with the ox,
For a hand of a Child shall lead them
To the peaceable kingdom of God.
From out of the wells of salvation
Will he draw us the water of life;
His waist shall be girded with justice,
The heart of his heart shall be Love.
Then the lamb shall lie down with leopard,
And the lion eat straw with the ox,
For a hand of a Child shall lead them
To the peaceable kingdom of God.
He’ll come from the end of his heaven,
And the earth shall be torn from its place;
Our live shall be filled with his radiance
As floodwaters cover the sea.
Then the lamb shall lie down with leopard,
And the lion eat straw with the ox,
For a hand of a Child shall lead them
To the peaceable kingdom of God.
THE DISMISSAL
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
EVENING WORSHIP
THE PREPARATION
The leader may greet the other participants.
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Jesus said, ‘Do not think that I have
come to abolish the law and the
prophets: I have not come to abolish them
but to fulfil them.’
Amen. Come soon, Lord Jesus!
The second candle is lit and this response is used
Jesus is the light of the world.
A light no darkness can ever put out.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Mark Earey’s “Advent Candles Tell Their Story.”
Advent candles tell their story
as we watch and pray,
longing for the Day of Glory,
‘Come, Lord, soon,’ we say.
Pain and sorrow, tears and sadness,
changed for gladness
on that Day.
Prophet voices loudly crying,
making pathways clear;
glimpsing glory, self-denying,
calling all to hear.
Through their message - challenged, shaken –
hearts awaken: God is near!
Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom,
thanksgiving and honor, power and might,
be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Reardon’s arrangement of Melvin Farrell’s “Lord of Light.”
O Lord of light, who made the stars
O Dawn by whom we see the way
O Christ redeemer of us all
Make haste to hear us as we pray
In lowliness you came to earth
To rescue us from Satan’s snares
O wondrous love that healed our wounds
By taking up our mortal cares
To God the Father and the Son
For ages of eternal days
Together with the spirit be
All glory, honor, might and praise
We give you praise. Yeah.
All glory, all honor, all power are yours for ever!
All glory, all honor, all power are yours for ever!
All glory, all honor, all power are yours for ever!
Hear these words of scripture.
Love one another,
for love is of God,
and whoever loves is born of God and knows God.
Spirit of God, search our hearts.
Let us bow our heads and, in silence,
remember our need for God’s forgiveness.
Silence
Let us confess our sins to God.
Almighty and merciful God,
we have sinned against you,
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with all our heart.
We have not loved others
as our Savior Christ loves us.
We are truly sorry.
In your mercy forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may delight in your will
and walk in your ways,
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Almighty God, you pardon all who truly repent,
forgive us our sins, strengthen us by the Holy Spirit,
and keep us in life eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lori True’s adaptation of Psalm 121, “You, the Source and Maker.”
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
*2 May God never allow you to stumble!
Let your guard not sleep.
Behold neither sleeping nor slumb’ring
Israel’s guard.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
3 The Lord is your guard and your shade;
And stands at your right.
By day the sun shall not smite you,
nor the moon in the night.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
4 The Lord will guard you from evil,
and will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming,
both now and forever.
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,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Richard Horn’s anthem, “A Shoot Shall Come Forth.”
A shoot shall come forth out of Jesse,
And a bud shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of life shall be with him,
The spirit of wisdom and truth.
Then the lamb shall lie down with leopard,
And the lion eat straw with the ox,
For a hand of a Child shall lead them
To the peaceable kingdom of God.
From out of the wells of salvation
Will he draw us the water of life;
His waist shall be girded with justice,
The heart of his heart shall be Love.
Then the lamb shall lie down with leopard,
And the lion eat straw with the ox,
For a hand of a Child shall lead them
To the peaceable kingdom of God.
He’ll come from the end of his heaven,
And the earth shall be torn from its place;
Our live shall be filled with his radiance
As floodwaters cover the sea.
Then the lamb shall lie down with leopard,
And the lion eat straw with the ox,
For a hand of a Child shall lead them
To the peaceable kingdom of God.
THE DISMISSAL
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
EVENING WORSHIP
THE PREPARATION
The leader may greet the other participants.
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Jesus said, ‘Do not think that I have
come to abolish the law and the
prophets: I have not come to abolish them
but to fulfil them.’
Amen. Come soon, Lord Jesus!
The second candle is lit and this response is used
Jesus is the light of the world.
A light no darkness can ever put out.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Mark Earey’s “Advent Candles Tell Their Story.”
Advent candles tell their story
as we watch and pray,
longing for the Day of Glory,
‘Come, Lord, soon,’ we say.
Pain and sorrow, tears and sadness,
changed for gladness
on that Day.
Prophet voices loudly crying,
making pathways clear;
glimpsing glory, self-denying,
calling all to hear.
Through their message - challenged, shaken –
hearts awaken: God is near!
Great is the Lord and worthy of all praise.
Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom,
thanksgiving and honor, power and might,
be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Reardon’s arrangement of Melvin Farrell’s “Lord of Light.”
O Lord of light, who made the stars
O Dawn by whom we see the way
O Christ redeemer of us all
Make haste to hear us as we pray
In lowliness you came to earth
To rescue us from Satan’s snares
O wondrous love that healed our wounds
By taking up our mortal cares
To God the Father and the Son
For ages of eternal days
Together with the spirit be
All glory, honor, might and praise
We give you praise. Yeah.
All glory, all honor, all power are yours for ever!
All glory, all honor, all power are yours for ever!
All glory, all honor, all power are yours for ever!
Hear these words of scripture.
Love one another,
for love is of God,
and whoever loves is born of God and knows God.
Spirit of God, search our hearts.
Let us bow our heads and, in silence,
remember our need for God’s forgiveness.
Silence
Let us confess our sins to God.
Almighty and merciful God,
we have sinned against you,
in thought, word and deed.
We have not loved you with all our heart.
We have not loved others
as our Savior Christ loves us.
We are truly sorry.
In your mercy forgive what we have been,
help us to amend what we are,
and direct what we shall be;
that we may delight in your will
and walk in your ways,
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Almighty God, you pardon all who truly repent,
forgive us our sins, strengthen us by the Holy Spirit,
and keep us in life eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lori True’s adaptation of Psalm 121, “You, the Source and Maker.”
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall come my help?
My help shall come from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
*2 May God never allow you to stumble!
Let your guard not sleep.
Behold neither sleeping nor slumb’ring
Israel’s guard.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
3 The Lord is your guard and your shade;
And stands at your right.
By day the sun shall not smite you,
nor the moon in the night.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
4 The Lord will guard you from evil,
and will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going and coming,
both now and forever.
You, the Source and Maker
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
*Omitted on the video.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Simple Hymns “Glory to the Father Give.”
1 Glory to the Father give
God in Whom
We move and live
His children’s prayers
He deigns to hear
How their songs
Delight His ear
Oh glory to the Father give
2 Glory to the Son we bring
Christ our Prophet
Priest and King
Oh children raise
Your sweetest strain
To the Lamb
For He was slain
Oh glory to the Son
We bring
Glory to the Father
Up above
Glory to the Son
Who came for us
Glory to the Spirit
Who dwells
In those You love
Glory
To the Father Spirit Son
3 Glory to the Holy Ghost
Who reclaims
The sinner lost
His children’s minds
May He inspire
And touch their tongues
With holy fire
Oh glory to the Holy Ghost
Glory in the highest be
To the blessed Trinity
For the Gospel from above
For the word
That God is love
Oh glory in the highest be
Glory to the Father
Up above
Glory to the Son
Who came for us
Glory to the Spirit
Who dwells
In those You love
Glory
To the Father Spirit Son
Glory to the Father
Up above
Glory to the Son
Who came for us
Glory to the Spirit
Who dwells
In those You love
Glory
To the Father Spirit Son
Glory
To the Father Spirit Son
The Reading from the New Testament: Romans 15:4–13
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:
“For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to your name.”
And in another place it is written,
“Rejoice with his people,
you Gentiles.”
And yet again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.”
And in another place Isaiah said,
“The heir to David’s throne will come,
and he will rule over the Gentiles.
They will place their hope on him.”
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Silence follows the reading.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
The following Song of Praise is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Josh Blakesly’s “Cry Out with Joy (Isaiah 12).”
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
1 Indeed God is my savior.
I am confident and sure.
He is my courage. I am not afraid.
My strength comes from the Lord.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
2 Give thanks and praise to the Lord.
Cry out among the nations.
With joy you will draw living water
from the fountain of salvation.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
Sing praise to God.
Proclaim his glorious deeds.
Zion, shout for joy and fall on your knees.
Fall on your knees.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
of heaven and earth.
You alone are my help.
*Omitted on the video.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Simple Hymns “Glory to the Father Give.”
1 Glory to the Father give
God in Whom
We move and live
His children’s prayers
He deigns to hear
How their songs
Delight His ear
Oh glory to the Father give
2 Glory to the Son we bring
Christ our Prophet
Priest and King
Oh children raise
Your sweetest strain
To the Lamb
For He was slain
Oh glory to the Son
We bring
Glory to the Father
Up above
Glory to the Son
Who came for us
Glory to the Spirit
Who dwells
In those You love
Glory
To the Father Spirit Son
3 Glory to the Holy Ghost
Who reclaims
The sinner lost
His children’s minds
May He inspire
And touch their tongues
With holy fire
Oh glory to the Holy Ghost
Glory in the highest be
To the blessed Trinity
For the Gospel from above
For the word
That God is love
Oh glory in the highest be
Glory to the Father
Up above
Glory to the Son
Who came for us
Glory to the Spirit
Who dwells
In those You love
Glory
To the Father Spirit Son
Glory to the Father
Up above
Glory to the Son
Who came for us
Glory to the Spirit
Who dwells
In those You love
Glory
To the Father Spirit Son
Glory
To the Father Spirit Son
The Reading from the New Testament: Romans 15:4–13
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:
“For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to your name.”
And in another place it is written,
“Rejoice with his people,
you Gentiles.”
And yet again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.”
And in another place Isaiah said,
“The heir to David’s throne will come,
and he will rule over the Gentiles.
They will place their hope on him.”
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Silence follows the reading.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Thanks be to God.
The following Song of Praise is sung.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Josh Blakesly’s “Cry Out with Joy (Isaiah 12).”
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
1 Indeed God is my savior.
I am confident and sure.
He is my courage. I am not afraid.
My strength comes from the Lord.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
2 Give thanks and praise to the Lord.
Cry out among the nations.
With joy you will draw living water
from the fountain of salvation.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
Sing praise to God.
Proclaim his glorious deeds.
Zion, shout for joy and fall on your knees.
Fall on your knees.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you.
Cry out with joy
for the Holy One is among you
Imitating God as God's Dear Children
Paul's prayer in this evening's New Testament reading that God help the members of the church at Rome to whom he was writing to live in complete harmony with each other as is fitting for followers of Jesus Christ is a prayer for our times. Paul goes on to urge the members of that church to accept each other as Christ has accepted them. These are words that Christians here in the United States in this third decade of the twenty-first century also need to hear.
The society in which we live has become increasingly polarized over a number of issues. These issues not only divide our society, they also divide our churches.
One hears and read about churchgoers changing churches because the pastor and the congregation of the new church shares their political opinions. One hears and reads about people who describe themselves as Christians cancelling someone because they do not agree with a statement that the person made or an action that the person took. There is very little openness to diversity in opinion.
Conversations on social media are marred by rancor, ill-will, and distrust. There is growing tendency to portray those who do not share our views on a particular matter as evil and to impugn their motives.
None of this behavior and the attitudes and thinking underlying it is suitable or right for a follower of Jesus Christ no matter how we try to rationalize it. Jesus taught his disciples to emulate God's character. God is not petulant or peevish. Rather as Jonah, the reluctant prophet, observed, "I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people" (Jonah 4:2 NLT).
We are to be patient with others as God is patient with us. We are to be kind and forgiving toward them as God is kind and forgiving toward us. We are to be generous toward them as God is generous toward us.
As Paul himself wrote to the church at Ephesus, " Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children" (Ephesians 5:1 NLT).
To help us to imitate him, God has given us Jesus as our teacher and exemplar. In Jesus' life we have a practical example of how we should live on earth. Jesus lived a life of love for others and obedience to God. May our lives be lives of love and obedience too.
Silence is kept.
Make your ways known upon earth, O God,
your saving power among all peoples.
Renew your Church in holiness,
and help us to serve you with joy.
Guide the leaders of this and every nation,
that justice may prevail throughout the world.
Let not the needy, O God, be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Make us instruments of your peace,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
Let us pray to God the Father,
who has reconciled all things to himself in Christ:
For peace among the nations,
that God may rid the world of violence
and let peoples grow in justice and harmony …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For those who serve in public office,
that they may work for the common good …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For Christian people everywhere,
that we may joyfully proclaim and live our faith in Jesus Christ …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For those who suffer from hunger, sickness or loneliness,
that the presence of Christ may bring them health and wholeness …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.
Almighty God,
you sent your servant John the Baptist
to prepare the way for the coming of your Son;
grant that those who proclaim your word
may so guide our feet into the way of peace,
that we may stand with confidence before him
when he comes in his glorious kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer.
Amen.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we pray:
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,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear the Guatemalan traditional, “The Peace of the Earth Be with You.”
The peace of the earth be with you,
The peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you;
God’s peace growing in you.
The peace of the earth be with you,
The peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you;
God’s peace growing in you.
The peace of the earth be with you,
The peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you;
God’s peace growing in you.
THE DISMISSAL
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
Make your ways known upon earth, O God,
your saving power among all peoples.
Renew your Church in holiness,
and help us to serve you with joy.
Guide the leaders of this and every nation,
that justice may prevail throughout the world.
Let not the needy, O God, be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor be taken away.
Make us instruments of your peace,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
Let us pray to God the Father,
who has reconciled all things to himself in Christ:
For peace among the nations,
that God may rid the world of violence
and let peoples grow in justice and harmony …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For those who serve in public office,
that they may work for the common good …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For Christian people everywhere,
that we may joyfully proclaim and live our faith in Jesus Christ …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
For those who suffer from hunger, sickness or loneliness,
that the presence of Christ may bring them health and wholeness …;
Father of all
Hear your children’s prayer
Let us commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray,
to the mercy and protection of God.
Open prayer may be offered and silence is kept.
Almighty God,
you sent your servant John the Baptist
to prepare the way for the coming of your Son;
grant that those who proclaim your word
may so guide our feet into the way of peace,
that we may stand with confidence before him
when he comes in his glorious kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer.
Amen.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
The Lord bless you.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we pray:
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,
the power, and the glory
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear the Guatemalan traditional, “The Peace of the Earth Be with You.”
The peace of the earth be with you,
The peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you;
God’s peace growing in you.
The peace of the earth be with you,
The peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you;
God’s peace growing in you.
The peace of the earth be with you,
The peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you;
God’s peace growing in you.
THE DISMISSAL
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful God bless us
and keep us now and for ever. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment