All Hallows Morning and Evening Worship for Sunday (January 15, 2023)
The Second Sunday after Epiphany
The order of service for this Sunday’s Morning and Evening Worship is taken from the Anglican Church of Australia’s A Prayer Book for Australia (1998). The songs used in the two services are taken from the United Methodist Church’s The Faith We Sing (2000).
Morning Worship begins at the top of the page. Scroll down the page for the beginning of Evening Worship.
MORNING WORSHIP
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of his name;
Give to God glorious praise.
Say, “How awesome are your deeds! Psalm 66: 1-3
Gracious God,
we humbly thank you
for all your gifts so freely bestowed on us,
for life and health and safety,
for freedom to work, leisure to rest,
and for all that is beautiful in creation and human life.
But, above all, we thank you
for our Savior Jesus Christ,
for his death and resurrection,
for the gift of your Spirit,
and for the hope of sharing in your glory.
Fill our hearts with all joy and peace in believing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Alexander Gondo’s “Come All You People (Uyai Mose).”
Come, all you people,
come and praise your Maker.
Come, all you people,
come and praise your Maker.
Come, all you people,
Come and praise your Maker.
Come now and worship the Lord.
Come, all you people,
come and praise your Maker.
Come, all you people,
come and praise your Maker.
Come, all you people,
come and praise your Maker.
Come now and worship the Lord.
Come, all you people,
come and praise your Maker.
Come, all you people,
come and praise your Maker.
Come, all you people,
come and praise your Maker.
Come now and worship the Lord.
Uyai mose ,
tinamate Mwari.
Uyai mose ,
tinamate Mwari.
Uyai mose ,
tinamate Mwari.
Uyai mose zvino.
Uyai mose ,
tinamate Mwari.
Uyai mose ,
tinamate Mwari.
Uyai mose ,
tinamate Mwari.
Uyai mose zvino.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Michael W. Smith and Deborah D. Smith’s “Great Is the Lord.”
Great is the Lord
He is holy and just
By His power we trust
In His love
Great is the Lord
He is faithful and true
By His mercy He proves
He is love
Great is the Lord
And worthy of glory
Great is the Lord
And worthy of praise
Great is the Lord
Now lift up your voice
Now lift up your voice
Great is the Lord
Great is the Lord
Great is the Lord,
He is holy and just
By His power we trust
In His love
Great is the Lord
He is faithful, and true
By His mercy He proves
He is love
Great is the Lord
And worthy of glory
Great is the Lord
And worthy of praise
Great is the Lord
Now lift up your voice
Now lift up your voice
Great is the Lord
Great is the Lord
Great are you Lord
And worthy of glory
Great are you Lord
And worthy of praise
Great are you Lord
I lift up my voice
I lift up my voice
Great are you Lord
Great are you Lord
Great are you Lord
Great are you Lord
Open this link in a new tab to hear Ricky Founds’ “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.”
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life.
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth
To show the way
From the earth to the cross,
My debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave,
From the grave to the sky.
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life.
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth
To show the way
From the earth to the cross,
My debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave,
From the grave to the sky.
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life.
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth
To show the way
From the earth to the cross,
My debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave,
From the grave to the sky.
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
You came from heaven to earth
To show the way
From the earth to the cross,
My debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave,
From the grave to the sky.
Lord, I lift Your name on high.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Heavenly Father, give us faith to receive your word,
understanding to know what it means, and the will to put it into
practice, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A reading from the Old Testament (Jeremiah 1:4-10).
The Lord gave me this message:
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,
“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
Today I appoint you to stand up
against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up
and plant.”
Silence
Hear the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A reading from the New Testament (Mark 1: 14-20)
Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.
A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.
Silence
Hear the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Called to Serve
In this morning’s Old Testament reading God calls Jeremiah to be his prophet. In this morning’s New Testament reading Jesus calls the brothers, Simon and Andrew, and the brother’s James and John, to be hs disciples. The calling of Jeremiah and the calling of Simon, Andrew, James, and John have one important thing in common. They were all called to serve God, Jeremiah to be God’s messenger, and Simon, Andrew, James, and John to be Jesus’ apostles, his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
We are called to serve God too. We may not have been called in the way Jeremiah or Simon, Andrew, James, and John were called. But God also has work for us to do. We have been entrusted with the task of representing Jesus in the world. Representing him in the world involves not only living his teaching in front of those around us, family, relatives, friends, the people at our school or job, and everyone else whose lives may intersect ours no matter how briefly in our daily life but also telling them about Jesus.
Do you find yourself cringing at the prospect of telling other people about Jesus? You are not alone. Surveys have found that a lot of Christians in the United States are uncomfortable with sharing their faith with others. They do not know how to go about it. They also may not know many people who are not Christians. They may have few or no unbelieving friends.
If your church does not offer training in how to make friends with non-believers, invest in them, start spiritual conversations with them, and to disciple them if they come to faith in Jesus, then you may need to ask your church leaders to provide church members and attendees with that kind of training. While you are working on that, you might want to read a book or two on the subject. Two books I have found helpful are Steve Sjogren, Dave Ping, and Doug Pollock’s Irresistible Evangelism and Mike Bechtle’s Evangelism for the Rest of Us: Sharing Christ Within Your Personality Style. Phillip D. Jensen and Tony Payne offer a simple way to explain the gospel to someone else in Two Ways to Live. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) has produced The 3 Circles Life Conversation Guide, a short training booklet that explains the gospel clearly and which churches can use to training church members and attendees in how to share their faith.
We as Christians can minister to other people in all kinds of ways and in doing so make this world a better place to live in. The most loving thing we can do for them is to introduce them to Jesus. Loved ones die. Friends move away or lose interest in us, find someone more interesting than we are, and disappear from our lives. Relationships grow cold and distant.
While we may not sense his presence, Jesus is always at our side. He does not change. He is faithful, unwavering in his love for us. We could have no better friend, teacher, and Lord.
Silence
This affirmation of faith may be said together.
We believe in one God,
who made us and loves all that is.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was born, lived, died and rose again,
and is coming to call all to account.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who calls, equips and sends out God’s people,
and brings all things to their true end.
This is our faith, the faith of the Church:
We believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s “The Lone Wild Bird”
The lone wild bird in lofty flight
Is still with thee, nor leaves thy sight
And I am thine! I rest in thee
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
The ends of earth are in your hands
The sea's dark deep and far-off lands
And I am thine! I rest in thee
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
Each secret thought is known to you
The path I walk my whole life through
My days, my deeds, my hopes, my fears
My deepest joys, my silent tears
The lone wild bird in lofty flight
Is still with thee, nor leaves thy sight
And I am thine! I rest in thee
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
The ends of earth are in your hands
The sea's dark deep and far-off lands
And I am thine! I rest in thee
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
Each secret thought is known to you
The path I walk my whole life through
My days, my deeds, my hopes, my fears
My deepest joys, my silent tears
[Instrumental interlude]
In secret depths, you knit my frame
Before my birth, you spoke my name
Within my soul, as close a breath
So near to me, in life, in death
In secret depths, you knit my frame
Before my birth, you spoke my name
Within my soul, as close a breath
So near to me, in life, in death
[Instrumental interlude]
Oh search me, God, my heart reveal
Renew my life, my spirit heal
For I am thine! I go to thee
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
The lone wild bird in lofty flight
Is still with thee nor leaves thy sight
And I am thine! I rest in thee
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
CONFESSION OF SIN
Return to the Lord your God, who is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger. and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2: 13
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Silence
Heavenly Father,
you have loved us with an everlasting love,
but we have broken your holy laws
and have left undone what we ought to have done.
We are sorry for our sins
and turn away from them.
for the sake of your Son who died for us,
forgive us, cleanse us and change us.
By your Holy Spirit,
enable us to live for you;
through Jesus Crist our Lord. Amen.
God desires that none should perish,
but that all should turn to Christ, and live.
In response to his call we acknowledge our sins.
God pardons those who humbly repent,
and truly believe the gospel.
Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Grant, almighty God,
that all who confess your name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations,
in the ways of justice and peace;
that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation,
that we may use its resources rightly
in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours,
and grant that we may serve Christ in them,
and love one another as Christ loves us.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit;
give them courage and hope in their troubles,
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We commend to your mercy all who have died,
that your will for them may be fulfilled;
and we pray that we may share with all your saints
in your eternal kingdom
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Additional intercessions, petitions, and thanksgiving may be offered in silence or aloud.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers.
Grant that what we have asked in faith
we may by your grace receive,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught
us to 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.
THE SENDING OUT OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Almighty God,
by whose grace alone we are accepted
and called to your service:
strengthen us by your Holy Spirit
and make us worthy of our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Father, take us and use us
to love and serve you
and all people,
in the power of your Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Joe Horness’ “To Know You More.”
1 To know you in all of your glory,
to love you with all that I am.
With all my heart, Lord,
this is my prayer: To know you more.
2 To know you in all of your power,
To trust you, with all that I am.
With all of my heart, Lord,
This is my prayer: To know you more.
3 To know you in all of your mercy,
to serve you with all that I am.
With all of my heart, Lord,
this is my prayer: To know you more.
4 To know you in all of your power,
to trust you, with all that I am.
With all of my heart, Lord,
This is my prayer: To know you more.
To know you more.
May the God of peace equip us with everything good for
doing his will, working in us what is pleasing to him,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
EVENING WORSHIP
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD
Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house of the Lord!
Lift up your hands to the holy place,
and bless the Lord. Psalm 134: 1-2
Gracious God,
we humbly thank you
for all your gifts so freely bestowed on us,
for life and health and safety,
for freedom to work, leisure to rest,
and for all that is beautiful in creation and human life.
But, above all, we thank you
for our Savior Jesus Christ,
for his death and resurrection,
for the gift of your Spirit,
and for the hope of sharing in your glory.
Fill our hearts with all joy and peace in believing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear traditional Cameron “Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord (African Processional).”
Praise, praise, praise the Lord!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise, praise, praise the Lord!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
(Repeat ad libitum)
Open this link in a new tab to hear Twila Paris’ “He Is Exalted.”
He is exalted the King is exalted on High
I will praise Him
He is exalted forever exalted
And I will praise His name
He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and Earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted the King is exalted on high
He is exalted, the King is on High
I will praise Him
He is exalted, forever exalted
And I will praise His name
He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and Earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted the King is exalted on high
He is exalted the King is exalted on high
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lynn DeShazo’s “More Precious than Silver.”
Lord, you are more precious than silver,
Lord, you are more costly than gold;
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with you.
Lord, you are more precious than silver,
Lord, you are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with you.
And who can weigh the value, of knowing you,
Oh, who can judge the worth of who you are;
Lord, who can count the blessing, of loving you,
Who can sing just how great you are . . .
How great you are!
Lord, you are more precious than silver,
Lord, you are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with you.
*Lord, your love is deeper than oceans,
Lord, your love is wider than seas;
Lord, your love encompasses the nations,
There’s nothing I want more inside of me.
Lord, you are more precious than silver,
Lord, you are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with you.
And nothing I desire compares with you.
Nothing I desire compares with you.
*Omitted on the video.
.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Heavenly Father, give us faith to receive your word,
understanding to know what it means, and the will to put it into
practice, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A reading from the Old Testament (Ezekiel 2:1-3:4)
“Stand up, son of man,” said the voice. “I want to speak with you.” The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words. “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.
“Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious! Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.”
Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me. It held a scroll, which he unrolled. And I saw that both sides were covered with funeral songs, words of sorrow, and pronouncements of doom.
The voice said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. “Fill your stomach with this,” he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
Then he said, “Son of man, go to the people of Israel and give them my messages.
Silence
Hear the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A reading from the New Testament (Galatians 1:11-24).
Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.
But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.
When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus.
Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.
After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” And they praised God because of me.
Silence
Hear the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The apostle Paul experienced a complete turnaround in his life when he came to faith in Jesus. He went from persecuting the early Church to preaching the faith that he had tried to stamp out. Some New Testament scholars believe that Paul may have presided over the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen, one of seven men the apostles had set apart to distribute food to the widows in their place. You can read about Stephen in Luke’s Acts of the Apostles, which includes an account of Paul’s conversion.
Based upon that account and Paul’s own statements the Holy Spirit appears to have been working in Paul’s life before his encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. In any case the change in Paul amazed those whom Paul had been persecuting and they praised God for the change in Paul.
Most of us will not have an experience like Paul’s and the changes we see in our lives may be more gradual than Paul’s. God works in each of us differently.
We do have a number of things in common with Paul. It was God’s grace that enable Paul to believe in Jesus and it is God’s grace which makes it possible for us to believe in Jesus too. As Paul wrote the church at Philippi, God works in us, enabling us to both will and work for his good pleasure. Indeed, if it weren’t for God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we would not give any thought to God or to Jesus. Apart from God’s grace we would be like the people of Israel in this evening’s Old Testament reading—stubborn, hard-hearted, and rebellious.
It is the Holy Spirit that draws to our attention how we are keeping ourselves from enjoying the right kind of relationship with God. It is the Holy Spirit who convinces us that we need to make some serious changes in our life and who enables us to make those changes. It is the Holy Spirit who awakens and arouse faith in Jesus in us. It is the Holy Spirit that makes it possible for us to be born anew and to become a new person in Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit who produces in us qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and who transforms our character into the likeness of God’s own character.
While the changes in us may not be as dramatic as Paul’s, we have as much reason to praise God for the changes we see in our lives and the lives of others as did the people whom Paul had persecuted. They are evidence of God’s faithfulness, of his deep abiding love for us.
Silence
This affirmation of faith may be said together.
We believe in one God,
who made us and loves all that is.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was born, lived, died and rose again,
and is coming to call all to account.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who calls, equips and sends out God’s people,
and brings all things to their true end.
This is our faith, the faith of the Church:
We believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
Open this link in a new tab to hear Jimmy and Carol Own’s “Holy, Holy.”
Holy Holy, Holy Holy,
Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty.
And we lift our hearts before You
As a token of our love.
Holy Holy, Holy Holy.
(repeat)
Gracious Father, Gracious Father,
Were so blessed to be your children,
Gracious Father!
And we lift our hands before You
As a token of our love.
Gracious Father, Gracious Father.
Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus,
We're so glad that you have redeemed us,
Precious Jesus.
And we lift our hands before You
As a token of our love.
Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus,
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit,
Come and fill our hearts anew,
Holy Spirit.
And we lift our voice before You
as a token of our love.
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit.
Holy Holy, Holy Holy,
Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty!
And we lift our hearts before You
As a token of our love.
Holy Holy, Holy Holy
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
And we lift our hearts before You
As a token of our love.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
CONFESSION OF SIN
Return to the Lord your God, who is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger. and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2: 13
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Silence
Heavenly Father,
you have loved us with an everlasting love,
but we have broken your holy laws
and have left undone what we ought to have done.
We are sorry for our sins
and turn away from them.
for the sake of your Son who died for us,
forgive us, cleanse us and change us.
By your Holy Spirit,
enable us to live for you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God desires that none should perish,
but that all should turn to Christ, and live.
In response to his call we acknowledge our sins.
God pardons those who humbly repent,
and truly believe the gospel.
Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Grant, almighty God,
that all who confess your name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations,
in the ways of justice and peace;
that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation,
that we may use its resources rightly
in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Oh search me, God, my heart reveal
Renew my life, my spirit heal
For I am thine! I go to thee
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
The lone wild bird in lofty flight
Is still with thee nor leaves thy sight
And I am thine! I rest in thee
Great Spirit, come and rest in me
CONFESSION OF SIN
Return to the Lord your God, who is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger. and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2: 13
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Silence
Heavenly Father,
you have loved us with an everlasting love,
but we have broken your holy laws
and have left undone what we ought to have done.
We are sorry for our sins
and turn away from them.
for the sake of your Son who died for us,
forgive us, cleanse us and change us.
By your Holy Spirit,
enable us to live for you;
through Jesus Crist our Lord. Amen.
God desires that none should perish,
but that all should turn to Christ, and live.
In response to his call we acknowledge our sins.
God pardons those who humbly repent,
and truly believe the gospel.
Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Grant, almighty God,
that all who confess your name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations,
in the ways of justice and peace;
that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation,
that we may use its resources rightly
in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours,
and grant that we may serve Christ in them,
and love one another as Christ loves us.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit;
give them courage and hope in their troubles,
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We commend to your mercy all who have died,
that your will for them may be fulfilled;
and we pray that we may share with all your saints
in your eternal kingdom
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Additional intercessions, petitions, and thanksgiving may be offered in silence or aloud.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers.
Grant that what we have asked in faith
we may by your grace receive,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught
us to 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.
THE SENDING OUT OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Almighty God,
by whose grace alone we are accepted
and called to your service:
strengthen us by your Holy Spirit
and make us worthy of our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Father, take us and use us
to love and serve you
and all people,
in the power of your Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Joe Horness’ “To Know You More.”
1 To know you in all of your glory,
to love you with all that I am.
With all my heart, Lord,
this is my prayer: To know you more.
2 To know you in all of your power,
To trust you, with all that I am.
With all of my heart, Lord,
This is my prayer: To know you more.
3 To know you in all of your mercy,
to serve you with all that I am.
With all of my heart, Lord,
this is my prayer: To know you more.
4 To know you in all of your power,
to trust you, with all that I am.
With all of my heart, Lord,
This is my prayer: To know you more.
To know you more.
May the God of peace equip us with everything good for
doing his will, working in us what is pleasing to him,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
EVENING WORSHIP
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD
Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
who stand by night in the house of the Lord!
Lift up your hands to the holy place,
and bless the Lord. Psalm 134: 1-2
Gracious God,
we humbly thank you
for all your gifts so freely bestowed on us,
for life and health and safety,
for freedom to work, leisure to rest,
and for all that is beautiful in creation and human life.
But, above all, we thank you
for our Savior Jesus Christ,
for his death and resurrection,
for the gift of your Spirit,
and for the hope of sharing in your glory.
Fill our hearts with all joy and peace in believing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear traditional Cameron “Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord (African Processional).”
Praise, praise, praise the Lord!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise, praise, praise the Lord!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
Praise God's holy name. Alleluia!
(Repeat ad libitum)
Open this link in a new tab to hear Twila Paris’ “He Is Exalted.”
He is exalted the King is exalted on High
I will praise Him
He is exalted forever exalted
And I will praise His name
He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and Earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted the King is exalted on high
He is exalted, the King is on High
I will praise Him
He is exalted, forever exalted
And I will praise His name
He is the Lord
Forever His truth shall reign
Heaven and Earth
Rejoice in His holy name
He is exalted the King is exalted on high
He is exalted the King is exalted on high
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lynn DeShazo’s “More Precious than Silver.”
Lord, you are more precious than silver,
Lord, you are more costly than gold;
Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with you.
Lord, you are more precious than silver,
Lord, you are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with you.
And who can weigh the value, of knowing you,
Oh, who can judge the worth of who you are;
Lord, who can count the blessing, of loving you,
Who can sing just how great you are . . .
How great you are!
Lord, you are more precious than silver,
Lord, you are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with you.
*Lord, your love is deeper than oceans,
Lord, your love is wider than seas;
Lord, your love encompasses the nations,
There’s nothing I want more inside of me.
Lord, you are more precious than silver,
Lord, you are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with you.
And nothing I desire compares with you.
Nothing I desire compares with you.
*Omitted on the video.
.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
Heavenly Father, give us faith to receive your word,
understanding to know what it means, and the will to put it into
practice, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A reading from the Old Testament (Ezekiel 2:1-3:4)
“Stand up, son of man,” said the voice. “I want to speak with you.” The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words. “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.
“Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious! Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.”
Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me. It held a scroll, which he unrolled. And I saw that both sides were covered with funeral songs, words of sorrow, and pronouncements of doom.
The voice said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. “Fill your stomach with this,” he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
Then he said, “Son of man, go to the people of Israel and give them my messages.
Silence
Hear the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
A reading from the New Testament (Galatians 1:11-24).
Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.
You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors.
But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.
When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus.
Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen days. The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother. I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.
After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. All they knew was that people were saying, “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!” And they praised God because of me.
Silence
Hear the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
God's Transforming Grace
The apostle Paul experienced a complete turnaround in his life when he came to faith in Jesus. He went from persecuting the early Church to preaching the faith that he had tried to stamp out. Some New Testament scholars believe that Paul may have presided over the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen, one of seven men the apostles had set apart to distribute food to the widows in their place. You can read about Stephen in Luke’s Acts of the Apostles, which includes an account of Paul’s conversion.
Based upon that account and Paul’s own statements the Holy Spirit appears to have been working in Paul’s life before his encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. In any case the change in Paul amazed those whom Paul had been persecuting and they praised God for the change in Paul.
Most of us will not have an experience like Paul’s and the changes we see in our lives may be more gradual than Paul’s. God works in each of us differently.
We do have a number of things in common with Paul. It was God’s grace that enable Paul to believe in Jesus and it is God’s grace which makes it possible for us to believe in Jesus too. As Paul wrote the church at Philippi, God works in us, enabling us to both will and work for his good pleasure. Indeed, if it weren’t for God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we would not give any thought to God or to Jesus. Apart from God’s grace we would be like the people of Israel in this evening’s Old Testament reading—stubborn, hard-hearted, and rebellious.
It is the Holy Spirit that draws to our attention how we are keeping ourselves from enjoying the right kind of relationship with God. It is the Holy Spirit who convinces us that we need to make some serious changes in our life and who enables us to make those changes. It is the Holy Spirit who awakens and arouse faith in Jesus in us. It is the Holy Spirit that makes it possible for us to be born anew and to become a new person in Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit who produces in us qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and who transforms our character into the likeness of God’s own character.
While the changes in us may not be as dramatic as Paul’s, we have as much reason to praise God for the changes we see in our lives and the lives of others as did the people whom Paul had persecuted. They are evidence of God’s faithfulness, of his deep abiding love for us.
Silence
This affirmation of faith may be said together.
We believe in one God,
who made us and loves all that is.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was born, lived, died and rose again,
and is coming to call all to account.
We believe in the Holy Spirit,
who calls, equips and sends out God’s people,
and brings all things to their true end.
This is our faith, the faith of the Church:
We believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
Open this link in a new tab to hear Jimmy and Carol Own’s “Holy, Holy.”
Holy Holy, Holy Holy,
Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty.
And we lift our hearts before You
As a token of our love.
Holy Holy, Holy Holy.
(repeat)
Gracious Father, Gracious Father,
Were so blessed to be your children,
Gracious Father!
And we lift our hands before You
As a token of our love.
Gracious Father, Gracious Father.
Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus,
We're so glad that you have redeemed us,
Precious Jesus.
And we lift our hands before You
As a token of our love.
Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus,
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit,
Come and fill our hearts anew,
Holy Spirit.
And we lift our voice before You
as a token of our love.
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit.
Holy Holy, Holy Holy,
Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty!
And we lift our hearts before You
As a token of our love.
Holy Holy, Holy Holy
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
And we lift our hearts before You
As a token of our love.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
CONFESSION OF SIN
Return to the Lord your God, who is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger. and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2: 13
Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.
Silence
Heavenly Father,
you have loved us with an everlasting love,
but we have broken your holy laws
and have left undone what we ought to have done.
We are sorry for our sins
and turn away from them.
for the sake of your Son who died for us,
forgive us, cleanse us and change us.
By your Holy Spirit,
enable us to live for you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God desires that none should perish,
but that all should turn to Christ, and live.
In response to his call we acknowledge our sins.
God pardons those who humbly repent,
and truly believe the gospel.
Therefore we have peace with God, through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
Let us pray for the Church and for the world.
Grant, almighty God,
that all who confess your name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations,
in the ways of justice and peace;
that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation,
that we may use its resources rightly
in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours,
and grant that we may serve Christ in them,
and love one another as Christ loves us.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit;
give them courage and hope in their troubles,
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We commend to your mercy all who have died,
that your will for them may be fulfilled;
and we pray that we may share with all your saints
in your eternal kingdom
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Additional intercessions, petitions, and thanksgiving may be offered in silence or aloud.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers.
Grant that what we have asked in faith
we may by your grace receive,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught
us to 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.
THE SENDING OUT OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Almighty God,
by whose grace alone we are accepted
and called to your service:
strengthen us by your Holy Spirit
and make us worthy of our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Father, take us and use us
to love and serve you
and all people,
in the power of your Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Shirley Erena Murray’s “Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother?”
Who is my mother,
who is my brother?
all those who gather round Jesus Christ:
Spirit-blown people
born from the Gospel
sit at the table, round Jesus Christ.
Differently abled,
differently labeled,
widen the circle round Jesus Christ,
crutches and stigmas,
culture's enigmas,
all come together round Jesus Christ.
Love will relate us --
color or status
can't segregate us, round Jesus Christ:
family failings,
human derailings --
all are accepted, round Jesus Christ.
Bound by one vision,
met for one mission
we claim each other, round Jesus Christ:
here is my mother,
here is my brother,
kindred in Spirit, through Jesus Christ.
May the God of peace equip us with everything good for
doing his will, working in us what is pleasing to him,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
hear our prayer.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours,
and grant that we may serve Christ in them,
and love one another as Christ loves us.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit;
give them courage and hope in their troubles,
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
We commend to your mercy all who have died,
that your will for them may be fulfilled;
and we pray that we may share with all your saints
in your eternal kingdom
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Additional intercessions, petitions, and thanksgiving may be offered in silence or aloud.
Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers.
Grant that what we have asked in faith
we may by your grace receive,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught
us to 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.
THE SENDING OUT OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Almighty God,
by whose grace alone we are accepted
and called to your service:
strengthen us by your Holy Spirit
and make us worthy of our calling;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Father, take us and use us
to love and serve you
and all people,
in the power of your Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Shirley Erena Murray’s “Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother?”
Who is my mother,
who is my brother?
all those who gather round Jesus Christ:
Spirit-blown people
born from the Gospel
sit at the table, round Jesus Christ.
Differently abled,
differently labeled,
widen the circle round Jesus Christ,
crutches and stigmas,
culture's enigmas,
all come together round Jesus Christ.
Love will relate us --
color or status
can't segregate us, round Jesus Christ:
family failings,
human derailings --
all are accepted, round Jesus Christ.
Bound by one vision,
met for one mission
we claim each other, round Jesus Christ:
here is my mother,
here is my brother,
kindred in Spirit, through Jesus Christ.
May the God of peace equip us with everything good for
doing his will, working in us what is pleasing to him,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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