Call To Worship
One: We will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
All: We will proclaim you as God and King in the midst of our community.
One: Every day we will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever.
All: Your name is great, Lord, and worthy of this praise.
One: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.
All: Even so, in ou...
Call To Worship
One: The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
All: The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
Women: You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.
Men: The Lord is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.
Younger: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Old...
Psalm 145:5-10 or Luke 1:47-55, Isaiah 35:1-10, Matthew 11:1-19, James 5:7-12
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
READINGS
Psalter—Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:47-55
First Lesson—God's People will be gathered with great joy from times of grief and uncertainty. Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Second Lesson—As the farmer must patiently wait for passing seasons so the sufferer must be patient in anticipation of final relief. James 5:7-10
Gospel—Jesus reassures John the Baptist that truly Messianic ministry is happening and pays h...
Psalm 145:8-14, Zechariah 9:9-13, Matthew 11:1-19, Romans 7:15-25a
Bulletin Aid
Amy C. Schifrin
Confession And Forgiveness
Leader: We gather in the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Blessed redeemer, we do not understand our own actions and at times we do the very things we hate. We confess to you our disobedience and our rebellion. We confess to you our self-centeredness and scapegoating of others. We confess to you our slavery to sin and our falling to temp...
Psalm 145:5-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Matthew 11:1-19, James 5:7-10
Bulletin Aid
Amy C. Schifrin
Gathering Prayer: Litany Of Expectation
Leader: Waiting in our darkness,
All: slammed doors and stifled cries,
Leader: a phone that doesn’t ring,
All: a child who hasn’t returned home,
Leader: waiting in our darkness;
All: we remember your promise, and we are not alone.
Leader: O God of all the ages, we pray that you would come to us who long to see you, who long to hear your voice. Breathe life i...
Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21, Isaiah 55:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5
Bulletin Aid
Amy C. Schifrin
Prayer Of The Day
Leader: Gracious God, you alone fill the desire of every living creature. By your great compassion fill us on this day, that our praise would bear witness to your sure and steadfast love shown to us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
All: Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Leader: Blessed are you, O Lord, our G...
Psalm 145:1-8, Jonah 3:10--4:11, Matthew 20:1-16, Philippians 1:21-30
Bulletin Aid
Amy C. Schifrin
Prayer Of The Day
Leader: Gracious God, you welcome us at your table whenever we arrive. Speak your word of grace to us, so that rather than judging others, we would lift our voices in thanksgiving for grace beyond measure and love beyond deserving, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Intercessory Prayers
After each petition:
Leader: O Giver of life,
All: bring in your kingdom.
O...
Call To Worship
Leader: I’m glad we’re here. In our hemisphere, winter is settling in and we know that there is only a double-digit count until Christmas Day.
People: It’s true — the days come and go; the years pass quickly. Holidays take flight almost before the sun goes down.
Leader: All the while, we say our prayers and sing our songs; we hope for better tomorrows and restful nights.
People: Th...
READINGS
Psalter—Psalm 98 [OR] Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21
First Lesson—The prophet promised that the glories of the rebuilt temple will outshine the glories of the temple now in ruins. Haggai 1:15b-2:9
Second Lesson—The very antithesis of the Christ will come, warns the apostle Paul, before our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Gospel—Jesus answers the Sadducees’ question about the...