THE COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE

Pastoral and Congregational Invitation
Well in advance of worship, ask three or four people to share with the whole congregation why they worship. You, only, know their names. At the beginning of worship, say to each separately, "(Name), why do you worship?" Following their statements, say, "Worship is our affirmation of life -- of our life as humans, of our life as Christians. If we fail to celebrate the Highest, we will worship the lowest, which is some form of self."

Hymn of Praise
"All Creatures of Our God and King"

Prayer of Praise
Give praise that God raises up all kinds of people to do God's will, especially those whom we might question, those whom we might not even like, those of whom we are suspicious.

ACTS OF CONFESSION

Call to Confession
C…