THE GATHERING

Gathering Music: Campfire Songbook p. 19 “Spring Up, O Well” ~ Scott

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude: “Deep River/Shall We Gather at the River Medley”

 Call to Worship 

Come! Let us give thanks to the Lord with whole hearts.    Ps. 111

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Glory be to the One whose wonders are to be remembered.

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

The Lord feeds the righteous with truth.

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Come! Let us give thanks to God.

Prayer of the Day:

Almighty God, Light from Light, who commands the universe and all that is made, your Word is the power that makes whole what is broken, the force of good, and the food of peace. Teach us now as you taught in the synagogue. Heal us now so that in all that we say and do, the freedom we have in you may be for others, too; in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Hymn of Praise: #20 “All Things Bright and Beautiful”

Invitation to Healing

The One who pardons, heals, and strengthens all who repent

calls us to name our failings and our hopes. Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and one another.

Prayer for Wholeness

Holy and all-powerful God, who commands all spirits, comforts those in distress, and casts out destructive forces, we confess that we are unable to do your will.  We protect what is familiar and reject what is unknown.  We admire those with courage but excuse ourselves when we falter from the truth.  We forget that you are always with us, and that with you all things are possible. Forgive us, lead us, make us new.  Remove our desire to heed false prophets, and show us your way; in the name of the Triune God, Lover of us all… Please continue in silent prayer

Kyrie #437 “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”

Assurance and Passing of the Peace

Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say: Thanks be to God!

Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another.

You are invited to share God’s Peace with those with whom you are worshiping.

Sung Response Hymn #591 “Halle, Halle, …” (Sung 2x) ~ Pastor Scott

Celebrating Joys: Where we have seen God at work

Hymn #628 “Praise, I Will Praise You, Lord”

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

Holy Spirit, your people call out for understanding. Bring to our yearning minds and hearts the truth of your Word; in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Hebrew Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 ~ Scott Crane

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Psalm Reading: Psalm 111:1-10 ~ Tony Fuentes

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:21-28 ~ Ingrid Spies

“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”

Reflection: “Miracle or Teaching” ~ Pastor Scott Crane

Please spend several moments in silent reflection 

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

Hymn of Response: Hymn #307 “God of Grace and God of Glory”

Affirmation of Faith:  ~ Adapted from James 3:13 & 17

“Live well, live wisely, live humbly.  It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next….”  ~ The Message

Intercessory Prayers of the People

Let us pray for the needs of the world, saying Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayers. 

For the healing of Earth and all its creatures; For the church’s willingness to cast out demons in its midst, for congregations that are in turmoil, for the healing of divisions between the followers of Christ Jesus; Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayers. 

For leaders of nations, for those who have great wealth, for those who have too much power, for those who have destructive weapons, and for those who have none; for all those who are victims of others’ idolatry, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayers. 

For children who have no one to listen to their cries for food and shelter, for parents who cannot answer the needs of their children, for peacemakers and diplomats, for those who give through charities, and for those who use the law to make policies for the greater good; Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayers. 

For all who are in pain and in need of care, especially those we name now aloud or silently, . . . [A time of silence is kept.]  Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayers. 

For the wisdom to fear you rightly, the power to withstand changes in our own lives that bring us closer to you, for the ability to give thanks for the people who have brought us to this time— our ancestors, teachers, pastors, and the martyrs of every age; Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayers. 

Into your hands we commend all those for whom we pray and those it would be easy to forget. We ask your blessing on all your people, that we may come at last to the truth around your banquet table that has no end; through Christ Jesus, our Lord, who taught his disciples to pray, saying:

The Lord’s Prayer: “…debts…debtors…” Hymnal p. 35 (Español p. 40)

Invitation to Present Our Offerings

Do not let idols grow and multiply in your hands, but give of yourselves, your time, and your possessions out of love for this creation and honor toward what you have been given.

Members, friends, and guests: Church expenses total roughly $1900 a month. Thank you for your commitment and your generosity. Please make checks out to First Presbyterian Church of Trout Lake, PO Box 210, Trout Lake, WA 98650.

An Offering of Thanksgiving with Poetry: “The Fisher Psalm” ~ stc

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication

Merciful God, you have saved us for a purpose. We dedicate to you the gifts of our hands, and we dedicate to you our very selves. We thank you that you help us to be your fishers.

SENDING

Closing Hymn #450 “Be Thou My Vision”  

Charge

Go out from this place to a world fully known by God.

Where there is fear, remember the authority of Christ Jesus.

Where there is need of love, give it.

Where there is pain, bring peace.

For you are loved by the One who redeems,

and freed to live by the Word of life.

Blessing

Deep peace be with you, Light Eternal shine upon you. Like clear flowing streams within you, may the Breath of the Wind stir your soul. May Love hold you, may Spirit guide you, all the days of your life. ~ stc

Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth” ~ Pastor Scott

Questions for Reflection

What is the name of the demon, the spirit, the idolatry you carry? If you can think of this answer as many “troubles,” try to find the root cause, a name to give to that which needs to be cast out. The answer may take different forms throughout the week. You may also consider the same question with regard to your family and to this nation. What is the Holy One casting out today in your presence?

Household Prayer: Morning

In the light of your new day, O God,

I rise to greet you always on the path in front of me.

Let me follow with integrity where you will lead.

Give me courage to know the difference

between what is false and what is true.

Teach me to love my neighbor as you love me. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Heavenly Father, you are the power above all powers,

the healer who knows our every need.

You have guided me throughout this day

and now give me sleep to renew my tired body and mind.

Guard me and keep me in your care. Amen.