THE GATHERING

* Stand if willing and able

Gathering Music: Hymn #5 “God the Sculptor of the Mountains”

Welcome and Announcements    

Prelude: “Song Without Words” by Mendelssohn

 * Call to Worship 

Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good.

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Jesus has the words of eternal life.

He is the Holy One of God.

Let us pray together:

* Prayer of the Day    

God our strength, you have brought us into you holy place through Christ who has the words of eternal life.  As you made us alive by his flesh and blood, cause us to boldly witness to the gospel, welcome the stranger, and pursue peace, standing through the struggles of our times.  Amen.

* Hymn of Praise: #2 “Come, Thou Almighty King”

* Invitation to Healing

Because God is near to the brokenhearted, let us consider how we have lived, confessing our sins and trusting in God’s mercy to save.

* Prayer of Wholeness

Merciful God, we confess that we have not followed your way with our whole hearts and minds and actions. You call us to love and serve you, yet we choose false and empty idols. You call us to new life in Christ, yet we turn aside and fall back in fear. Forgive us, God of grace. Grant us, by your Word and Spirit, the wisdom and strength to love and serve you faithfully; through Jesus Christ our Lord.                                                 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. The Lord be with you!

And also with you!

Please share a sign of peace with those with whom you are worshiping.

* Sung Response: #591 “Halle, Halle, …” (chorus twice) ~ Pastor Scott

Celebrating Joys: Where we have seen God at work

Hymn of Response: #628 “Praise, I will Praise you, Lord” ~ Scott

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

Almighty God, through the reading of Holy Scripture, feed us with your living Word and reveal to us the way of everlasting life. Amen.

First Reading: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43

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

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 6:14-18

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

Gospel Reading: John 6:56-69

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

Reflection: “TL 8-22-2021 Dynamic Covenants” ~ Pastor Scott

Question for Reflection

Are there people of other nationalities, ethnic groups, or faith traditions in your workplace, neighborhood, community, or congregation? What are some ways in which you and your congregation can express the welcome of God to those who are different from you? In what other ways can you think of to covenant with A) One another B) Visitors/Neighbors C) Larger Community D) Presbytery of the Cascades, or E) the PC(USA) as a whole?

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

* Hymn: #394 “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation”

* Affirmation of Faith: ~ John 6:63

Jesus said: “It is the spirit that gives life…the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

Intercessory Prayers of the People

Call and response: “Lord, in your mercy:” “Hear our prayers.”

Minute for Mission

Invitation to the Offering

Our God has bestowed us with favor and honor through Christ, who has given us the words of eternal life. From this fullness, let us now offer our gifts of thanksgiving in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Offertory: “Harmony of the Angels” by Burg Muller

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessing flow!

Praise Christ all creatures here below!

Praise Holy Spirit evermore!

Praise Triune God whom we adore!  Amen!

 * Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication

Living God, we give you thanks for Christ, the bread from heaven, through whom we offer these gifts of time, talent, and our very selves. Enable these gifts to express you’re your steadfast love and impart your sustaining strength to all those in need.  We pray this in the name of Christ, who taught his disciples to pray, saying:

SENDING

* Closing Hymn: #301 “Let Us Build a House!”

* Charge

Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm as you boldly proclaim the gospel of peace in word and deed.

* Blessing

May the living God give you strength, may you be nourished by Christ, and may the Holy Spirit fill you with life! In the name of our Creator God, the Redeeming Son, and the Sustaining Spirit.  Friends, this worship is ended, let our service begin.

* Congregational Song: “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Household Prayer this week: Morning

Lord God, my sun and shield, a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.  Let the favor of your presence strengthen me and accompany me everywhere I go today.  Prepare me to be a sanctuary, that your light and love may radiate through me.  Through Christ my Lord. Amen.

Household Prayer this week: Evening

Lord God my strength, your Spirit never tires; your love never fails. I bring you my struggles, stresses, questions, and worries of this day. Where else can I go? You have the words of eternal life.  Let your promises sustain my soul and comfort my heart as I rest in you, through Christ my Lord. Amen.