THE

GATHERING

* Stand if willing and able

 Gathering Music: Hymn #37 “Let All Things Now Living”

Welcome and Announcements    

Prelude: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach                  

* Call to Worship 

God built the heavens, the earth, and everything in them.

God calls us to be builders as well.

God calls us to build our lives:

To restore broken places and continue to grow.

God calls us to build our faith:

To study the scriptures and ponder their interpretation.

God calls us to build community:

To build bridges of understanding and systems of justice.

God calls us to build history by fulfilling the promises of Scripture

Therefore, we make bold to pray together:

* Morning Prayer

Holy One, we thank you for the gift of scriptures, for psalms and poems, myths and stories, histories, teachings, and prophecies.  May the Holy Spirit who called out those ancient writings continue to call us out today, that our lives may reflect the first sermon of Jesus, our crucified and risen Christ, who brings good news to the poor and lets the oppressed go free. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

* Hymn of Praise #645 “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”

* Invitation to Healing

In contrast to God’s clear word, our faults remain hidden from some but not all; sometimes even hidden from ourselves. Help us to recall anew that we were created good.  Give us the wisdom to wash away that which has obscured your goodness in us.

* Prayer of Wholeness

God of Restoration, whenever we come home to you, we realize how far we have strayed and how much we have forgotten.  We have not loved you with our whole hearts or loved our neighbors as ourselves.  Forgive us, heal us, and restore us to be your witnesses once more.  Through Jesus, in whom we trust, Amen.

                                                         Please continue in silent prayer

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

* Assurance of God’s Presence 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 peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!

And also with you!

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

* Sung Response Hymn #591 “Halle, Halle” Chorus 2x

Celebrating Joys & Where We Have Seen God at Work

Sung Response Hymn #628 “Praise, I Will Praise you, Lord”

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

Just as we see your wisdom and glory in the nature around us, God, may we hear your Word for us in the words of these readings, that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may be drawn closer to you. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hebrew Scriptures: Psalm 19 p. 673-674

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

Children’s Moment

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a p. 233-234

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

Gospel Reading: Luke 4:14-21 p. 84

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

Reflection: “TL 1-23-2022 YC E3 Fulfilling Scripture” ~ Pastor Scott Crane

Please spend several moments in silent reflection

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

* Hymn of Response #772 “Live Into Hope”

* Affirmation of Faith: Summary of the Law, Hymnal p. 36

Our Lord Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Intercessory Prayers of the People

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

Minute for Mission

Invitation to Present our Tithes and Offerings

God is a generous giver of gifts that flow like a river from the fountain of life. Bring tithes and offerings with thanks and praise; for the gifts we give are the gifts of God.

Offertory: “Harmony of the Angels” by J.F. Burgmuller              

* Doxology Hymn #606 (with text below)

Praise, God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Christ, all creatures here below;

Praise Holy Spirit evermore;

Praise Triune God whom we adore.  Amen.

* Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication

God of life and of new life, bless these gifts that we have given that they may further your reign in this world.  Help us, too, to realize that we, our very selves, are instruments of your good in the world. We ask for the wisdom and the strength to carry out your love.  In the name of Jesus, we pray the prayer he taught his disciples, saying:

* The Lord’s Prayer “…debts… debtors…”

SENDING

* Closing Hymn #769 “For Everyone Born”

* Charge

The Spirit is still at work among us, disciples of Christ; sending us to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to those in all manner of captivities, to be healers and forces for good and freedom against all oppression.  So, go boldly as disciples, trusting in the Spirit’s guidance.

* Benediction

“Deep Peace…”

* Congregational Song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Lyrics found on the inside front cover of the hymnal. Bathrooms and a diaper changing station are located in the Fellowship Hall.  Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments and conversation after worship.

Questions for Reflection

The Hebrew Scripture passage from Isaiah (61:1) that Jesus refers to in his first sermon in his home town of Nazareth – what some have called his “mission statement” – was a time set aside every fifty years to forgive financial debt and redistribute the land among the people. Why do you think God envisioned a year of Jubilee, and what might that look like in our world today?

Household Prayer: Morning

Holy One, thank you for the gift of this new day. Help me to stay attentive to your creation and mindful of your teachings as I travel through it. Empower me to see and spread the good news of your grace for all people. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Holy One, thank you for the gift of today.  Thank you for all the ways that I saw your glory beyond speech and words this day. As I drift to sleep this night, draw me closer to you, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.