for Sunday, 8 February, post #2

Liturgical Elements & Hymnody

Here is the service for Sunday at Chalice. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Hymns:
That Cause Can Never Be Lost or Stayed, Chalice Hymnal # 604
While I Run This Race, African-American Spiritual, either projected or on an insert
Bring Many Names, Chalice Hymnal # 10 (This is the communion hymn--I'm giving it a try to see how it goes. It doesn't directly refer to the Table or Communion but I think, if read in the right light, can lead us there. We'll see.)

Liturgy:
CALL TO WORSHIP (Liturgist reads the plain text and the congregation the bold text.)
Look at the faces of those around you…who do you see?
We see fellow worshipers who have, like us,
come for spiritual connection
and closer relationships.
Look around you again, beyond those sitting here…who do you see?
We see a great cloud of witnesses
who have supported us and cared for us,
always urging us onward.
Look around one more time, behind those saints watching over us…who do you see?
We see God’s Spirit hovering - weaving and dancing among and through all of us, impelling us forward in the race that is before us.
With gratitude and praise, let us worship God.

PRAYER OF APPROACH (prayed in unison)
We know, Creative One, that you call us to movement and action. We tire quickly though at the knowledge of all that is before us. We are winded by the running that being your people entails at times. Give us moments to catch our breath; times when we can quench our thirsts in the quiet waters that you provide. Compel us to keep going, merely placing one foot in front of the other if need be, so we can complete the course that stretches out before us. Stay with us, Loving Friend, and guide us as we seek to do your will.
Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING (done by the liturgist, Loma)
Hebrews 12:1-2a

Later in the service, Loma will invite us to offer our gifts and then pray for the offerings received.

for Sunday, 8 February 2009

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

We are having a guest preacher at Chalice this week: Rev. Dr. Mary Anne Parrott, President of Disciples Seminary Foundation will bring the word to us!

Dr. Parrott has chosen her scripture reading to be Hebrews 12:1-2a and her sermon title (someone who titles her sermons...imagine that!) is "The Race Before Us."

Worship Participants:

Accompanist: Ann Willard
Music Leader: Lisa Haley
Liturgists: Loma Eaves & Gerry Brague
Preacher: Mary Anne Parrott
Elder: Ann Willard
Communion Bread Provider: Myrt Kirby

Mary Anne has selected one hymn to follow her sermon: While I Run this Race, an African-American Spiritual. Gerry & Ann have the music and it will either be copied or projected. (Lisa, let me know if you'd like to see the music for it ahead of time and I'll send you the pdf.)

Other hymns and liturgical elements will be posted here as they are revealed & made known.

Thanks!