for Sunday, 8 March 2009, post #3

Liturgy

Call to Worship
Pilgrims, we are invited to journey through this season of Lent
towards the One who calls us each by a new name.
Disciples, we walk with Jesus 
wherever he leads us,
pulling our fears, our doubts, 
our longings behind us.
Believers, we seek to trust the God who always surprises us,
whose promises take on flesh and blood in the good news called Jesus. (Thom Shuman)*

Prayer of Approach (in unison)
Though people may turn their backs on us,
you do not hide your face from us.
Though others may try to take away our hope,
you assure us of that future waiting for us.
You speak your name, Inscrutable Creator,
and it is enough.

When we try to dictate our fears to you,
you invite us to follow you into self-denial and service.
As we struggle to shape our lifestyle to yours,
you carry us with you wherever we go.
You speak your good news, Teacher of open hearts,
and it is enough.

Though we have done nothing to earn them,
you pour out the gifts of grace and mercy upon us.
When we stumble over our lack of trust,
you set us back on our feet, to follow you into your realm.
You speak your peace, Breath of Holiness,
and it is enough.
God in Community, Holy in One,
it is enough that you hear us even as we pray.
Amen. (Thom Shuman)*

Following the Prayer of Approach & the Time of Silence, Karen will read the Genesis passage.

* The Call to Worship and Prayer of Approach are found on the worship blog of Rev. Thom Shuman here.

for Sunday, 8 March 2009, post #2

Hymnody

Here is the music for this week:

• The God of Abraham Praise, Chalice Hymnal # 24
• Why Stand So Far Away, My God?, Chalice Hymnal # 671
• The Church of Christ, in Every Age, Chalice Hymnal # 475

Also, let's do the sung response for the Psalm found on page 732. The Psalm words will be on an insert, but we'll sing that response. (The Chalice Hymnal didn't include all the verses for this week's Psalm. It's the one thing that drives me a little crazy about our hymnal.)

I'll have the liturgy up soon.

for Sunday, 8 March 2009, post #1a

Correction:

I reversed two of our worship leaders for this Sunday.

Karen Jolliffe is the liturgist.
Allen Foster is the elder.

Sorry for any confusion.

for Sunday, 8 March 2009, post #1

This is the 2nd Sunday in Lent

Lectionary readings:

• Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16--God changes Abram's & Sarai's names
  
• Psalm 22:23-31--A hymn of praise to a God who feeds the poor
  
• Romans 4:13-25--An example of faith as see in Abraham, echoing the Genesis passage
  
• Mark 8:31-38--Jesus speaks of his coming death & resurrection, rebukes Peter, and tells the crowd about the difficulties of being his follower
  

Worship Leaders:

• Liturgist: Allen Foster
• Elder: Karen Jolliffe
• Communion Bread Provider: Ann Willard
• Music Leader: Lisa Haley
• Accompanist: Ann Willard
• Preacher: Gerry Brague

I'll have hymns and liturgical elements up as soon as I get them. Please check back later in the week.