for Sunday, 19 July 2009, post #2

Liturgy

(The words will be on the screen for the congregation.)

Call to Worship
Whether we are strangers or old friends,
God is joining us together in this place.
God's steadfast love is our foundation;
God's faithfulness is with us forever.
Whether we are 'natives' or immigrants,
God is building us together spiritually.
God's steadfast love is our foundation;
God's faithfulness is with us forever.
Whatever walls we try to build between us,
in Christ, God tears them down to build
a household for all of God's people.
God's steadfast love is our foundation;
God's faithfulness is with us forever.

Prayer of Approach
When our lives seem
to trickle along,
you take all our meandering streams,
merging them into that graceful river
flowing to your sea of tranquility.
When we worry so much that
warts pop out on our brains,
you cradle us in the hollow
of your peaceful hand.
Gather us in, God of aliens and strangers.

When we scurry and hurry,
no time to eat, no time to rest,
our lives spinning out of your realm,
you have pity on us,
and nudge us back on
the path of righteousness.
When we want to prattle on,
pointing out all our achievements,
you invite us to join you,
silently re-treating ourselves to humility.
Gather us in, Christ of the near and far off.

When we stand at the rough edge of life,
you stroll over to take us by the hand
to lead us into the inner circle,
dancing with the other saints and sinners.
When we show up for the party,
but don't have the right haircut,
you run up, throw your arms
tight around us, introducing us
to everyone as family.
Gather us in, Welcoming Spirit.

God in Community, Holy in One,
gather us into your heart,
even as we pray...

[Both the Call to Worship and the Prayer of Approach are from Thom Shuman.]

for Sunday, 19 July 2009, post #1

7th Sunday after Pentecost

Worship Leaders:

• Accompanist: Ann Willard
• Music Leader: Lisa Haley
• Liturgist: Phyllis Stowell
  
• Elder: Ann Willard
  
• Communion Provider: Judy Hitt
• Preacher: Gerry Brague

Scripture:

• 2 Samuel 7:1-14a--David is told not to build a temple to God
• Psalm 89:20-37--God confirms the covenant God made with David
• Ephesians 2:11-22--All humanity is joined together in God
• Mark 6:30-34, 53-56--Jesus and the disciples attempt to go away to a quiet place but are foiled

Hymns:

• Come and Find the Quiet Center, CH #575
• It Is Well with My Soul, CH #561
• Come, Risen Lord, CH #397

Liturgy to follow shortly.