Third Sunday after Pentecost
June 30, 2019
Chiming of the Hour
Welcome
Joys and Concerns | Silent Prayer
Prelude: Processional On Eternal Father Charles Callahan
Call to Worship
Introit: #382 Heaven Is Singing for Joy
An Independence Day Reflection
One: Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her. For thus says YHWH: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bodies shall flourish like the grass; and it shall be known that the hand of YHWH is with all who give themselves wholly to the Holy One. (from Isaiah 66)
All (sung): O beautiful for spacious skies,
for amber waves of grain,
for purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain:
America! America!
God grant that we may be
a sisterhood and brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.
One: God of love and mercy,
Many: You have lavished your creative wonder on this land, entrusting us with an abundance of natural beauty and resources.
Lord, may we always remember that this earth is yours and we are its caretakers.
We have partly treasured, but also greatly abused your creation. Give us the strength of will to correct our ways, Holy One, that we may use what you have given us with care and thanksgiving.
(Sung) O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
whose stern, impassioned stress
a thoroughfare for freedom beat
across the wilderness:
America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
confirm thy soul in self-control,
thy liberty in law.
God of love and mercy,
You shower us with mercy and not condemnation, with love and not hate, with acceptance and not fear.
Lord, may we always remember that righteousness is more than law: it is your love, reflected in our living.
Give us the wisdom to perceive when for good or ill we have failed to live into your promise of a beloved community. Grant us the courage of our pilgrim ancestors’ best vision, to challenge every injustice with the wisdom we learn from you.
(Sung) O beautiful for heroes proved
in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved,
and mercy more than life:
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
’til all success be nobleness,
and ev’ry gain divine.
God of love and mercy,
You have filled this nation with peoples from all races and cultures, blending us into a country blessed with diversity and strength.
Lord, remind us that patriotism, courage, and love of country are qualities we all share, whether our families have been here for generations or have just arrived.
Open our eyes to the subtleties of prejudice that place limits on our understanding of neighbor, stranger, and newcomer to our land. Open our hearts and minds that we may perceive and honor and welcome you in every person.
(Sung) O beautiful for patriot dream
that sees beyond the years
thine alabaster cities gleam,
undimmed by human tears:
America! America!
God shed full grace on thee:
a nation blessed with none oppressed,
true land of liberty.
God of love and mercy,
You have blessed us with the vision of a holy city, where everyone who loves, belongs. May we live for your vision, and make it our own.
Instill in us the humility which comes with the knowledge that we have done nothing to deserve the blessings we have, but they come as your unearned gift to all people.
Correct us and direct us and enlighten us, that we may be servants to the world and to all peoples. We ask this in Jesus’ name, who is our God yet servant to all: Amen.
(Sung) America! America!
God grant that we may be
a sisterhood and brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.
Responsive Psalter: Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
One: I cry out to my Creator,
Many: I cry out, that God may hear me.
In the day of my distress I seek the Holy One;
In the night I stretch out my hand without wearying;
And my soul refuses to be comforted.
I will call to mind the deeds of the Almighty;
I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will recall all Your work, and recount Your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is the way of holiness.
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
You have displayed Your might among the peoples.
With Your mighty arm You released Your people from oppression,
The descendants of our ancestors.
When the waters saw You, O God,
When the waters saw You, they were afraid;
The very depths trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
The skies resounded with thunder;
Your arrows flashed on every side.
Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind;
Your lightning lit up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.
Your path led through the sea,
Your way, through the mighty waters;
Yet Your footprints were unseen.
You led Your people like a flock,
Holding the hands of our liberators.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:13-18, 22-23
✠ Hymn: #377 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
HOUSTON
Offering of our Gifts
Musical Offering: A Simple Song Leonard Bernstein
Andrea Bargabos, soprano
✠ Doxology: #609 LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known:
Creator, Word and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Unison Prayer of Dedication
Holy One, gift giver: all that we have is yours. We are stewards of your bounty, recipients of your grace. Our lives are blessed by the richness you have poured out. Here we offer tokens of our gratitude, praying that our own giving will honor you and serve our neighbors. We ask it in Jesus’ name: Amen.
✠ Hymn: #825 Swing Low, Sweet Chariot SWING LOW
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-14
(Pg. 412 in the Hebrew Scripture in the pew Bible)
Sermon: “Ask For It” Pastor John Nelson
Pastoral Prayer| Silent Prayer | Lord’s Prayer
Prayer Response (all): #382 Heaven Is Singing for Joy
Benediction
Postlude: Psalm XIX Benedetto Marcello
(✠ The congregation may stand.)