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(Welcome to worship today. Bold responses are spoken by the congregation. Note that an * indicates when all are invited to rise in body or in spirit.)
Prelude “Prelude; Ostinato; Waltz; Rondeau” from Suite Antique J. Rutter
Gail Gillespie, flute; Leslie Lehmann, piano
Greetings and Announcements Rev. Gregg Neel
This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
An Act of Praise
*Westminster Chimes
*Invitation to Worship Rev. Eileen Parfrey
Here we can come together,
people searching for healing and hope:
here we are met by the One
who would bless us with abundant life.
Here we are called to gather
as the family of God:
we may find those who are strangers,
yet are beloved siblings of ours.
Here we discover the truth that God
makes no distinctions among us:
here we are welcomed and embraced
by the One whose arms are open to all.
*Hymn #320 “The Church of Christ in Every Age” wareham
The church of Christ in every age,
beset by change but Spirit-led,
must claim and test its heritage
and keep on rising from the dead.
Across the world, across the street,
the victims of injustice cry
for shelter and for bread to eat,
and never live before they die.
Then let the servant church arise,
a caring church that longs to be
a partner in Christ’s sacrifice,
and clothed in Christ’s humanity.
For Christ alone, whose blood was shed,
can cure the fever in our blood,
and teach us how to share our bread
and feed the starving multitude.
We have no mission but to serve
in full obedience to our Lord;
to care for all, without reserve,
and spread his liberating word.
*Invitation to Confession Rev. Junha Kim
Our words, our deeds, our lives build barriers between us and others, between us and God. But God would shatter every distinction; God would reshape us as new people. Let us come to the One who loves us and longs to forgive us. Let us first confess our sins in silence.
*Silent Prayer
*Unison Prayer of Confession
We admit, God, that we have difficulties living as your children. We could live in unity, but our words fracture relationships with family and friends. We have been shown the way to your kindom, but turn into blind guides when asked for directions by others. When we could offer others the oil of peace, we hand them the vinegar of despair and rejection.
Have mercy on us. When you call to us, may we listen with open ears, understand with embracing hearts, and share your grace with others, even as we have been graced by Jesus Christ. Amen.
*Assurance of Forgiveness
Hear the good news for you: God has provided hope for you, filling you with joy, with mercy, with peace.
As mercy leads to mercy, we will take these gifts to share with the world. Thanks be to God. Amen.
*The Passing of the Peace
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
An Act of Proclamation
The Scripture Reading Isaiah 56: 1 Rev. Gregg Neel
Thus says the Lord:
Maintain justice, and do what is right,
for soon my salvation will come,
and my deliverance be revealed.
Isaiah 56: 6-8
And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord,
to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it,
and hold fast my covenant—
these I will bring to my holy mountain,
and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house shall be called a house of prayer
for all peoples.
Thus says the Lord God,
who gathers the outcasts of Israel,
I will gather others to them
besides those already gathered.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Moments with Children Here and Now and Small and Close Rev. Eileen Parfrey
Anthem “Aria,” Suite Antique J. Rutter
Sermon “The Prophets Can Be Exhausting: Big Changes” Rev. Gregg Neel
A Moment for Silent Reflection
An Act of Response
*Hymn #301 “Let Us Build a House: All Are Welcome” two oaks
vv. 1 & 2
Sharing Joys & Concerns Rev. Junha Kim
(At the conclusion of spoken joys, let us pray together, “Thanks be to you, O God.”
For concerns, let us make them our own by praying, “Lord, hear our prayer.”)
Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts
(Text 73256 the word WESTPRESPDX to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply.
If you’re new to Westminster, please let us know by filling out a pink visitor card and dropping it in the offering plate. Thank you.)
Offertory Anthem “Chanson,” Suite Antique J. Rutter
*Doxology – Hymn #606
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
-OR-
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Hymn #301 ““Let Us Build a House: All Are Welcome” two oaks
vv. 3,4, & 5
Let us build a house where love is found
in water, wine and wheat:
a banquet hall on holy ground
where peace and justice meet.
Here the love of God, through Jesus,
is revealed in time and space;
as we share in Christ the feast that frees us.
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
*Benediction Rev. Gregg Neel
*Postlude “This Little Light of Mine” Spiritual, arr. Raney
(You may be seated for the postlude or you may depart.)
There will be no refreshments this Sunday, August 16, in the Great Hall during fellowship time. It’s a perfect opportunity to go out for coffee or lunch with a new Westminster friend!
The book used in our Moments With Children, Here and Now and Small and Close by John Pavlovitz, is used with permission. herenowsmallclose.com