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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.)
Our pianist today is Teresa Wilhelmi.
Prelude
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. Gregg Neel
Here in this place, with these people,
we come to worship the living God.
In you, O God, we hope;
in you, Creator of love, we live.
Here in this sacred space, we are invited to the Table of Joy.
In you, Christ of the Way, we rejoice;
in you, dear Brother, grace is as near as your heart.
Here on this day we are filled with the peace of God.
In you, O Spirit, we find our path;
in you, Teacher of hope, we learn to serve. Let us worship.
*Hymn #804 “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” marion
Rejoice, ye pure in heart!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Your festal banner wave on high,
the cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Rejoice! Rejoice!
With voice as full and strong
as ocean’s surging praise,
send forth the sturdy hymns of old,
the psalms of ancient days.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Yes, on through life’s long path,
still chanting as ye go,
from youth to age, by night and day,
in gladness and in woe:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Rejoice! Rejoice!
At last the march shall end;
the wearied ones shall rest;
the pilgrims find their home at last,
Jerusalem the blest.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Then on, ye pure in heart!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Your festal banner wave on high,
the cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
Rejoice! Rejoice!
*Invitation to Confession The Rev. Eileen Parfrey
Called to have the same mind as Christ, we spend too much time thinking about ways which then lead us astray. But, if we confess our sins, God will forgive us and strengthen us to be Christ’s siblings. Let us first confess in silence.
*Silent Prayer
*Unison Prayer of Confession
You would call us to your feast, Inviting God, but our busy lives keep us from responding. You remember every word we utter, every prayer we whisper, but we forget all the little ways you care for us. You would make your gentleness known through us, but we lash out in anger and fear towards others. Forgive us, God of all hope; help us to remember your Servant, Jesus Christ. In him, we can live in your way. Through him, we can learn the dreams you have for us. With him, we can open our arms and embrace all the people we meet.
*Assurance of Forgiveness
As we are forgiven by God, we can begin to reflect on all those ways in which we can live justly, act honorably, love completely. This is indeed good news for us.
When we are open to God, we are fed with grace, and nourished with joy, so we may go and bring hope and peace. 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 Philippians 4:1-9 Rev. Gregg Neel
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Moments with Children Rev. Junha Kim
Anthem “Grazioso” Arnold Sherman
Westminster Concert Bells
Sermon “Whatever…with God” Rev. Gregg Neel
A Moment for Silent Reflection
An Act of Response
*Hymn #821 “My Life Flows On” how can i keep from singing
(Third verse a cappella)
My life flows on in endless song,
above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the clear, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die?
I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
Sharing Joys & Concerns Rev. Eileen Parfrey
(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.
Community Moment Indigenous People’s Day
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 “Rondo Passacaglia” Cynthia Dobrinsky
Westminster Concert Bells
*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 #22 “God of the Sparrow” roeder
God of the sparrow
God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature say Awe
How does the creature say Praise
God of the earthquake
God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature cry Woe
How does the creature cry Save
God of the rainbow
God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say Grace
How does the creature say Thanks
God of the hungry
God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say Care
How does the creature say Life
God of the neighbor
God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature say Love
How does the creature say Peace
God of the ages
God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children say Joy
How do your children say Home
*Benediction Congregation
(We will be using the song “From This House” provided by Music Makes Community in
September and October. It is a call and response song. This benediction encourages us to serve outside the walls of Westminster.)
“From this house to the world we will go hand in hand.
The way of peace, the way of freedom, the way of hope.”
*Postlude
(You may be seated for the postlude or you may depart.)
Liturgy written by Thom Shuman, https://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/