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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 “Chorale Prelude: ‘Ich Ruf’ Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ’” J.S. Bach
“Prelude on DEO GRACIAS” Healey Willan
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. Junha Kim
Seek the Lord! Seek God in the wilderness.
Seek God in the sanctuary.
Seek God in the burning bush.
Seek God in the burning heart.
The Lord is here! This place is holy!
We are standing on holy ground.
*Hymn #14 “For the Beauty of the Earth” dix
For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower,
sun and moon, and stars of light:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind’s delight,
for the mystic harmony
linking sense to sound and sight:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For thyself, best gift divine
to the world so freely given;
for that great, great love of thine,
peace on earth and joy in heaven:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
*Invitation to Confession
Sin casts us out into the cold, but the warmth of God’s forgiveness welcomes us back. Trusting in God’s love, let us confess our sins to God.
*Silent Prayer
*Unison Prayer of Confession
God of wonders, we confess that we do not understand why you call us when we are scared, clumsy, busy or flawed. We confess that we think we know better than you do who is qualified to do your work. Forgive our fears and excuses and self-doubts. Lend us your fire and your strength, as we go about the work of serving our neighbors, building up your church, loving your children, and tending to the scorched places of our world. Help us to burn for you, without burning up or burning out. Give us a purpose and the courage to pursue it. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
*Assurance of Forgiveness
Hear the good news! New life rises from the ashes. In Christ, you are invited to all that is good.
In Christ, we are made whole; in Christ, we are forgiven. Alleluia!
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 Romans 12:9-21 Rev. Brian Ellison
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Moments with Children Rev. Gregg Neel
Anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” Rodgers and Hammerstein
Ethan Reviere
Sermon “Love, Love, Love” Rev. Brian Ellison
A Moment for Silent Reflection
An Act of Response
*Hymn “Love Astounding” holy manna
From Songs for the Holy Other
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 Women’s Retreat Eliz Roser & Leslie Carver
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 “En Priere” Gabriel Faure
Christina Mata
If the voice of a child can reach You,
O my Father,
Listen to the prayer of Jesus, on his knees before You!
If You have chosen me to teach your laws
on earth,
I will know how to serve You, noble King of kings,
O Light!
On my lips, Lord, place the salutary
truth,
In order that he who doubts should with humility
revere You!
Do not abandon me, give me
the necessary gentleness,
To ease suffering, to relieve sorrow,
the misery!
Reveal Yourself to me, Lord, in whom I believe
and hope:
For You I wish to suffer and to die on the cross,
at Calvary!
*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 #307 “God of Grace and God of Glory” cwm rhonda
God of grace and God of glory,
on thy people pour thy power;
crown thine ancient church’s story;
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
Cure thy children’s warring madness;
bend our pride to thy control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal,
lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.
Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore.
Let the gift of thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving thee whom we adore,
serving thee whom we adore.
*Benediction Rev. Brian Ellison
*Postlude “Toccata in D minor” Max Reger
(You may be seated for the postlude or you may depart.)
Rev. Brian Ellison
Brian Ellison has served since 2012 as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, leading its mission of strengthening the Church through equipping and engagement, advocating and educating for the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the Church’s life and leadership.
Brian also serves as stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. He has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery. He has previously served the national Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in numerous roles, including as moderator of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment and the Stated Clerk Review/Nomination Committee. His writing on matters of faith and theology has appeared in numerous church and independent publications.
A graduate of Harvard University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Brian also is a host and senior news analyst at NPR affiliate KCUR-FM. He and his partner, Troy Lillebo, live in Kansas City with their two dogs, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.
Brian is available for working with congregations, councils and groups of interested Presbyterians about inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people, fostering and navigating difficult conversations, organizing and advocating for transformation, and on the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and its mission. Contact him at brian@covnetpres.org.