ORDER OF WORSHIP – July 5, 2020
Online Communion: The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly (PCUSA) has granted permission for congregations to celebrate Holy Communion online while the current public health restrictions on large gatherings are in place. If you would like to participate in the communion, please prepare in advance your own form of bread and cup.
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WORDS OF WELCOME
ACCLAMATION AND CALL TO WORSHIP
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, when we walk away from those in need, forgive us. When we condone evil, prejudice, and racism, forgive us. When we do not listen to the cries of the oppressed, forgive us. When our allegiance to nation is greater than our allegiance to your Kingdom, forgive us. Set us free by the power of your Spirit to love you above all else, and to love others as we love ourselves. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Samuel 8:1-9, 19-22 read by Aliyah Kennedy
MUSIC
GOSPEL READING: Luke 22:24-30
SERMON: “Country of Origin?” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“Jesus said, ‘I confer on you, as my Father conferred on me, a kingdom…’”
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation to the Table
Great Thanksgiving
Prayers of Intercession
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven: hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they 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.
Words of Institution and Communion of the People
CLOSING PRAYER, CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – June 21, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
ACCLAMATION AND CALL TO WORSHIP
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, you love us without condition and call us to love others in the same way. When we walk away from those in need, forgive us. When we condone evil, prejudice, and racism, forgive us. When we do not listen to the cries of the oppressed, forgive us. Forgive us, mighty God, and liberate us from the evil that divides humanity. Set us free to love you with all our heart and mind and strength, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, the Risen One. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
SCRIPTURE READING: Genesis 4:25-26, 5:1-8 read by Morgan Jenkins
MUSIC
GOSPEL READING: Luke 2:22-24, 39-40
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SERMON: “An Encouraging Word for Mr. Nobody” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“And the Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said of him…”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – June 14, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
ACCLAMATION AND CALL TO WORSHIP
OPENING PRAYER
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 1:12-26
read by Tim Tavcar
MUSIC
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 10:1-8
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SERMON: “God Takes Risks!” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“So they cast lots and the lot fell on Matthias.”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – June 7, 2020
Online Communion: The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly (PCUSA) has granted permission for congregations to celebrate Holy Communion online while the current public health restrictions on large gatherings are in place. If you would like to participate in the communion, please prepare in advance your own form of bread and cup.
Click here for PDF version or follow along using tabs below.
WORDS OF WELCOME
ACCLAMATION OF PRAISE TO OUR TRIUNE GOD
MUSIC
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, you love us without condition and call us to love others in the same way. When we walk away from those in need, forgive us. When we condone evil, prejudice, and racism, forgive us. When we do not listen to the cries of the oppressed, forgive us. Forgive us, mighty God, and liberate us from the evil that divides humanity. Set us free to love you with all our heart and mind and strength, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, the Risen One. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 5:1-11
read by Zoe Harper
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 10:26-31
SERMON: “Secrets Shouted from the Housetops” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“There is no secret that will not become known. . .”
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
Great Thanksgiving
Prayer of Consecration and Words of Institution
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven: hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they 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.
Communion of the People
Prayer following Communion
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – May 31, 2020
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SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Corinthians 12:3-14
SERMON: “The Spirit’s Gifts for the Common Good” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“There are varieties of gifts and services but one God who activates them in everyone.”
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from “A Brief Statement of Faith” Presbyterian Church, USA)
In a broken and fearful world, the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, peace, and freedom. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives. All glory be to the One, Triune God — Creator, Redeemer, and Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
MUSIC
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – May 24, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
MUSIC
UNISON CONFESSION
Lord, you know our needs before we ask, including our need to be forgiven for regrettable things done and left undone, and our need to be set free from the weight of guilt and remorse. Forgive us when we struggle to trust your guidance and your promise to provide our needs. Some of us are captive to life-diminishing fear and addictions, bigoted attitudes, and self-serving commitments. Grant us a humble and contrite spirit that depends on your help. Forgive us and set us free to begin again, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S PARDON
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 1:6-11
read by Beverly Whitmore
GOSPEL READING: Luke 24:45-53
SERMON: “Not Just ‘Goodbye,’ but ‘God Be with You’” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“While Jesus was blessing them, he withdrew and was carried into heaven.”
MUSIC
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – May 17, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
MUSIC
SCRIPTURE READING: John 14:15-27, 16:12-15
read by Dr. Sheryl Buckley
SERMON: “When You Don’t Know Which ‘Way’ Is Up” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“The Helper, the Spirit will remind you of all that I have said and taught.”
MUSIC
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – May 10, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
EASTER ACCLAMATION
I am the Good Shepherd, says the Lord.
I know my sheep and they know me.
Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia, amen!
OPENING PRAYER
MUSIC
UNISON CONFESSION
Merciful God, from you we can hide nothing. You love us and will not let us go. Like a father who welcomes a wayward son, like a mother who will not forsake her child, you are always faithful and true. Into your gracious mercies we commend our sins and the pain we have caused in the name of Jesus, the Risen Christ. Help us to die to sin and rise again to new life. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
SCRIPTURE READING: John 10:11-15, 21:15-19
SERMON: “Needed: Auxiliary Shepherds” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“Peter answered Jesus, ‘Lord, you know I love you!’ ‘Then feed and tend my sheep.’”
MUSIC
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – May 3, 2020
Online Communion: The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly (PCUSA) has granted permission for congregations to celebrate Holy Communion online while the current public health restrictions on large gatherings are in place. If you would like to participate in the communion, please prepare in advance your own form of bread and cup.
Click here for PDF version or follow along using tabs below.
WORDS OF WELCOME AND EASTER ACCLAMATION
Blessed are those who have not seen but have come to believe. Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia, amen!
OPENING PRAYER
MUSIC
UNISON CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
SCRIPTURE READING: John 10:1-10
SERMON: “When We Aren’t Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“The sheep hear the shepherd’s voice and he calls them by name…”
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercessions
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven: hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they 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.
Words of Institution
(Following the breaking of the bread and blessing of the cup, online participants may partake of their own communion elements.)
MUSIC FOR HOLY COMMUNION
CLOSING PRAYER, CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – April 26, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
EASTER ACCLAMATION
Blessed are those who have not seen but have come to believe. Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia, amen!
OPENING PRAYER
MUSIC
SCRIPTURE READING: John 21:1-14
SERMON: “When Your Net Comes Up Empty” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“Children, you haven’t caught
any fish, have you?”
MUSIC
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – April 19, 2020
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WORDS OF WELCOME
EASTER ACCLAMATION
Blessed are those who have not seen but have come to believe. Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia, amen!
OPENING PRAYER
MUSIC
SCRIPTURE READING: John 20:19-31
SERMON: “ Evidence of a Resurrected Life ” by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“If you forgive someone their sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive, the sins remain.”
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God; preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, and forgiving sinners. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and political sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. But God raised Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil and delivering us from death to life eternal. Amen.
MUSIC
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
ORDER OF WORSHIP – April 12, 2020
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MUSIC
EASTER ACCLAMATIONS
Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
ORGAN HYMN OF PRAISE
“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
Dr. Ruth Draper
WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYER
SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 28:1-10
SERMON: “Going Back to Your Galilee”
by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
“Jesus told the women: ‘Do not be afraid! Tell my brothers that I will see them again in Galilee.’”
MUSIC
“All Creatures of Our God and King”
arr. Mark Hayes
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
by the Rev. Dr. Cinda Gorman
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
MUSIC
“Toccata” (Organ Symphony No. 5) Charles-Marie Widor
ORDER OF WORSHIP – April 9, 2020
Online Communion: The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly (PCUSA) has granted permission for congregations to celebrate Holy Communion online while the current public health restrictions on large gatherings are in place. If you would like to participate in the communion, please prepare in advance your own form of bread and cup.
Click here for PDF version or follow along using tabs below.
Welcome to the Maundy Thursday Liturgy
Opening Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
Remembering the Last Supper
The night he was arrested, Jesus and the disciples were together in an “upper room” for the annual Passover meal. At the end of the special supper, Jesus broke and blessed bread, and told them to remember him when they ate together. He also blessed the cup and said that they should thereafter consider it the sign of his blood that would seal the new covenant between God and the world.
Scripture Reading – Mark 14:32-52
After the supper, Jesus prays in Gethsemane while the disciples sleep. Judas brings soldiers.
Candle Extinguished
Music – Stay with Me (virtual choir)
Scripture Reading – Luke 22:66-71, 23:1-5, 13-25
Jesus is examined by the Chief Priests and then taken to Pilate, the Roman governor.
Candles Extinguished
Music – Were You There (vs. 1)
Scripture Reading – Mark 15:16-32
Pilate’s soldiers mock Jesus and then crucify him at “the place of the skull.”
Music – Were You There (vs. 2)
Candles Extinguished
Scripture Reading – John 19:38-42
Jesus breathes his last.The body is removed from the cross and placed in a tomb.
Candles Extinguished
Cross Is Draped Signifying Christ’s Saving Death
Music – Were You There (vs. 3)
Christ Candle Remains Signifying Hope of Resurrection
ORDER OF WORSHIP – April 5, 2020
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PALM PROCESSION
“Many people spread their cloaks on the road and others waved palm branches…”
ORGAN HYMN
“All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
Dr. Ruth Draper, organ
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION TO THE PALM SUNDAY LITURGY
PRAYER FOR PALM SUNDAY
SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 11:1-11
As Jesus and the disciples approach Jerusalem, he sends two of them into Bethany to find a donkey which he intends to ride into the city as the Passover Festival begins. If someone questions them they are to say ‘the master needs it.’
PASTOR’S REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURE READING by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
The borrowed donkey and its generous owner are another example of God’s provision. God will provide whatever is needed to accomplish God’s good purposes.
PRAYERS OF PEOPLE
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
ORDER OF WORSHIP – March 29, 2020
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WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
ACCLAMATION
Brothers and sisters, God is with us!
We are not alone!
Let us pray…
OPENING PRAYER
MUSIC
INVITATION TO CONFESSION AND TIME OF CENTERING SILENCE
RESPONSIVE CONFESSION
Merciful God, we have sinned in what we have thought and said and in what we have done and left undone.
Forgive us, O Lord, and set us free.
We have sinned in ignorance, in weakness, and in deliberate choice.
Forgive us, O Lord, and set us free.
We have withheld help, kindness, resources and compassion.
Forgive us, O Lord, and set us free.
We have not loved you above all else.
Forgive us, O Lord, and set us free.
We ask this in the name of the One who seeks and saves the lost, even Jesus Christ.
Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
SCRIPTURE READING: John 11:1-6, 17-44
PASTOR’S REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURE READING by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from Romans 8)
Brothers and sisters, let us reaffirm our faith:
We believe that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; for we know that all things can work together for good for those who love God and are called according to God’s good purposes. We are convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
PRAYERS OF PEOPLE
The online congregation may respond to the pastor’s petition:
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
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.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
ORDER OF WORSHIP – March 22, 2020
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Welcome and Introduction
Acclamation
Brothers and sisters, God is with us!
We are not alone!
Let us pray…
Opening Prayer
Music
Music is provided by Dr. Ruth Draper, Director of Music and Laura VanDale, soloist
Invitation to Confession and Time of Centering Silence
Responsive Confession
For failing to love others as you have loved us,
Forgive us, O Lord, and set us free.
For wasting your gifts and hoarding money and resources,
Forgive us, O Lord, and set us free.
For fearing those who are different and ignoring those in need,
Forgive us, O Lord, and set us free.
We offer this confession in the name of the One who seeks and saves the lost, even Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Words of Assurance
Scripture Reading: John 9:1-41
Jesus gives sight to a man who was blind from birth, which then raised old and tightly held theological issues among the people and angry objections from the religious authorities.
Pastor’s Reflection on the Scripture Reading by The Rev. Dr. James Butler
Jesus healed a man blind from birth and assured his disciples that suffering of any kind should not be attributed to divine punishment. All of which angered the religious teachers.
Affirmation of Faith (from Romans 8)
Brothers and sisters, let us reaffirm our faith:
We believe that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; for we know that all things can work together for good for those who love God and are called according to God’s good purposes. We are convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Music
Prayers of People
The online congregation may respond to the pastor’s petition:
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
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.
Charge and Benediction