Worship - February 23, 2003

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
February 23, 2003
Worship 10:00 am Sunday School for all ages 11:15 am

"For in Jesus Christ every one of God's promises is a ‘Yes.’ For this reason it is through him that we say the ‘Amen,’ to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Morning Praise (9:45 am)
Announcements
Prelude

Call to Worship Isaiah 43:15-21

*Hymn "From all that dwell below the skies" 49

*Opening Prayer

Sharing a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise
(children then leave for choir practice or pre-school play)

Prayer Hymn "Spirit of the living God" 349
(words - music/midi)

Pastoral Prayer

Scripture 2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Message "Yes upon Yes"

Song "Trading my Sorrows" (see insert)
(lyrics/chords music clip midi file)

Introductions and Vows

Congregational Welcome

Shalom! "Look what God is doing" arr. Allen

Baptism

Hymn (vs. 1-3) "Take my life" 389

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

*Hymn (vs. 4-6) "Take my life" 389

*Responsive Benediction 766

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Opening Prayer

Lord God - Holy One, Creator, King;
                    who provides a way today
                              through the sea of doubt
                                    and the wilderness of despair;
                    who is greater than the weapons of mass destruction
                                        of any age;
                    who has formed a people, a people of praise;
          we lift up our voice in song,
                         our heart in joy,
                         our eyes in gratitude,
                         our "Amen" in response to your promise,
                                                            fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
                                        Even today, you "do a new thing."
          As surely as your salvation did "spring forth"
                    and bring home the captives of Israel in Babylon,
                                                            as Isaiah foretold;
          As surely as your Son did "spring forth" from the tomb
                    and save the world through the power of the cross;
          So surely today we anticipate the "new thing"
                    you will accomplish here and now.
          Help us this hour - through your Holy Spirit - to "perceive it."
          This we pray in the name which is above every name. Amen.

(alludes to Isaiah 43:15-21)

Baptismal Vows
(After candidate is introduced to the congregation by a member)

Today you are being received into this community of faith and into the Church of the Brethren. As part of the whole church of Jesus Christ, we offer you our rich heritage and invite you to share fully in our life and mission.
As you are received into the Long Green Valley Church, we intend to be a true family of faith to you. We commit ourselves to be for you a loving fellowship, to be a means of grace in your life, and to offer opportunities for worship, study, and service. One of the happiest times in our life as a church is when new people choose to become members. We welcome you with joy.

Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and do you receive and trust him as your Savior and Lord? (I do.)

Will you turn away from all sin and will you endeavor by God's grace to live according to the example and teachings of Jesus? (I will.)

Will you be loyal to the church, upholding it by your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service? (I will.)

Congregational Welcome

With joy we receive you as part of thus congregation. With you we renew and reaffirm our vows of faith. We promise to surround you with the love and encouragement that will enable you to grow strong in compassion, vigorous in service, and sure in the way of Christ.

*Baptism*
___________, upon your confession of faith made before God and these people, you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
	As each name of the Trinity is spoken, the minister shall immerse the candidate forward, pushing the head gently and fully into the water. Then, laying both hands upon the head of the kneeling person, the minister shall pray:
O God, we are thankful for the commitment made today by (name) May (she/he) experience your forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. Send your Holy Spirit upon (her/him) to guide and to empower. Enable (her/him) to walk in newness of life, using (her/his) gifts in praise to you and in service to others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
	Then the minister shall help the baptized person rise, extend the hand of Christian fellowship, speak a word of blessing, and assist the person in leaving the water.
from *For All Who Minister*, ©1993, Brethren Press, p.137-138.

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

         Our "Amen," our "yes" to God is not the first word, nor is it the last. Our vow to God is a response to God's promise. Without the Lord's faithfulness, how could any vow on our part last? It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we live in Christ....
         As you return your offering, which is part of your "yes" to God today, ponder all the ways you have heard and seen God's "yes" this past week. Pray for the continued ability to live out of this "yes" - for yourself, as well as for these persons we have just baptized. "Take my life, my hands, my voice, my silver and gold, my will, my love, Lord. Let it all be consecrated to thee..."
         Will the ushers now come forward to serve...

Responsive Benediction

Leader: Now may the Lord Jesus bless your soul
                        and strengthen your faith.
              Let this hour of worship grow within you
                        and bear fruit which will remain for life eternal.

People: We will together praise and glorify our God forever.

Hymnal #766, Book of Worship, © 1964 Brethren Press.
by Alexander Mack, Sr., 18th c.,
Rites and Ordinances, 1713,
translated in European Origins of the Brethren,
© 1958 Brethren Press.