Worship - September 29, 2002

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
September 29, 2002
Worship 10:00 am Sunday School for all ages 11:15 am

When Jesus entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"
(Matthew 21:23)

Call to Worship Philippians 2:1-11

*Hymn "Praise him, praise him!" 100

*Opening Prayer

Special Music                                                                             Alleluia Choir
                         "Books of the Old Testament"                - Nipp
                         "What Does the Lord Require of You?" - Stern
                                         (based on Micah 6:8)
                         "Thy Word" (based on Psalm 119:105)          - Smith

Junior Youth Invitation

Sharing a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise

Hymn "O Master, let me walk with thee" 357
(children leave for choir or pre-school play)

Pastoral Prayer

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

*Response "Grant us, Lord, the grace" 388

*Dedication Prayer Psalm 25:4-7

Scripture Matthew 21:23-32

Message "By what authority?"

*Hymn "Lord of the Dance" (see insert)

*Benediction

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Opening Prayer

Blessed be your name, O Lord, for in Christ you have paved the way of salvation. May your Word be like a lamp to our feet as we seek to follow. Help us this hour to "work out," to bring to the surface of our lives, the salvation that you have "worked in" through what Jesus did upon the cross for us - that we, through the power of your Holy Spirit, may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you. This we pray mindful of the name which is above every name, confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Do you recall the second song our children sang this morning. The verse it quoted from the prophet Micah begins with these words: "God has told you, O mortal, what is good..." It then goes on to ask a question, the answer to which has already been spoken. "And what does the Lord require of you?..." Like a father who has already told his son what needs to be done, Micah reiterates the task - "do justice, love tenderness, walk humbly before your God."
Have you already heard what God requires of you? When you first heard, did you respond with a "yes" or a "no"? How about today? Is your "yes" still a "yes"? Or, is your "no" still a "no"? Ponder this as you return your offering. Will the ushers come forward to serve.

Dedication Prayer is simply Psalm 25:4-7