Worship - October 26, 2003

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
October 26, 2003
Worship 10:00 am Sunday School for all ages 11:15 am

"May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves." (Psalms 126:5-6)

Morning Praise (9:45 am)
Announcements
Prelude

Call to Worship Jeremiah 31:7-9

*Hymn "Come, we that love the Lord" 14

*Lord's Prayer (unison)

Scripture Mark 10:46-52

Response "Christ, we do all adore thee" 105
(Children come forward as we sing)

For Children "Wishbone"

Hymn (vs. 1-2) "Healer of our every ill" 377
(Pre-schoolers leave for playful worship)

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

Hymn (vs. 3-4) "Healer of our every ill" 377
(words, listen to the music)

Pastoral Prayer

Returning our Tithes and Offerings Hebrews 7:25

Offertory

Scripture in song "Psalm 126"

Message "Sowing in tears, reaping in joy"

*Hymn "In the bulb there is a flower" 614

*Benediction Psalm 126:5 (unison in song)

Scripture Psalm 126

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Call to Worship
Jeremiah 31:7-9
(each spoken immediately after the one before)

1 - Thus says the LORD...

2 - the LORD says thus:

1 - "Sing aloud...

2 - Sing aloud - with gladness

1 - gladness for Jacob,

2 - and raise shouts"

1 - yes, not whimpers, but shouts,

2 - "shouts for the chief of the nations;

1 - proclaim,

2 - give praise,

1 - and say, �Save, O LORD, your people,

2 - Save the remnant of Israel.�"

1 - Thus says the LORD...

2 - the LORD says thus:

1 - "See,

2 - look with the eyes of faith,

1 - behold,

2 - I am going to bring them from the land of the north,

1 - and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,

2 - among them the blind and the lame,

1 - those with child and those in labor,

2 - together; a great company,

1 - they shall return here.

2 - With weeping they shall come,

1 - and with consolations I will lead them back,

2 - I will let them walk by brooks of water,

1 - in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;

2 - for I have become a father to Israel,

1 - and Ephraim is my firstborn."

2 - Thus says the LORD...

1 - (pause) Come, you who love the Lord. Stand if you are able
                 and sing aloud with gladness. Let your joys be known.
                 God�s people are heading home.

Lord's Prayer

Let us join as one voice and pray the prayer Jesus taught, saying:

Our Father which 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.

For Children
"Wishbone"

Synopsis - Using a wishbone, we focus upon "the difference between wishing for something ... and praying for something." The story of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) becomes a guide. Concluding words: "It�s fun to make wishes with wishbones or to wish on the first evening star or on birthday candles we�ve blown out. But when it comes to counting on someone�being absolutely certain of something�it�s important to put our faith in the One who will never fail us. Put your faith in Jesus." End with prayer.

taken from Sitting on the Rainbow, by Ruth Gilmore, pp. 118-119.
buy the book for the complete message.

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Returning our Tithes and Offerings
Hebrews 7:25

In the book of Hebrews it says that Jesus Christ, our true high priest, "is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." With this assurance, we have just prayed. With this assurance, we return our offerings to God just now. Please pray with me.

Lord God, what we give in the following moments is our response to what you have already given. Thank you for reaching out to us through your Son, Jesus - through him bridging the gap which separates us from you. We trust in your constant presence. You are at work in this world! May these offerings be part of that work. In the name of the One who is not dead, but is alive and active, Amen.

Will the ushers now come forward to receive our offerings?

Scripture in song
"Psalm 126"

Preface: Psalm 126 "is the voice of Pilgrims to Jerusalem who have come to remember the restoration of Zion and seek the renewal of the people of the Lord" (Mays, p. 399). As you listen to this "Song of Ascents," put to music by Pastor Pete, think of those who recently have been sowing tears more than reaping joy. Perhaps this is someone in a distant land, or an acquaintance of yours. Maybe this person is you. Regardless, may the promise in this psalm ring out for all to hear. You are invited, when prompted, to join in the song, one verse of which is printed in your bulletin at the end of the order of worship (see below). May the Lord bless the singing of this Word.

(though the song is not online, to words to Psalm 126 are)

Benediction
Psalm 126:5 (unison in song)