Worship - August 13, 2006

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
August 13, 2006
Worship 10:00 am, Sunday School 11:10 am

Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors." (1 Kings 19:4)

Morning Praise (9:45 am)
Announcements
Prelude

Call to Worship

*Hymn "Holy, holy, holy!" 120

*Opening Prayer

Unison Affirmation of faith 717

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

*Response (vs. 1 & 4) "Lord, thou dost love" 387

*Dedication

For Children "Burnt Anger"

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

Learning a song "Dios, Quiero ser como tú" (insert)
(Our younger children leave for Sunday School)

Scripture Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (hum song softly)

Prayer song "Dios, Quiero ser como tú" (insert)

Pastoral Prayer

Scripture 1 Kings 19:4-8

Message "Under a broom tree"

*Hymn "How firm a foundation" 567

*Benediction

*Postlude

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Call to Worship
Psalm 34:1-8, NRSV

1 - From the 34^th Psalm - words to call us to worship.
2 - Tradition says King David wrote these words
1 - "when he feigned madness before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away."
2 - That’s what it says in the prescript.
1 - Some say it is a "madness" to worship God,
2 - especially when there are so many other things to do;
1 - that it’s crazy to trust in the Lord,
2 - when circumstances might seem to indicate otherwise.
1 - All I know, all we know, is that, as the hymns says,
2 - "though the darkness hide thee,
1 - "though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see,
2 - "only thou art holy;
1 - "there is none beside thee."
2 - So, then, may this supposed "madness" drive away our darkness.
1 - May it lead us into the arms of God.
2 - Therefore, listen to the Psalmist, and open your arms to the Lord.
                         (brief pause)
1 - I will bless the LORD at all times;
2 - his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
1 - My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
2 - let the humble hear and be glad.
1 - O magnify the LORD with me
2 - and let us exalt his name together.
1 - I sought the LORD,
2 - and he answered me,
1 - and delivered me from all my fears.
2 - Look to him, and be radiant;
1 - so your faces shall never be ashamed.
2 - This poor soul cried,
1 - and was heard by the LORD,
2 - and was saved from every trouble.
1 - The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
2 - and delivers them.
1 - O taste and see that the LORD is good;
2 - happy are those who take refuge in him.
                         (brief pause)
1 - Stand, if you are able, and sing, "Holy, holy, Holy!", #120

Opening Prayer

Holy God - our Creator, Savior, and Advocate - may we be drawn closer to you this hour. May we, indeed, "taste and see" that you are good, even when circumstances might say otherwise; that you surround us with your steadfast presence, and deliver us from that which causes us fear. If it be madness to worship you, Lord God, then may we gladly announce that we are but "fools for Christ’s sake." We add our voices this hour to the saints and angels who are gathered around your throne, for you alone are worthy of praise. Bless these moments, O Lord, that we may later go forth from this place touched by your holiness - wherever you may lead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Unison Affirmation of faith

I believe in God,
        the giver of grain and bread,
    and in Jesus Christ,
         the bread of life broken for us,
    and in the Holy Spirit,
        God's nourishing power in every grain and loaf.
I believe that Christ is to be leaven in us,
     so that we may offer the bread of life
     to the hungers of every human heart.

by Alvin Franz Brightbill, (adapted)
from We Gather Together,
©1979 Brethren Press.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         You have just affirmed that Jesus Christ, the bread of life, "is to be leaven in us, so that we may offer the bread of life to the hungers of every human heart." Do you truly believe that? Is it really your desire that this "leaven" might expand the person you are, such that you grace-fully grow to offer yourself freely to others? If so, then it is appropriate to bring your offering to God just now, for it is not a payment to help you avoid God’s call upon your life. Rather, in, through, and beyond your gift, you are revealing the leavening power of Christ Jesus in your life. Grow, brothers and sisters, grow!
         Will the ushers come forward to receive our offerings. As they do, please sign and pass the attendance booklets found at the center aisle of each pew. Thank you.

Dedication

With open hearts and hands, O Lord, we seek to be cheerful givers, revealing your leaven in our lives. Enlarge our living that we might really become a blessing to you and to others. Amen.

For Children
"Burnt Anger"

With a clean cooking pot and a large spoon for pretending to stir, as well as a pot that has a burned crust in the bottom, we'll explore with the children the effect of anger that simmers too long without being dealt with. Based upon Ephesians 4:25-5:2, this lesson is borrowed from Sitting on the Rainbow, by Ruth Gilmore, p. 96.

Pastoral Prayer

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

Benediction

Go out and imitate God, living in love.
Put your hope in God’s Word
and let your own words be truthful and constructive.
May sin rouse your anger,
........but never let anger cause you to sin.
Don’t allow any room for evil.

And may God always hear your voice.
May Christ Jesus raise you to new life;
and may the Holy Spirit nourish you for the life of love.