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Worship Order for
Sunday
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Call to
Worship
Psalm 16
(Laughing
Bird
paraphrase)
Protect me, God,
........you are my place of refuge.
I’m acknowledging you as the one in charge, LORD;
........you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
I delight in the company of those
........who dedicate themselves to you;
................they are the salt of the earth.
Those who worship other things
........will have nothing but grief.
I will not buy into their futile devotions;
........I will not utter the names they revere.
You are all I want, LORD, and all I need;
........you hold my future in your hands.
You mark out the best of everything for me;
........you’ve set me up with a bright future.
I heap accolades on you, LORD,
........for you always give me wise advice;
even in the dead of night
........you fill my heart with your teachings.
I’ll always stick close behind you, LORD;
........with you near by,
................I’ll never be pushed off track.
You fill me with delight, LORD;
........joy erupts from deep in my bones;
................my body relaxes, safe in your care.
You’ll never let the grave drag me down;
........your faithful servants are never left for dead.
You set my feet on a life-giving track, LORD.
........To be in your presence is absolute bliss.
................All I could dream of comes from your hand.
©2001 Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net
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Litany
Leader:
When our souls are parched, God.
Congregation: Quench our thirst from the well that
never runs dry.
Leader:
When we find ourselves hungering for meaning,
Congregation: Satisfy our cravings with the bread of
Life.
Leader:
When we are disenchanted with the facades and hollowness of our
world,
Congregation: Lead us to that which is real, the solid
rock.
Leader:
When we realize we are chasing after the wind and come up empty,
Congregation: Help us to experience the fullness of
your joy.
Leader:
Fill up our cups, God.
Congregation: Let them overflow with love and with
life.
Walt Wilschek
Editor of Messenger
St. Charles, IL
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word
Series"
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Opening
Prayer
God, we spend
too much time pursuing things that leave us empty. When we seek joy
through wealth, power, prestige, or "things," remind us
that "you alone are the real joy bringer." Refocus our
hearts on you, God. Help us to reflect your radiance. Amen.
Walt Wilschek
Editor of Messenger
St. Charles, IL
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word
Series"
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For
Children
"Choices"
From our resident children's storyteller, Ed Lewis:
"I'll have a
bag of toy farm animals (something inexpensive), and for each
child hold up two and ask them to chose which one they would like.
After going through the process, I'll ask why they chose the one
they did, then talk with them about the choices we make everyday.
Along the way, we'll explore how God allows us to chose and how
God watches the choices we make - how they affect others and how
we sometimes choose with our hearts and sometimes with our minds.
There's also choices between good and bad. Both children and
grown-ups are faced with such choices. In prayer we can ask for
God's help with making the right choice."
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Returning
our Tithes and Offerings
Choices. We make them every day. Like this morning, when the plates
are passed - what will we put in them? It's best to have this
decision made ahead of time, as part of a plan that we have
pondered, prayed over, and discussed with our loved ones. Later on
this morning, you'll be given to opportunity to bring forward your
choice, your pledge to this church, your financial giving plan for
2007, as a response to God's blessings in your life.
Just now, however, we need to live out this year's plan, today's
choice. Choose to be thankful as you give. Gratitude is itself a
choice, you know. As the apostle Paul wrote: "Each of you
must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2
Corinthians 9:7) At this time, please also sign and pass down
your pew the attendance booklets that are located along the center
aisle. Thank you.
Ushers, it's your time to serve.
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Pastoral Prayer
written closer to the time (if not at the
moment)
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Singing
Scripture
The Song of Hannah
1 Samuel 2:1-10
(preface
read by worship leader): Our message today flows from the
first two chapters of the first book of Samuel, as seen through the
eyes of a husband. It’s the story of the birth of the last judge
of Israel, Samuel. The story begins with a wounded heart, as a
mother-longing-to-be lives out the song we just sang, hoping and
praying that "earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot
heal." As we shall hear, promises are made and kept, by both
Hannah and God. This birth story ends with a song, literally. Let’s
turn there first and sing with her. On an insert in your bulletin
are her words, paraphrased and arranged poetically in a hymn format.
We’ll sing it together using the familiar tune to "Oh, for a
thousand tongues to sing." Then we’ll be "visited"
by a Biblical character and try to see things "Through Elkanah’s
eyes."
sing to tune: Azmon ("Oh, for a thousand tongues to
sing")
My heart rejoices in you, Lord.
My God has made me strong.
My mouth now sings your victory
O'er those despising me long.
No Rock, no Holy One like you
No judge, nor wiser one:
The proud now have no words to say
That you have not undone.
You've broken mighty warriors' bows,
And clad the weak with power.
The rich go wandering for food,
The poor all feast this hour.
The Lord brings life where none was found
And closes opened wombs;
Our God has rescued us from death
And freed us from our tombs.
The Lord brings riches to the poor,
And lifts them from the dust;
He makes them sit in princes' seat
And honors them with trust.
The Lord, the Maker of all things,
Will guard the faithful one;
God's thunders scatter wicked schemes.
God's justice shall be done.
Words: Taylor
Burton-Edwards, based on I Samuel 2:1-10, in Common Meter (8.6.8.6)
Copyright © 2006, The General Board of Discipleship of The United
Methodist Church. Used by permission.
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Invitation
(a member of the
Stewardship Commission brings forward a basket and places it on a
stool at the foot of the stairs, then says:)
On this day, you
are not asked to make promises concerning your children, like Hannah
did long ago. That’s something we do when we dedicate our babies.
However, today is a day to respond to God’s graciousness with a
different kind of vow. On this Thanksgiving Sunday, you are invited
to make a pledge concerning your finances in the coming year, what
you plan to give to the Lord in 2007. This is not a matter of law,
but of grace - as God gives you the ability to be faithful. By the
way, in Hebrew the name "Hannah" means "grace."
Turn in your hymnal to #86 and let’s sing together a song fitting
for such a time as this. During our singing, as you feel led, bring
your pledge forward and place it in this basket.
Brothers and sisters, "now
thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices."
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Benediction
Go out in peace, for the Lord has heard your prayers.
Do not allow anyone to lead you astray
but hold fast to
the hope you have claimed.
Continue to meet together,
encouraging and
provoking one another
to put love into action.
And may God be your rock of strength;
May Christ Jesus usher you into the presence of God;
and may the Holy Spirit write the laws of life on your hearts.
©2000 Nathan Nettleton www.laughingbird.net,
adapted
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(para traducir a español, presione la bandera de España)
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