Worship - November 26, 2006

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
November 26, 2006
Worship 10:00 am, Sunday School 11:10 am

Christ the King Sunday

Pilate asked him, "So you are a king? " Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." (John 18:37)

Morning Praise (9:45 am)
Announcements
Prelude

Call to Worship Psalm 93

*Hymn "Rejoice, the Lord is king!" 288

*Opening Prayer

*Song "You are my King" (see insert)
(midi)

Scripture Revelation 1:4b-6

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

Hymn "Of the Father's love begotten" 104

Pastoral Prayer

Scripture John 18:33-37

Message "For this I was born"

Special Music "Hands of the Potter" Goodgame/Caedmon's Call

Welcome and vows

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory (Please sign the attendance pad and pass it on)

Hymn "Come, Holy Spirit, Dove Divine" 445

Baptism

*Hymn "We�ve a story to tell to the nations" (see insert)

*Benediction

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Opening Prayer

Let our worship, loving God, reach up as tall as the humility of our King, and bend down as deep as his glory. Keep us hushed in a stable, grateful among sinners, overawed as our feet are washed, adoring beneath a cross, and jubilant outside a empty tomb. With his Spirit endowing us, may we serve you boldly, effectively and merrily. To the glory of your name, and the extension of his kingdom. Amen!

by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia

Pastoral Prayer

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

Welcome and 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.)

from For All Who Minister, �1993, Brethren Press, p.135-137.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God,
who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
(Revelation 1:8)

These words from the beginning of the last book in the Bible remind us that it�s not all about us. We promise to be faithful, but our promises are all grounded in the faithfulness of God, without whom none of us would get very far in doing the right thing. There�s a grace to it all, the Lord is behind us where a trickle of faith led to a flood; the Lord is out in front of us, showing the way; the Lord is beside us, pulling us out of the rapids when we capsize; and the Lord is there where the river meets the ocean - the place to which we are drawn.

When we say "yes" to God, we are stepping into a stream that�s already flowing. It�s not a stagnant pool. The current pulls us along to greater things. Following our baptism, we have a choice: will we fight this current, or will we seek to move with it?

As we take time just now to collect our offering, I encourage you to ponder this choice which we face every day. Think of your offering as a paddle and this church as a kayak. What are you doing with it?

Ushers?

Baptism

         __________ , you have confessed here your faith in God and your desire to be recognized as a member of the body of Christ. Upon this confession of faith I now baptize you:
                  In the name of the God who created and loves you;
                  In the name of Christ who forgives and heals you;
                  In the name of the Holy Spirit who renews and empowers you.

Norlyn Davis-Driver
from For All Who Minister, �1993, Brethren Press, p.139.

O God, we are thankful for the commitment made today by _______. 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.

Carol A. Wise
from For All Who Minister, �1993, Brethren Press, p.138.

(after candidate steps out of the water, turn to the congregation and say:)

Relive the time when you promised to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and vowed your faithfulness to the church. Let this time of baptism mark the renewal of your baptismal VOWS.

(Then the minister lifts water in her or his cupped hands and lets it fall back again while saying:)

Sisters and brothers, the water is for us all. Remember your baptism and be thankful.

Sam Flora, adapted
from For All Who Minister, �1993, Brethren Press, p.140.

Benediction

         You are the sisters and brothers of the servant King. No humble task is beneath him, no mercy is withheld, no person is to him a waste of space. May your faith be big enough to learn from him, and to daily welcome the indwelling of his humble yet resolute Spirit.
                  The grace of Christ Jesus be your only boast,
                  the love of God be your unfailing resource,
                  and the fellowship of the Spirit be your deepest joy. Amen!

by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia