Worship - October 21, 2007

Woman (pacing): Ugh! I�ve got Christmas dinner here again. I have so much to do: clean, cook, organize everything, get gifts, shopping, oy� Have to organize a separate Christmas for my in-laws because they don�t get along with Aunt Julie�s husband so they won�t come on actual Christmas. Cousins Chrissy and James don�t eat half the food because they�re vegans so I have to figure out what the heck vegans do eat. Aunt Milly will complain about whatever gift she is given, she�ll complain about my cleaning abilities� and don�t even start on my cooking. Oh what am I going to do?

::Knock knock:::

Who�s there?:

Person (Angel): It�s the Long Green Valley Wellness Angel and I�m here to let you know about a program that can help you �Survive the Holidays.� Annie Clark from On Earth Peace will be here on November 4 to give us a Toolkit for Relationships during the Holiday Season.

Woman: When is it again?

Angel: November 4 at 1pm. There�s a pot-luck beforehand so you won�t have to worry about making a meal on that day.

Woman: Sounds great, where do I sign up?

Angel: On the back bulletin board....

Entering into God's Presence
Psalm 99 (from The Message)

1 - God rules.
2 - On your toes, everybody! (motion for congregation to stand)
1 - (pause until all are standing) He rules from his angel throne
2 - take notice!
1 - God looms majestic in Zion,
2 - He towers in splendor over all the big names.
1 - Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you!
2 - Holy. Yes, holy.
1 - Strong King, lover of justice,
2 - You laid things out fair and square;
1 - You set down the foundations in Jacob,
2 - Foundation stones of just and right ways.
1 - Honor God, our God; worship his rule!
2 - Holy. Yes, holy.
1 - Moses and Aaron were his priests,
2 - Samuel among those who prayed to him.
1 - They prayed to God and he answered them;
2 - He spoke from the pillar of cloud.
1 - And they did what he said;
2 - they kept the law he gave them.
1 - And then God, our God, answered them
2 - (But you were never soft on their sins).
1 - Lift high God, our God; worship at his holy mountain.
2 - Holy. Yes, holy is God our God.
(brief pause to indicate reading is finished, then:)
1 - "Holy God, we praise thy name," #121 in your hymnal.

Opening Prayer

         Holy. Yes, holy are you, O God. Our imagination is not big enough to grasp all of who you are, and everything that you have done and will do. "Infinite" and "everlasting" are but words all-too-inadequate to describe you. An "unceasing chorus praising" you in heaven dwarfs our feeble attempts to do the same here below. And yet, you have called us to seek and find, to ask and receive, to knock and have your door opened to us. Why? Because of your steadfast love, your compassion. You so loved this world that you gave your only begotten Son, not to condemn, but that all who believe in him, who trust, who respond to your compassionate gift of Christ Jesus with our own love - involving heart, soul, and mind; that all might have everlasting life.
         Holy. Yes, holy are you, O God. In these holy moments of worship, may your Holy Spirit move through this congregation. Build us up with your confidence that we might boldly come into your presence with thanksgiving, and boldly step forth from this hour to live by faith this week. Help us to "fess up" to our sin, and let it go, along with every other weight that clings so closely, holding us back, that we might travel lightly and freely from this hour. And fill us with compassion, that with our brothers and sister in Christ we might hold fast to your hope through our struggles.
         This we pray in your Holy name. Amen.

Please be seated and turn in your hymnal to #142. Turning toward God involves confession. This morning we will "fess up" with a song. The words recall Jesus� story of the sheep and the goats and how, when we care for "one of the least of these my brethren," we are doing so to Christ (Matthew 25:40, 45). This is an appropriate song for a CROP Walk Sunday. Perhaps this tune will travel well with those who have chosen this afternoon to "walk so that others might simply live." Let sing our confession together.

"Brothers and sisters of mine"

Pastoral Prayer

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

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

We mentioned earlier the story Jesus told about how, "when the Son of Man comes in his glory," all the nations will be gathered before the throne. Then will come the great separating, as the good shepherd puts those who have responded to human suffering with compassion on one side, and those who have not on the other. Listening to this parable, we realize that neither the "sheep" nor the "goats" were fully aware of the presence of the "king" in their everyday life. "When did we see you hungry ... thirsty ... a stranger ... or naked?," they all ask (Matthew 25:37-38, 44). So it is with us. Each and every day provides us opportunities for random acts of kindness that have ultimate significance. How will you respond this week when the "king" visits? Ponder this as you respond to the good news of God�s steadfast love with your offering. Ushers?

Benediction