Worship - February 8, 2009

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
February 8, 2009
Worship 10:00 am, Sunday School 11:10 am

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.” (Isaiah 40:28-29)

Morning Praise (9:45 am)
Announcements
Prelude

Call to Worship Psalm 147:1-11

*Hymn "I sing the mighty power of God" 46

*Opening Prayer

Scripture Mark 1:29-39

For Children "Recharging our batteries"

Sharing a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise
(please be brief, and aware of God’s listening presence)

Hymn "Be still, my soul" (insert)

Pastoral Prayer

Scripture 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (Laughing Bird Version)

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

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

Scripture Isaiah 40:21-31

Hymn "They that wait upon the Lord" 584

Message "Looking for the Energizer^® Bunny" (mp3)

*Sending Forth (back of the bulletin)

*Hymn "Christian, let your burning light" 402

*Postlude

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your Holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

adapted from Gregorian Sacramentary, 7th century
taken from For all who Minister,
©1993, Brethren Pres, Elgin, IL, p.86

For Children
"Recharging our batteries"

Object: An electric razor

Scripture: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark,
Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a
solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

Some children are scared of beards. Are you? It’s okay if you are. I just want you to know that under this beard, it’s just me. Now, I don’t let my beard grow long. In fact, every morning I trim around my beard, so it doesn’t get too scraggly. I use this. It runs on electricity. Unlike electric razors I’ve had in the past, however, it doesn’t have to be plugged into the wall socket to be used. They call it “cordless.” It’s got a battery in it. I can use it every morning for over a week without plugging it in. But then it starts getting slower and slower, and soon it won’t work any more. What do you think I do then? I plug it in and let it re-charge. The battery inside it stores up electricity, so I can use it again. But it regularly needs to be recharged....

the rest adapts this children's story from sermons4kids.com (to make it fit for younger children)

Pastoral Prayer

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

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Pray with me.

O God, we offer these gifts and the service of our lives in response to the many blessings you have bestowed on our lives. You graciously bless our lives with the Holy Spirit who enables us to experience and proclaim the good news of the living Christ. Help us to be bold and faithful witnesses to the gospel this day and every day. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Ushers?

by Moira B Laidlaw, from Liturgies Online

Sending Forth

One: Sisters and brothers, you have heard the gospel.
Go now to proclaim it!

All: We now embrace our calling
to proclaim the hope-filled message
of Christ's love and forgiveness.

One: Sisters and brothers, you have heard the gospel.
Go now to proclaim it!

All: We will go, not out of compulsion,
             but out of our desire to see and experience
                   the joy of lives being touched by Christ,
             through our compassionate service.

One: Sisters and brothers, you have heard the gospel.
             Go now and walk alongside another in Christ's name.
         Give and you will gain respect respect.
         Listen and allow the experience of walking
             in another person's shoes shape your point of view.
         Opportunities for proclaiming the gospel will emerge,
             and you will find new relationships.

All: We will not just talk about the gospel,
             But we will go and get in on it!
         The light of Christ's compassion will shine through us
             all along the way.
         Amen.

Glenn A. McCrickard, pastor
Cloverdale, VA Church of the Brethren
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"