Worship - February 19, 2012

Psalm 50:1-6 from the New Revised Standard Version, adapted
copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Centering in Prayer

By your Word, Lord God, we have gathered in this place at this time. You have summoned us to stand in your presence just as we are, the glory and the grime altogether. You behold the wonder you have created us to be, as well as the ways in which we fall short. You desire honesty from us, not a lot of flowery words or flashy offerings.
            Simply put, we have sinned this week, whether against you or against our neighbor is beside the point; whether it was something large or a teeny-tiny offense we hardly noticed does not matter. Even small trespasses can hurt another person. You, however, do not require us to wallow in this mud. Instead, you call us to stand as we are before you and “get over it” through the power of your forgiveness in Christ Jesus.
            Perhaps, through your Spirit as we worship you this hour, you will call to mind concrete actions we might take to make amends, and then empower us to step out in faith this week to do so. Maybe you will help us this hour to let go of past hurts and be able to forgive those who have sinned against us, or at least to take a step in that direction.
            You call us to be something more than we are, even as you deeply love us, warts and all. This we can scarcely comprehend. Because you lighten our load, we stand tall (in body or spirit) and sing your praise. Shine upon us. Amen.

Affirmation

Leader: Jesus taught us to speak of hope as the coming of God's kingdom.

ALL: We believe that God is at work in our world
                  turning hopeless and evil situations into good.
            We believe that goodness and justice
                  will triumph in the end
                  and that tyranny and oppression cannot last forever.
            One day all tears will be wiped away;
                  the lamb will lie down with the lion,
                  and justice will roll down like a mighty stream.

Leader: True peace and true reconciliation are not only desired,
they are assured and guaranteed in Christ.

ALL: This is our faith.
This is our hope.

Hymnal, #711, South African creed, 20th c.,
Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace,
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA

A Time to Welcome

This affirmation lies at the heart of every new chapter in our lives. This morning we want to celebrate a decision made by two persons among us. ______________ have been an unofficial part of our fellowship for many years. The time has come for them to make that connection “official.” And though we have known them, it is time for us to officially welcome them as members of this body of Christ.

__________, would you join me up front, along with ________, whom you have asked to “introduce” you to us?

I have in hand two certificates of membership from the Harman, WV Church of the Brethren. In them, the brothers and sisters there commend ___________ to our love and care. Not long ago, we did the same with __________, who are now active in the Harman church. In taking these new steps of faith, Van and Billie, let me give you the opportunity to reaffirm the faith of your baptism by asking you the following questions.

Knowing that Christians never fully arrive, but are always in the process of becoming, do you now reaffirm your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

I do.

Believing that Christianity is experienced in a faith community that supports and strengthens us in time of weakness and doubt, and that learns from us as we learn from it, do you promise to live and share with us in the bonds of Christian fellowship?

I do.

Recognizing that the church is organized to fulfill its mission, will you worship, serve, and share in the program of the Long Green Valley Church by your prayers, regular attendance, loyal service and outreach, and faithful stewardship?

I will.

Becoming a member of this congregation, will you make every effort to witness to the Christian gospel and keep alive the concerns of the Church of the Brethren where you live and work?

I will.

Would you in the congregation turn to #777 in the back of your hymnal and, if you are able, please stand with us. Through these words, spoken in unison, we officially welcome Billie and Van into this fellowship of believers. Remember your own baptismal vows as we speak them.

As we now receive you into the fellowship of the church,
      we make this covenant with you
      as we renew our own covenant with God:
           to bear each others' burdens,
           to assist in times of need,
           to share our gifts and possessions,
           to forgive as Christ has forgiven us,
           to support each other in joy and sorrow,
               and in all things to work for the common good,
           thus making known Christ's presence among us
               to the glory of God
As we unite with each other now,
      may we all be joined with Christ, our Lord.

Hymnal #777
Adapted from The Mennonite Hymnal,
©1969 Faith & Life Press/Mennonite Publishing House,
based on Anabaptist baptismal vows, 16th c.

Pastoral Prayer

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

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

As a reminder, all this month you are invited to make a pledge for this year of your giving – not only financially, but also your time and talents. There is a bulletin insert to assist you in that process. Please prayerfully consider and respond with it some time this month… Now, please join me in prayer:

May what we have to offer this day be connected to how you “Light up the darkness!,” whether our gifts involve our money or our time and talents. Help us not to hold back in any way from sharing the good news message which becomes real in what we do, as well as in what we say. May these offerings we are about to place in the plate be a reflection of what you are doing in us. But don’t stop there, Lord. Shine your light upon all our budgeting and working and playing and living. In Christ, we pray. Amen.

Ushers?

Benediction

As you move on from this moment,
      pay attention to the blessings
            that are already
                  right before your very eyes.
      Maybe you need to stop
            building a dwelling place for God,
                  and instead be a sanctuary
                        for the One who is
                              indescribable,
                              uncontainable,
                              all powerful,
                              untamable,
                              incomparable,
                              unchangeable,
                              immortal,
                              invisible,
                              most blessed,
                              most glorious,
                              the ancient of Days…

      Pay attention this week to Jesus,
            who is always present in Spirit
                  and ever attentive to us.
      Hear the voice speak amid the haze of your days:
             “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”