Worship - Sept. 28, 2014

Worship Order for Sunday

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
September 28, 2014
Worship 10:00 am Sunday School 11:10am

“Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23)

Beginning with Praise (9:50 am) “Sweet hour of prayer” 11
Announcements
Prelude

Turning to God “Lead me, Lord” 538

Call to Worship Psalm 25:1-9

*Hymn “We praise thee, O God” 99

*A Unison Prayer for Turning

Scripture Philippians 2:1-11

For Children “Scripture in Motion”

Scripture in Song “The Christ Hymn” (see insert)

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

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

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

Hymn “Simple Gifts” (see insert)

Pastoral Prayer

Scripture Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

Message “Blame it on Dad”

*Hymn “Come, thou fount” 521

*Benediction

*Postlude

*Rise in body or in spirit

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Call to Worship

1 - I offer you my heart, Lord God.

2 - I trust you.

1 - Don’t make me ashamed

2 - or let enemies defeat me.

1 - Don’t disappoint any of your worshipers,

2 - but disappoint all deceitful liars.

1 - Show me your paths and teach me to follow;

2 - guide me by your truth and instruct me.

1 - You keep me safe, and I always trust you.

2 - Please, Lord, remember, you have always been patient and kind.

1 - Forget each wrong I did when I was young.

2 - Show how truly kind you are and remember me.

1 - You are honest and merciful, and you teach sinners how to follow your path.

2 - You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path.

Psalm 25:1-9 from the Contemporary English Version
Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society

A Unison Prayer for Turning

(face the front of the sanctuary)

Merciful God,
You pardon all who truly repent and turn to you

We admit that we sometimes say terrible things.
We use our words to hurt others and make ourselves look good.
We twist our words to avoid telling the truth.
We yell and whine and bicker.
Forgive us.

(face the rear of the sanctuary)

Give us new hearts and new words.
Help us turn toward honesty and kindness.
Teach us to speak in peace.

(face the front of the sanctuary)

We not only say evil things, we do them.
We grab what we want without thought for others.
We insist on our own way.
We cheat and steal and find ways to feel OK about it.
Forgive us.

(face the rear of the sanctuary)

Turn us away from temptations and toward you.
Show us new ways of acting.
Teach us to love others as you love us.
Guide us every day.

(face the front of the sanctuary)

Merciful God,
You pardon all who truly repent and turn to you

by Carolyn Brown in her blog, Worshiping With Children

For Children
“Scripture in Motion”

We just heard part of a letter someone named Paul wrote to people in a church in a town called Philippi. We call those people from Philippi: “Philippians.” That’s why the letter is called “Philippians.” Anyway, in the part of the letter we just heard is a song, or at least we think it is. We think Paul included a song those people would know. Maybe, when they read the words, they’d start humming the tune. For instance, if I said, “Jesus love me, this I know for the Bible tells me so…,” would you start humming (hum the song)? Maybe that’s what they did when they heard the words, so that this letter turned into music as they read it.

Now, we don’t have the music, but we do have the words. Many years ago I tried imagining what those words could sound like as a song. In a few minutes, we’ll sing those words to my tune. I know it probably sounded very different 2,000 years ago, but it’s the song that came from my imagination to go with those words.

I asked (one of our children who takes dance lessons) this week to use her imagination and come up with some body motions to go with the words, so that when we sing it, each of you can use your body to express the words. Would you like to follow her? I'll let her teach you.

words to song

possible motions

Tho’ he was in the form of God,
He did not count equality
With God a thing that he should grasp,
Instead he gave up all he was, and became a slave.

In human likeness he was born,
This man put on humility,
Obediently Jesus trod
The path that led him his death, death upon a cross.

Therefore God lifted him up high
And gave a name above all names,
That at this name all knees should bow,
And ev’ry tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

(arms out wide)
(shake hands)
(make tight fists)
(down on knees)

(rock a baby)
(put on coat)
(walk)
(arms out in cross)

(jump)
(hands to mouth/megaphone)
(down on knees)
(palms up)

Okay, let’s do those motions while the congregation sings.

“The Christ Hymn”

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Faithful God, we gratefully acknowledge that you are the giver of all things. You call us to share these gifts so that we may experience the joy and humility of giving to others. We pray that this very act of offering our gifts to you will enable us to be obedient disciples of your work. We are blessed to receive and to offer the message of salvation. Jesus Christ is Lord. Praise your holy name! Amen.

Ushers, please come forward to receive what we have to share.

Pastoral Prayer

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

Benediction

Yes, we are all prone to wander,
            inclined to leave what our heart desires most.
      And yet, as we turn toward the One who loves us most,
                  there flows the promise of a new heart
                                                      and a new spirit.
May your new heart beat strongly within you this week,
            and God’s Spirit set your own spirit on fire. Amen