| Worship Order for Sunday | ||
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Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Celebration of Learning
Beginning with Praise
(9:50 am)
“Shema”
(insert) *Hymn
“All
beautiful the march of days”
159
Sharing
a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise *Response
(refrain to:)
“Great
is thy faithfulness”
327 *Hymn
“O little children, gather”
489 *Rise in body or in spirit #'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book Worship leaders - see basic guidelines |
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1 - The heavens are telling the glory of
God; 2 - and the firmament proclaims his
handiwork. 1 - Day to day pours forth speech, 2 - and night to night declares knowledge. 1 - There is no speech, nor are there words; 2 - their voice is not heard; 1 - yet their voice goes out through all the
earth, 2 - and their words to the end of the world. 1 - In the heavens God has set a tent for the
sun, 2 - which comes out like a bridegroom from
his wedding canopy, 1 - and like a strong man runs its course
with joy. 2 - Its rising is from the end of the
heavens, 1 - and its circuit to the end of them; 2 - and nothing is hid from its heat.
(pause) 1 - Please rise in body or spirit and let us
sing 2 - “All beautiful the march of days,” #159
in your hymnal.
Psalm 19:1-6 from
the New
Revised Standard Version |
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Grant, O God, that thinking, we may think your thoughts; that speaking, we may speak your word; that singing, we may sing to your praise; that hearing, we may hear your truth; and that willing, we may make your will our own, so that walking forward at the end of our worship, we may walk in your love and your peace, and departing from one another, not depart from you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. by Roy Pearson (adapted) |
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Responsive Scripture Reading The law of the Lord is perfect, (Hymnal #813) |
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Celebrating a new year of learning
After a summer off to revive, renew, restore, reflect, refresh,
regroup … to “rest,” we re-start our Sunday School program
today. You are invited to participate, to join in this weekly
school of discipleship, which follows our time of worship. Here we
open up the ancient scriptures and discover something “more
to be desired … than gold,” words that are “sweeter
also than honey.” They are, that is, if we open ourselves to
them, and allow God to refine us through the treasure we discover.
Please note, however, that the way of discipleship is not just a
Sunday morning affair. Don’t expect one hour a week to satisfy. In
Jesus’ school of learning, his 12 disciples met together with him
daily. In fact, theirs was a walking school, not confined to a
classroom. Those three years could be described as one long field
trip, from Galilee to Jerusalem. In our discipleship journey, we
need to connect with our teacher daily. Furthermore, we do not
graduate from this school. Being a disciple is a lifelong
endeavor, even after we shift to being sent out in mission as
apostles.
The question for this moment of celebration is this, are you
willing to sign up for a new year of learning? Before you say,
“yes,” listen to the Shema from the Old Testament, ancient words
that call us to a daily journey of faith. read
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 then sing - “Shema”
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Please rise in body or spirit and join me
in the words printed in your bulletin,
In Jesus’ school of learning, I commit to listen with heart, soul,
and mind, that I might grow as a disciple in loving God with
heart, soul, and mind, and my neighbor as myself. Help me, Holy
Spirit, to listen and learn - and follow Jesus - at all times, not
just in the classroom.
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Warning: Discipleship is not easy. Even the first disciples of
Jesus made mistakes along the way. The following story from the
gospel of Mark tells of a tough lesson learned by Simon Peter, who
thought he became an expert after he “aced” his first quiz. You
know you’re in trouble when you start correcting the teacher. He
went from being at the head of the class to wearing a dunce cap.
Actually, it was worse. This was not to be his last stumble,
either. Roosters would crow when he faced his toughest test
(Mark
14:66-72). But that’s another gospel story. Listen to
today’s lesson.
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Returning our Tithes and Offerings
It’s very tempting to think that all we have to do, when it comes
to our relationship with God, is put some money in the offering
plate. You and I know, however, that while money can purchase a
lot of “things,” it can’t buy us love. A relationship, with God or
with each other, requires so much more. The good news is that what
we have to share has already been lavished upon us - free of
charge. On the other hand, though, this relationship demands every
aspect of our lives. Even, as James clearly reveals, our “tongue.”
Can you offer God your “tongue” this morning? That is, can you
give to God the will behind the words you speak? Are you willing
to allow your relationship with God to guide what you say and how
you say it? Everyday? Ponder this as the plates are passed.
Ushers?
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Cleanse my tongue, O Lord. I offer it to you. May this relationship with you have dominion over me. Then I shall be able to speak the truth in love. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. Amen. (based upon Psalm 19:12-14) |
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May the God of steadfastness and encouragement Hymnal #774, Romans 15:5-6 adapted
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Interested in Sunday School? |
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International Lesson: |
International Lesson: |
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International Lesson: |
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International Lesson: |
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While one of our adult classes follows the International
lesson above (see
also), using |
For children and youth, we use the new |
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©2014 Peter
L. Haynes
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