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Call to Worship (based on Psalm 98)

L: O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
P: He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
L: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
P: Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
L: Let us make a joyful noise of praise before the LORD our King!

 

Call to Worship

Leader: We gather together as people of a evolving church,
People A church discovering new ways of faithfulness, new shapes of ministry in a changing and challenging world.
Leader: We gather as people of an informing church,
People: A church striving to speak the truth in love and to proclaim the love of God.
Leader: We gather as people of a transforming church,
People: A church listening for the creative Word and moving as the Spirit gives understanding.
All: We give thanks for a God who loves His church as we gather in worship.

 

Invocation

May the God of hope give you fullness of peace, and may the Lord of life be with you all.

And also with you.

Let us pray. Lord God, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that, always keeping in mind the end of all things and the day of judgment, we may be stirred up to holiness of life here and may live with you forever in the world to come, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
 

 

Prayer of Confession

God of Mercy, amidst the sound of crashing buildings and the silence of a city never silent, we make our confession.

We confess our fears.

(silence)

We confess the fear that evil has won, and that Love has been vanquished.

We confess our need to punish and hurt and hate those who have hurt us so deeply.

We confess the desire to escape from it all even as billows of ash in the northeastern sky reminded us of what had occurred.

Forgive us God.

Forgive us... and help us to forgive.

 

 

Prayer of Thanks for our Jobs / Work
(2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

Almighty God, help us to remember that you have made us to be co-creators with you. You have put us in charge over your creation and you invite us to participate in the work of your glorious kingdom. You give us responsibilities and you let us find fulfillment in the work we do with your help. We thank you for the many talents and resources you have given us, specifically we thank you for 

*our skillful hands
*our ability to think and make decisions
*our creativity and resourcefulness
*our sense for beauty and the arts
*our capacity for compassion and care for others
*our ability for inspiration and spirituality

Help us to use these talents you have given us to do your holy work in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

 

Canticle of Hope:

L: We shall see a new heaven and earth,
for the old will pass away.

P: We shall see a new Jerusalem,
the holy city descending from heaven

L: The city shall need no sun or moon,
for God's glory will be its light.

P: for God's Lamb will be its lamp,
and by its light the nations shall walk

L: We shall hear aloud voice from the throne:

P: "Behold, God's dwelling is with mortals.
Indeed, God will dwell with them
and they will be God's people."

L: God shall wipe away all our tears,
and there shall be no more death.

P: Mourning, crying, and pain shall cease,
all former things will pass away.

L: We shall hear One speak from the throne:

P: "Behold, I make all things new.
I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the beginning and the end."

L: Our Lord testifies to these things:

P: "Behold, I am coming soon."

L: the grace of the Lord is with us.

P: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Come!
 

 

 

A Prayer for Endurance

Dear Lord, our Good Shepherd, we praise you for your abiding love and care for us.  In this season of change, we notice the cooler air,  observe the remaining leaves falling from the trees, and watch the last harvests of the fields being brought in.  We live in confusing and frightening times, as we realize that things around us and within us are constantly changing.

Empower us to meet the challenges on our journey and to rise above the difficult circumstances life presents us.  Make us confident in the knowledge that your love and presence is steadfast, your faithfulness extends to all generations. You have shown us your faithfulness as you have provided for us in years past.  We trust in your grace to bring us through no matter what may come our way. LORD, watch over us, remain our steadfast friend, and help us to remain faithful to you in the certain knowledge that our life is in your caring hands until that day when we will see you face to face.  Amen.

 

 

Prayer of Intercession

Encouraged by the company of the saints of every time and place, let us pray for the church, the world, and all people according to their needs, saying: "Hear our prayer."

That God, the righteous one, would give to the church the wisdom and courage to testify of the faith that fills us, so that more may be brought from terror and uncertainty to faith. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

That people everywhere may be awakened to the urgent need for proper care of God's creation, so that the seas, lands, rivers, and hills may thrive and proclaim God's praise. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

That God would protect those suffering from persecution of any kind: for political beliefs, for differences from accepted norms, and especially for those suffering because of their faith. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

That the God of love might rise up with healing for those who are sick and dying (especially). Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

That our congregation might be strengthened through word and sacrament so that we will not be weary in doing what is right. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

In thanksgiving for the saints and martyrs who were granted the opportunity to testify to Christ and who endured suffering on account of their faith, that their witness may inspire us also to testify to Christ with words and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Lord, in your mercy,

hear our prayer.

Holy God, enthroned in glory and surrounded by saints and angels, we bring before you these petitions and all else that you know we need. Hear our prayers for the sake of our Savior and King, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

 

Closing Prayer

We accept the responsibility, O God, of living into your promises. We trust that you give us all we need to persevere in faithfulness as followers of Jesus. Amen

 

Closing Prayer:
Prayer of Ignatius of Loyola

Teach us, good Lord,
to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labor and not to ask for any reward,
   except that of knowing that we do your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.