We begin and prepare for worship by centering ourselves, remembering the waters of baptism.
In baptism, we are joined to Christ and made members of one body, a people seeking to live faithfully into God’s purpose for us and for all creation.
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 43:19-21
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.
*HYMN 440 Jesus, Lover of My Soul ABERSTWYTH
*INVITATION TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION^
Loving God, how lavishly you pour out
the gift of your grace upon us.
Fill our homes and our lives
with the fragrance of your love,
so that we may show your glory
and serve your people;
through Christ Jesus, your Beloved One. Amen.
Silent confession.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Kyrie Eleison
A copy of this response can be found on the seat of your pew.
*ASSURANCE OF GRACE Psalm 126:6
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
Believe the Good News of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
And since we have been reconciled to God, let us also be reconciled to one another.
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The congregation is invited to exchange signs of peace.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Hymn 435, verse 1
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
like the wideness of the sea.
There’s a kindness in God’s justice,
which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earth’s sorrows
are more felt than up in heaven.
There is no place where earth’s failings
have such kindly judgement given.
SCRIPTURE READING John 12:1-8
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, thanks be to God.
SERMON
In the Middle of Affliction Travis Chavis
*HYMN 201 A Prophet-Woman Broke a Jar
HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY Hymn 223, verse 4
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
God of all mercies, we give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but above all for your boundless love in the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
With thanksgiving we take this bread and this cup,
remembering Jesus’ suffering and death,
proclaiming the Good News of his resurrection.
Mighty God,
let your Spirit move in power over us,
and over these gifts of bread and wine,
that they may be for us
the communion of Christ’s body and blood.
Strengthened by this holy meal,
may we live for that day
when all peoples are free, all divisions healed,
and the whole of your creation sings your praise together.
The prayer concludes by singing the Casa del Sol Prayer of Jesus. A copy of this can be found on the seat of your pew.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
*HYMN 226 There in God’s Garden SHADES MOUNTAIN
*DISMISSAL
POSTLUDE
*Please rise in body or in spirit.
^From the PCUSA Revised Common Lectionary
***
The Session of the Church:
Class of 2019: Mark Taylor, Brett Withers
Class of 2020: Alan Stephenson, Tom Eldridge
Class of 2021: Greg Gardner, Heidi Hall
Melinda Sanders, Moderator
We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:
Travis Chavis, Preacher
Jeff Moles, Director of Music Ministries
Brett Withers, Liturgist
Steve Fay and Cliff Mundy, Offering Takers
Woodland Presbyterian Church is an inclusive community of faith seeking to share God’s love for all Creation, welcoming everyone to full and equal participation in the church without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, seeking to embody in our lives the love of God embodied in Christ Jesus.
The East Nashville Training Hub:
In this chapter of Woodland’s life together, our church is engaged in an innovative partnership called the East Nashville Training Hub. The Training Hub, made up of mostly young adults, carry much of the day-to-day responsibilities for the church, including preaching and worship planning, service and fellowship events, and children’s ministry. We are grateful for the energy, creativity, and engaging wisdom of this team!