Month: October 2019

Reformation Sunday is an annual observance of the Protestant Reformation, marking when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the All Saints Church in Wittenburg, Germany, on All Hallow’s Eve, October 31, 1517.

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                                    “How Can I Keep From Singing?”

*CALL TO WORSHIP  Lines from Psalm 65

Praise is due to you,
O you who answer prayer!
            To you all flesh shall come.
            Happy are those whom you choose and bring near.
O God of our salvation,
            you are the hope of all the ends of the earth!
Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs.
            You make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy!

*HYMN 32                           I Sing the Almighty Power of God

*INVITATION TO CONFESSION

Now the righteousness of God has become manifest in Christ Jesus— for everyone, without distinction. In full assurance of faith, let us make our confession before God.

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Ever-present God, in every generation you call courageous people to bring change and reform to your church. We confess that the church tunes out voices of reform and we resist the call to change. We often choose comfort over challenge. We see the speck in our neighbor’s eye while ignoring the log in our own. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage. Forgive our accommodations to being less than faithful and coming up short on justice. Lead us forward on the path of faith, as loyal and grateful followers of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Silent confession.

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: HYMN 437 You Are the Lord

Sung once by cantor; congregation joins second time.

*ASSURANCE OF GRACE

Let us remember that kindness isn’t inertia, that resistance, while discouraging, doesn’t equal failure. On the grandest scales, momentum is subtle. But it’s there. It’s in the Christ’s breath pushing us forward and turning this world. Keep working your wonders, my friend. They matter.

Believe the Good News of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

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 693, verse 3

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
by this we worship, and are freed.

SCRIPTURE READING  PSALM 139: 7-12; JOHN 3:1-13

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 “Curious Creativity” Emily Martin

*HYMN 301                                                      All Are Welcome

PRAYERS OF SUPPLICATION AND INTERCESSION

O God, in your lovingkindness,
         Hear our prayer.

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

OFFERING                                           “When Peace Like a River”

There are three ways to give:

1. Through the offering plate.
2. Through the “Give-lify” app.
3. By clicking the “donate” button on the homepage of our website, woodlandnash.org.

*DOXOLOGY  [LAAST UNS ERFREUEN]

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known:
Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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.

Compassionate and ever-loving God, we thank you for all the gifts of life. You are our dwelling place, and underneath all our lives are your everlasting arms. Help us to entrust ourselves to your never-failing love, so that we may live in the confidence, faith, and hope of Jesus Christ that you are at work in us and all things, bringing new life where there is brokenness, light where there is darkness, grace where there is despair. Embolden us to follow the way of Jesus as agents of your healing, peace, and love, and strengthen us as his beloved community, to live the prayer he taught us, saying:

THE LORD’S PRAYER as most of us here say it can be found inside the back cover of the hymnal.

*HYMN 694                                    Great God of Every Blessing

*DISMISSAL

POSTLUDE                                                            “Rigaudon”

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

***
The Session of the Church:
Class of 2019: Mark Taylor, Brett Withers
Class of 2020: Alan Stephenson, Tom Eldridge
Class of 2021: Greg Gardner, Rachel Harley
Heidi Hall, Elder Emerita
Melinda Sanders, Moderator

We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:

Emily Martin, Preacher  Jude Romines, Liturgist Bill Maul, Music Director Jeff Moles, Music Coordinator Ashlan Jackson, Offering Taker Jeremy Bradford, Special Music

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                                                              Todd Moore

*CALL TO WORSHIP  From Psalm 9

I will give thanks to the Holy One with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
The Holy One is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Holy One, have not forsaken those who seek you.
For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the poor perish forever.

*HYMN 10 Sing Glory to the Name of God

*INVITATION TO CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Precious Creator, you guide us through lives that challenge just as often as they delight. We admit that we are sometimes overcome by the ambiguity of this world: cruelty and pain can overshadow kindness and wonder, and darkness so often eclipses the light. O resilient and gracious God, in our times of uncertainty and hardship, allow us to lean into faith: faith for ourselves, faith for our siblings, and faith for you. Allow us to strive toward the ways of Christ, embracing faith to advocate for clarity, compassion, and productive action. Amen.

Silent confession.

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: HYMN 437 You Are the Lord

Sung once by cantor; congregation joins second time

*ASSURANCE OF GRACE

“I have a lot of faith. But I am also afraid a lot, and have no real certainty about anything. I remembered something [I was told:] that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.”
— Anne Lamott, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith

Believe the Good News of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

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 693, verse 3

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
by this we worship, and are freed.

SCRIPTURE READING  LUKE 18:1-8; 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-4:5

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 “Keeping the Faith” Meredith Cox

*HYMN 42 Your Faithfulness, O Lord, Is Sure

PRAYERS OF SUPPLICATION AND INTERCESSION

O God, in your lovingkindness,
         Hear our prayer.

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

OFFERING

There are three ways to give:

1. Through the offering plate.
2. Through the “Give-lify” app.
3. By clicking the “donate” button on the homepage of our website, woodlandnash.org.

*DOXOLOGY  [LAAST UNS ERFREUEN]

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known:
Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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.

Give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts
we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you all our days
through Jesus Christ to whom,
with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory now and forever.

We give thanks to you, O God, as we pray together saying:

Our Father-Mother, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, as we forgive the sins of others; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

*HYMN 619 Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven

*DISMISSAL

POSTLUDE                                             [POSTLUDE IN G MAJOR]

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

***
The Session of the Church:
Class of 2019: Mark Taylor, Brett Withers
Class of 2020: Alan Stephenson, Tom Eldridge
Class of 2021: Greg Gardner, Rachel Harley
Heidi Hall, Elder Emerita
Melinda Sanders, Moderator

We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:

Meredith Cox, Preacher Bill Maul, Music Director Taylor Davenport, Liturgist Todd Moore, Special Music   Jeff Moles, Music Coordinator   Abby Benson, Offering Taker

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                                             [BROTHER JAMES’ AIRE]

*CALL TO WORSHIP  Lines from Psalm 66

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name;
Give to God glorious praise.
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
All the earth worships you;|
They sing praises to you,
Sing praises in your name.
Come and see what God as done:
Bless our God, O peoples,
Let the sound of God’s praise be heard.

*HYMN 35 Praise Ye Lord

*INVITATION TO CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of Stories: We confess that we are often unappreciative
of your fingerprints, scattered across this Earth, engraving our lives with perfect individuality. We confess that it is easy to rely too heavily on preconceptions of experience, influenced by gender, race, sexuality, and culture, to tell us the stories of our peers instead of asking them. Strengthen us, O God, so that we can strive to be like Christ, seeking, affirming, and listening to diverse stories. And honoring the incredible narrative of your Creation. Amen.

Silent confession.

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: HYMN 437
You Are the Lord

Sung once by cantor; congregation joins second time

*ASSURANCE OF GRACE^

“Tell us what the world has been to you in the dark places and in the light[…] Tell us what it is to be a woman so that we may know what it is to be a man. What moves at the margin. What it is to have no home in this place[…] Language alone protects us from the scariness of things with no names. Language alone is meditation.”

Believe the Good News of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

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 693, verse 3
The Gift of Love

SCRIPTURE READING 

EXODUS 1
RUTH 1:1-17

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 “Stories of Resistance and Solidarity” Sarah Jordan

*HYMN 324 For All the Faithful Women

PRAYERS OF SUPPLICATION AND INTERCESSION

O God, in your lovingkindness,
         Hear our prayer.

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

OFFERING                                                           [FLUTE DUET]

There are three ways to give:
1. Through the offering plate.
2. Through the “Give-lify” app.
3. By clicking the “donate” button on the homepage of our website, woodlandnash.org

*DOXOLOGY  [LAAST UNS ERFREUEN]

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known:
Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

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.

Gracious God, we give you thanks for your abundant love. Whether we realize it or not, and whether we feel we deserve it or not – your beckoning love never fails to surround us and work within us wherever we are. May we embrace and explore what this means for us. In all things, we thank you, God.

We give thanks to you, O God, as we pray together saying:

Our Father-Mother, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, as we forgive the sins of others; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

*HYMN 440 Jesus Lover of My Soul

*DISMISSAL

POSTLUDE                                                         [TOCATTA IN G]

*Please rise in body or in spirit.

***

The Session of the Church:
Class of 2019: Mark Taylor, Brett Withers
Class of 2020: Alan Stephenson, Tom Eldridge
Class of 2021: Greg Gardner, Rachel Harley
Heidi Hall, Elder Emerita
Melinda Sanders, Moderator

We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:

Sarah Jordan, Preacher   
Hannah Rae, Liturgist
Bill Maul, Music Director
Jeff Moles, Music Coordinator
Becky Goodman, Offering
Sara Staats, Offering  

ANNOUNCEMENTS                 Emily Martin

CALL TO WORSHIP
(Based on Psalm 91)

Leader: The people who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

People: God is our refuge and our fortress, our God in whom we trust.

Leader: Only God will save us from the snares of life.

People: God covers us with feathers, and we find refuge under God’s wings.

Leader: Because God loves us, rescues us and protect us.

People: And when we call God, God answers, God fills us with life, and we can enjoy God’s salvation.

*HYMN 409 God is Here

*INVITATION TO CONFESSION

God knows our strengths and weaknesses, and calls us to leave our burdens. Trusting in the grace of God to free us and ease our minds, let us make our confession before God.

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

We are so many people with so many diverse perspectives. Sometimes it is difficult to understand each other’s perspectives. Sometimes we avoid people with different ways of thinking and living because we believe that our path is the only one. But when we join together, we can see beauty and value in all perspectives. Strengthen us, God, so that we can strive to be like Christ, appreciating and affirming everyone. Amen.

*PERSONAL PRAYER OF CONFESSION

*RESPONSE: HYMN 811
            Make Your Face to Shine

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS

Christ lived for us, Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For anyone who is in Christ is becoming part of God’s New Creation. The old is finished, gone! Behold! New life has begun.

Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you.
            And also with you.

*RESPONSE: HYMN 397 vs. 3
            O Look and Wonder

SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 18:15-17, 20-22; Psalm 149:1-6

SERMON “Two or Three” Mark DeVries

*HYMN 532 Sheaves of Wheat

TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING+
[INSERT +]

THE LORD’S PRAYER+

BREAKING OF THE BREAD

COMMUNION

*PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

May this bread and fruit of the vine nourish us so that we may grow in the faith and knowledge that in you, we are one. Amen.

*HYMN 318 In Christ There Is No East or West

*BENEDICTION

God, through your word all visible and invisible things have been created. You are our inheritance and assurance in this life and the one you have promised. Bless us with the grace of Jesus Christ, the only and blessed Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords, and giver of faith by your Spirit, in whom we are given all things with abundance and for our benefit. Amen.

*SENDING FORTH: HYMN 765
        May the God of Hope Go with Us

DISMISSAL

We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:

Mark DeVries, Preacher
Melissa Vargas, Translator
Bill Maul, Music leader
Scott Sauers, Music leader
Emily Martin, Liturgist

---

ANNUNCIOS                            Melissa Vargas

*LLAMAMIENTO A LA ADORACIÓN
(Basado en el Salmo 91)

Líder: La persona que habita al abrigo del Altísimo se acoge a la sombra del Todopoderoso.

Pueblo: Dios es nuestro refugio y nuestra fortaleza, el Dios en quien confiamos.

Líder: Solo Dios nos puede librar de las trampas de la vida…

Pueblo: Pues nos cubre con sus plumas y en sus alas hallamos refugio.

Líder: Porque Dios nos ama, nos rescata y nos protege.

Pueblo: Y cuando le llamamos, Dios nos responde, nos colma de vida y nos hace gozar de su salvación.

*HIMNO 409 Dios esta Aqui

*INVITACIÓN A LA CONFESIÓN

Dios conoce nuestras fortalezas y debilidades, y nos llama a dejar nuestras cargas. Confiando en la gracia de Dios para liberarnos y hacernos sanos, hagamos nuestra confesión ante Dios.

*ORACIÓN DE CONFESIÓN

Somos tantas personas con tantas perspectivas diversas. A veces es difícil entender las perspectivas del otro. A veces evitamos a las personas con diferentes formas de pensar y vivir porque creemos que nuestro camino es el único. Pero cuando nos unimos, podemos ver la belleza y el valor en todas las perspectivas. Fortalécenos, Dios, para que podamos esforzarnos por ser como Cristo, apreciando y afirmando a todos. Amén.

*CONFESIÓN SILENCIOSA PERDÓN

*RESPUESTA: HIMNO 811
            Haz resplandecer to rostro

DECLARACIÓN DE PERDÓN

Cristo vivió, murió, y resucitó por su pueblo, Cristo reina en poder y ora por su pueblo. Por eso ahora no hay condenación para aquellas personas que están en Jesucristo, porque cualquier persona que está en Cristo está siendo parte de la nueva creación de Dios. ¡Lo viejo ya ha pasado! ¡Miren! ¡La nueva vida ha comenzado!

Hermanos y hermanas, crean en el evangelio.
Pueblo: ¡En Jesucristo hemos recibido perdón!

*PASANDO LA PAZ

La paz de Cristo sea contigo.

Y tambien contigo.

*RESPUESTA: HIMNO 397 vs. 3
            Miren que bueno

LECTURA BIBLICA Mateo 18:15-17, 20-22; Salmo 149:1-6

SERMÓN “Dos o tres” Mark DeVries

*HIMNO 532 Una Espiga

OFRENDAS Y DIEZMOS

*DOXOLOGÍA 

GRAN ORACIÓN DE ACCIÓN DE GRACIAS+
[INSERTAR +]

EL PADRE NUESTRO+

ROMPER EL PAN

COMUNIÓN

*ORACIÓN DESPUÉS DE LA COMUNIÓN

Mayo este pan y fruto de la vid nos nutren para que podamos crecer en el Fe y conocimiento de que somos uno en ti. Amén.

*HIMNO 318 Oriente ni occidente

*BENDICIÓN

Dios, por tu palabra fueron creadas todas las cosas visibles e invisibles, eres nuestra herencia y seguridad en esta vida y la que has prometido después. Bendícenos con la gracia de Jesucristo, el único y bienaventurado Soberano, Rey de reyes y Señor de señores, y la fe mediante tu Espíritu en quien nos das todas las cosas con abundancia y para nuestro provecho Amén.

*ENVÍO: HIMNO 765 Canto de Esperanza

DESPIDO

Agradecemos a los que sirvieron y se prepararon para la adoración de hoy:

Mark DeVries, Predicador
Melissa Vargas, Traductora
Bill Maul, Líder musical
Scott Sauers, Líder musical
Emily Martin, Liturgist