Gathering Song #767
“Together we Serve”
In Baptism we were joined to Christ and made members of one body. In the community of the people of God, we have learned of God’s purpose for us and for all creation.
Call to Worship
Shout to God, all the earth!
Sing the glory of God’s name, give glorious praise.
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!”
Your enemies cower before your strength.
All the earth worships you and sings praises to you:
All creation praises your name.”
*Hymn #301
“All are Welcome”
*Invitation & Prayer of Confession
Holy God,
Give us the courage, strength, and understanding
to expand the boundaries of our love,
to let go of fear and what keeps us from one another,
so that
we may better serve our neighbors,
better love and
support strangers,
better pursue and practice peace,
and more faithfully follow Christ Jesus.
*Response
Kyrie Eleison,
“Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.”
*Assurance of Grace
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.
*Response
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Since I laid my burden down. (2x)
I’m so happy, O, so happy
Since I laid my burden down. (2x)
Glory, glory…
Scripture Readings
Exodus 4:2, Matthew 25:14-30
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
“What’s That in Your Hand?”
Mark DeVries served as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee for 28 years and has served alongside the Woodland family for more than a year now.
He is the founder of Ministry Architects and Justice Industries and the co-founder of the Center for Youth Ministry Training and Ministry Incubators. Mark is the author of 12 books, including recently released Reimagining Young Adult Ministry. Mark and his wife Susan live in Nashville and have three grown children and four grandchildren.
*Hymn #305
Come Sing, O Church, In Joy
Prayers of Supplication & Intercession
O God, in your loving kindness,
Hear our prayer.
The Offering
Training Hub Choir
Doxology
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!
Blessing of the Building
Holy God…
As we gather in this place on this day of celebration,
we pray that you bless and keep this space:
May your word of life be heard
in all its extraordinary power and truth.
May the seeking continue to find welcome among us.
In your waters of renewal and grace,
may our hungry hearts be nourished at your table
and equipped to serve others.
May your peace surround us, and may our lives be changed,
Making the life of the world ever new through Christ Jesus.
Silent meditation
We now 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 #643
Now Thank We All Our God