SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 17, 2006, 10:30 a.m.

 

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

The Prelude begins worship—a time to prepare to meet with other believers, and with God.

 

PRELUDE                                         Prelude in D minor                                         J. Pachelbel                             

 

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CHORAL INTROIT          Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult  (Stanza 5)                       W. Jude

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP and PRAYER ASKING GOD’S PRESENCE         on Nehemiah 1:11

            This is the day the Lord has made;

               We will rejoice and be glad in it.

            Let us pray:

               O Master, listen to me, listen to your servant’s prayer;

               and yes, to all your servants who delight in honoring you.

                                                                                                                  

*HYMN  # 442                                                                           The Church’s One Foundation

(Sing unison on stanza 5 after a brief interlude following stanza 4)

       

*CONFESSION OF WHO WE ARE           Susan R. Andrews, Moderator of  General Assembly, 2005

(with timpani as marked with # sign)

                Confusing God,

            We confess that we do not understand the rhythms of your story.

            You call us to life (#), but then lead us to death (#).

            You promise us grace, (#) but then burden us with sacrifice (#).

            You delight us with creation, (#) but then anguish us with the Cross (#).

            God, who are you (#)? 

            God, who do you want us to be (#)?

            Speak to us this day (#).  Explain to us the promise of passion.

            And empower us to lift high the cross, with energy and hope.

            We pray in the name of the Crucified One (#).

(time for silent, personal confession)  Amen.

 

*ASSURANCE OF WHOSE WE ARE                                         from Romans 5:1—2, Chalice Worship

                Since we are justified by faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

                     Through Jesus Christ

     we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand,

     and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God.

 

*THE PEACE

 

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

              

   Peace be with you.

(worshipers share words and gestures of the peace of Christ)

 

PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD

 

LESSON FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT                                            Nehemiah 1 (NRSV)

 

ANTHEM                                   Rejoice in the Lord Alway                                        H. Purcell

 

WORD WITH CHILDREN

 

PRESENTATION OF BIBLES TO THIRD GRADERS:

    

LESSON FROM THE GOSPEL                                                      Matthew 25: 31-46 (NRSV)

 

SERMON                                                                              “Building the Walls of HIV/AIDS”                   

RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD’S AUTHORITY

Call to Respond

Offertory                  Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen            Spiritual/J. Althouse

*Response # 592                                        Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

*Prayer of Dedication

 

PRAYERS OF THANKS AND INTERCESSION

      THE LORD’S PRAYER  (Traditional)                                                            Hymnal P. 16

DEPART IN GOD’S NAME

 

*HYMN # 417                                                                    Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

 

*CHARGE & BLESSING

 

CHORAL RESPONSE #586                                                                                              Amen

 

POSTLUDE                                        Fugue in D minor                                          J. Pachelbel                                     

*Congregation stands as able   

Next Week’s Scriptures: Prov. 31: 10-31; Ps.1; James 3: 13-4: 3; Mark 9: 30-37

 

WE ARE A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

 

WORSHIP LEADERS

 

Liturgist 

Rev. William R. Leety

Sermon

Rev. John Nganga

Word with Children

Rev. William R. Leety, Betsy Maurath

Musical Leadership

Fred Shaffer, Bass

Chancel Choir

Sarah Shaffer, Director

Nancy Deeth, Organist