Bolded text is to be said, sung, or done together as a congregation. You can rise in these moments as well, either in body or spirit.
Gathering: Preparing to Hear the Word
In Preparation for Worship
You shall be holy, for I am holy.
Sentences of Scripture
Rev. Lynette Sparks
Opening Voluntary
“This Day Is So Joyous”
J.S. Bach
Helen Hofmeister
Sharing the Life of Westminster
Call to Worship
Chris Dugan
One: I will bless the Lord at all times.
All: Praise will continually be in my mouth.
One: My soul shall rejoice in the Lord.
All: Let the humble hear it and rejoice.
One: Come, glorify our God with me.
All: Let us exalt God’s name together!
Hymn 15: All Creatures of Our God and King
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have not lived as your faithful children. We have been angry with the world and nursed grudges against others. We have hoarded the fruits of our labors rather than sharing our bounty with those in need. We have not built up our neighbors with words of kindness, but have indulged in hurtful words. We have not forgiven wrongs others have done, even though we long for your forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Heal us, O God, and give us the grace to love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
Silent Confession
Kyrie:
Assurance of God's Grace
One: Friends, believe the Good News.
All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Response Hymn #693
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.
Passing the Peace of Christ
One: Peace be with you.
All: And also with you.
Ministry of Music
“Nisi Dominus” from Psalm 26
Antonio Vivaldi
Austin McWilliams, Countertenor
Helen Hofmeister, Harpsichord
Nisi Dominus aedificaverit domum, in vanum laboraverunt qui aedificant eam. Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, frustra vigilat qui custodit eam.
Unless the Lord build the house,
they labour in vain that build it.
Unless the Lord keep the city,
he watcheth in vain that keep it.
Blessings with Younger Disciples
Children three years through second grade may finish their time of worship in the Worship Centers. Children’s worship leaders or parents will shepherd them from the Sanctuary to their rooms. Parents may pick them up in their worship rooms following the service.
Congregation: As you worship together, may God be with you.
Children: And may God be with you.
Congregation: Go in peace!
The Word
Prayer for Illumination
We pray that the words of Scripture may be encountered as God’s Word.
Scripture
New Testament, Ephesians 4:25-5:2
25 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not make room for the devil. 28 Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up,[a] as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 32 and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.[b] 5 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us[c] and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Sermon
“No Cheap Imitations,” Rev. Lynette Sparks
Responding to the Word
Affirmation of Faith
From the Confession of Belhar
We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community.
But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father 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 those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
Offering Our Lives
Offertory
“Buß und Reu” from St. Matthew Passion
J.S. Bach
Austin McWilliams, Countertenor
Helen Hofmeister, Organ
Doxology
Means “words of glory.” They are a traditional expression of praise to God.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost!
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give thanks and praise.
Generous, transforming God, thank you for the blessing of honest labor, through which you have provided these gifts for our hands to share with those in need. We dedicate them now as an expression of your love for the world, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Going Out to Be the Church
Hymn 738: O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee
Charge and Benediction
The Charge: Go into the world in peace. Have courage. Hold on to all that is good. Return no one evil for evil. Do justice. Walk with those who are fainthearted. Help those who suffer. Honor all people. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Closing Voluntary
“Prelude in A Minor”
J.S. Bach
Helen Hofmeister, Organ
Participants in Today's Service
- Preacher: Rev. Lynette Sparks, Senior Pastor
- Liturgists: Chris Dugan, Clerk of Session; Cheryl Bremer, Elder for Stewardship
- Worship Musician: Austin McWilliams, Countertenor
- Minister of Music: Helen Hofmeister
- Tech Team: Harry Coffill, Dan Cisler, Stella Sheckler