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
“Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you're not really losing it. You're just passing it on to someone else.”
Sentences of Scripture
Rev. Lynette Sparks
Opening Voluntary
“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”
arr. Robert Hobby
Helen Hofmeister, Organ
Sharing the Life of Westminster
Rev. Jen Porter
Call to Worship
One: Come, seekers of life! Let us sow the seeds of our prayers and songs into the fertile soil of God’s presence.
All: Let life crack open our hearts and give birth to renewed spirits.
One: Let all that brings death be consumed in the passionate flame of our worship,
All: and let the resurrection power of God be expressed and made visible in our shared life.
One: Let us seek signs of God’s kin-dom breaking into the world!
Hymn 619: Praise, My Soul, the God of Heaven
Lauda Anima
Prayer of Confession
John Schlafley
O Lord, you are the maker of justice and the source of righteousness, the one who hears the cries of those who suffer and satisfies all who hunger. Forgive us when we fail to reflect your just love: when we have food and food left over, yet we do not share with any in need; when we have power for good and power for change, yet we use it only for our own self-preservation; when we have the words of the prophets before us, yet we cover our ears lest they make us uncomfortable. Forgive us, O Lord, and teach us to follow in your way…
Silent Confession
Assurance of God's Grace
One: Friends, believe the Good News.
All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Response Hymn 42: Your Faithfulness, O Lord, Is Sure
Your faithfulness, O Lord, is sure
in all your words, your gracious deeds;
you gently lift all burdened souls
and well provide for all our needs.
Passing the Peace of Christ
One: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
Ministry of Music
8:30: “Give Me Jesus,” arr. Moses Hogan, Mark Jackson, tenor
11:00: “Somebody’s Knockin’ At Your Door,” arr. Ken Berg, Chapel Singers
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
Mark 10:17-31, New Testament, p. 46
17 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” 20 He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
23 Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
28 Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Sermon
“Together in the Kin-dom: A Community of Sacrifice,” Rev. Lynette Sparks
Responding to the Word
Affirmation of Faith
We believe in one holy, universal Christian church, the unity of the communion of saints of the entire human family. And we believe that this unity of the people of God must be manifest and active, in that we love one another; that we give ourselves willingly and joyfully to one another; that we share one baptism together; that we eat of one bread and drink of one cup together; that we confess one name, one Lord, for one cause, with one hope—which is the height and the breadth and the depth and the love of Christ, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Rev. Laurie Hartzell
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 kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Focus on Stewardship
Cheryl Bremer
Offering Our Lives
Offertory
8:30 service: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is,” arr. John Ness Beck, Mark Jackson, tenor
11:00 service: “A Celtic Kyrie,” Lee Dengler, Sanctuary Coir
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.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
Gracious God, we present these gifts and renew our commitment to leave everything behind and follow you. Give us the courage to fulfill your will. In everything we do and say, help us become living offerings worthy of being called your disciples. Amen.
Going Out to Be the Church
Hymn 724: O Jesus, I Have Promised
Angel’s Story
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
“Toccata in D Minor,” Johann Froberger,
Helen Hofmeister, organ
Participants in Today's Service
- Preacher: Rev. Lynette Sparks
- Liturgists: Rev. Jen Porter, Rev. Laurie Hartzell, John Schlafley, Cheryl Bremer
- Worship Musicians: Helen Hofmeister, Minister for Music; Mark Jackson, tenor; Chapel Singers; Sanctuary Choir; Janlee Richter, accompanist
“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” “Give Me Jesus,” “Somebody’s Knockin,'” “The King of Love My Shepherd Is,” and “A Celtic Kyrie” used with permission under ONE LICENSE, License #724668-A. All rights reserved.