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
"Be God's."
Sentences of Scripture
Rev. Laurie Hartzell
Opening Voluntary
“Holy Manna,” arranged by Bonnie Johansen-Werner
Helen Hofmeister, organ
Sharing the Life of Westminster
Rev. Lynette Sparks
Call to Worship
One: We come, for God gathers us here with that community called faith:
All: where the hungry are served first, where the thirsty drink life’s water.
One: We come, for God welcomes us here into that home called grace:
All: where the naked are clothed in robes of hope; where the stranger is embraced as the long-lost prodigal.
One: We come, for God reunites us here, siblings in that family called love:
All: where justice rules even for the imprisoned, where the sick are cradled in God’s peace.
Hymn 100: My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout
Star of the County Down
Prayer of Confession
Rev. Jen Porter
God who is always with us, where we have not honored but avoided you in each other, where we have clung to our birthrights and dismissed the cries of the oppressed, where we have not touched but trampled you in creation, where we have not received but rejected your goodness, forgive us. Give us the courage and wisdom to live with you and your Kin-dom at the center of our lives. Hear our prayers…
Silent Confession
Assurance of God's Grace
One: Friends, believe the Good News.
All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Response Hymn 701: Lord, Prepare Me
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy, tried and true.
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
sanctuary for you.
Passing the Peace of Christ
One: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
Ministry of Music
11:00 Youth Retreat Music Group
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
Psalm 82:1-4, Old Testament, p. 542
Matthew 25: 37-46
Sermon
“Serve Together,” Rev. Alonzo Johnson
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
Lily Fiore and Elizah Hyde
Offering Our Lives
Offertory
8:30 service: “Christ, Be Our Light,” arr. Michael Burkhardt
11:00 service: “Hope Lingers On,” Lisa Schneckenburger, 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.
God of strange reversals and healing mysteries, we thank you for giving us Jesus who has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Enable us, when we are confronted by the vulnerability and suffering of others, to make those choices that will keep us in tune with your generous love, and thereby create small communities of heaven where you are truly worshipped and glorified. For your name’s sake. Amen!
Going Out to Be the Church
Hymn 700: I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me
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 Seven,” John Rutter
Helen Hofmeister, organ
Participants in Today's Service
- Preacher: Rev. Alonzo Johnson
- Liturgists: Rev. Laurie Hartzell, Rev. Lynette Sparks, Emma Richter, Karys Russell, Rev. Jen Porter, Nancy Greidanus, Vivi Duncan, Dillan Roosien
- Worship Musicians: Helen Hofmeister, Minister for Music; youth retreat music group; Sanctuary Choir; Janlee Richter, accompanist