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
How can we live in harmony? First we need to know we are all madly in love with the same God.
Sentences of Scripture
Rev. Jen Porter
Opening Voluntary
“Mingxing Canlan Ye Wei Yang” (Midnight Stars Make Bright the Skies)
arr. Michael Bedford
Helen Hofmeister, Organ
Sharing the Life of Westminster
Rev. Lynette Sparks
Call to Worship
One: We were created in relationship and for relationship.
All: Our identity is rooted in community.
One: Through Jesus Christ, God entered into human relationship with us.
All: We share in Christ’s Spirit, Christ’s table, Christ’s love.
One: We are called to unity and peace with all.
All: We come, as children of God, to worship together as one.
One: Amen and Hallelujah.
Hymn 401: Here in This Place
Gather Us In
Prayer of Confession
Julia deJonge
O Lord, you have offered us unity through your son. You call us to work for a world where all will be fed and have dignity. You call us to seek justice and peace. You call us to acts of love for the sake of all people. Yet we get distracted by our own desires and do not insist on freedom for all. Forgive us, and turn us to your will; teach us again to follow in the fullness of Christ. Hear our prayer…
Silent Confession
Assurance of God's Grace
One: Friends, believe the Good News.
All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Response Hymn 817: We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight (stanza 1)
We walk by faith and not by sight;
with gracious words draw near,
O christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke:
“My Peace be with you here.”
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: “Panis Angelicus,” Caesar Franck, Viviana Kloostra, Soprano
11:00: “River in Judea,” John Leavitt, Kirk 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
Colossians 3:12-16, New Testament, p. 201
12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord[a] has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
Sermon
“Together in the Kin-dom: A Community of Peace,” Rev. Jen Porter
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.
Offering Our Lives
Offertory
8:30 service: “Cuan Grande es El,” Viviana Kloostra, soprano
11:00 service: “We’ve Come a Long Way,” Traditional Liberian Song, arr. John A. Behnke, 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!
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
Invitation to the Lord's Table
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.
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.
The Words of Institution
Communion of the People
Prayer of Response
Gracious God, we offer our thanks for the communion of saints’ witness to this feast and for the ministry of churches around the world who worship you today. By this broken bread, may we each be restored for the work yet to come. By this shared cup, may we each be claimed for the proclamation of your kingdom. At this shared table, may we be united as children of your promise, children of your word, dying and made new again, sent boldly together into the world as servants of your peace. Amen.
Going Out to Be the Church
Hymn 4515: I Come With Joy
Dove of Peace
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
“Aleluya! Cristo Resucito”
Luis Bojos, arr. Michael Bedford
Participants in Today's Service
- Preacher: Rev. Jen Porter
- Liturgists: Rev. Lynette Sparks, Jeanne DeWaard
- Worship Musicians: Helen Hofmeister, Minister for Music; Viviana Kloostra; John Schlafley; Sanctuary Choir; Janlee Richter