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
I believe that Jesus Christ still loves the Church!
Sentences of Scripture
Rev. Lynette Sparks
Opening Voluntary
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” arr. John Leavitt, Helen Hofmeister, orgaO
Sharing the Life of Westminster
Susan Jennings
Call to Worship
One: Sing to God—worship God!
All: For God is great, and worth a thousand hallelujahs.
One: God made the heavens, and royal splendor radiates from God.
All: Everyone join in praise, awed by God’s beauty and might!
One: Bring gifts and celebrate. Worship God in holy splendor.
All: The heavens are glad; the earth rejoices! Together we sing for joy.
Hymn 363: Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Darwall’s 148th
Prayer of Confession
Elder John Nienhuis
Holy God, you call us to love you with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind. Forgive us when selfishness takes up too much of our heart, when worry seems to crowd wonder out of our soul, when fear causes us to close our minds to the movement of your Spirit. Holy God, you call us to bear with one another in love. Forgive us when we cannot love our neighbors. Forgive us when we cannot love ourselves. Help us to love with abandon…
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
“Morning Has Broken,” arr. Ervin Monroe, Diane Helle, Violin
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 12:28-34, New Testament, p. 49
Sermon
“All In: A Kin-dom of Love,” Rev. Lynette Sparks
Responding to the Word
Reception of New Members (11:00 a.m.)
The Meaning of Membership
Questions to the New Members
Questions to the Congregation
Charge
Prayers of the People
Rev. Jen Porter
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
Kent Riddle
Offering Our Lives and Dedication of Stewardship Pledges for 2022
Offertory
8:30 service: “Adagio” and “Allegro” from Sonata I, Arcangelo Corelli, Diane Helle, Violin
11:00 service: “Now Thank We All Our God,” from Cantata #79 God Is Our Strength and Shield, J.S. Bach, Sanctuary Choir
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.
One: Creator of all, the earth is yours, the world and all who live in it.
All: You have entrusted us with gifts—time, talent, energy, money—and asked us to use them to build your kin-dom of love. With thanks and praise we respond to your call.
One: With love, we bring these gifts you have given, returning your generosity.
All: We offer ourselves, our lives, our hopes and fears, our dollars and our hours.
We commit ourselves to work for your world, to love and serve wherever you call.
One: We ask your blessing on this, your church, as we seek to follow you with heart, mind, and soul.
All: Bless also these gifts, our investment in your future, that they may multiply in faith, hope, and love. Amen.
Going Out to Be the Church
Hymn 275: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
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
“Chant Héroique,” Jean Langlais
Helen Hofmeister, organ
Participants in Today's Service
- Preacher: Rev. Lynette Sparks
- Liturgists: Susan Jennings, John Nienhuis, Nancy Greidanus, Rev. Jen Porter, Kent Riddle
- Worship Musicians: Helen Hofmeister, Diane Helle, Sanctuary Choir, Janlee Richter