|
Introit Here's One (African-American Spiritual)
Kate Kallis, piano
In Memory of Rep. John Lewis (1940-2020) a courageous icon of the Civil Rights movement. He went from country poverty to become a leader of the Civil Rights movement when he was jailed many times, including at the notorious Parchman Farm in Mississippi. In 1987 he was elected to serve in the US House of Representatives from the State of Georgia. The lyrics of this song, a simple expression of devotion to God, is what John Lewis embodied.
Talk about a child who do love Jesus.
Here's one, here's one. (repeat)
Ever since I heard the gospel story,
I've been walking up the road to glory.
Talk about a child who do love Jesus,
Here's one.
Talk about a child who's been forgiven,
Here's one, I said, here's one, (Repeat)
Ever since I heard the gospel story,
I've been walking up the road to glory.
Talk about a child who's been forgiven,
Here's one.
Talk about a child who's been converted,
Here's one, here's one. (repeat)
Ever since I heard the gospel story,
I've been walking up the road to glory.
Talk about a child
who's been converted,
Here's one.
Opening Prayer (in unison)
All-knowing God, we often feel alone, even with others present. We feel misunderstood. We long for life-giving relationships and for authentic community. We long to be known. Help us to open our hearts to your constant and unfailing company. May your ever-present Spirit fill us with a sense of contentment and peace as we begin our worship today…
(silence)
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*We acknowledge God to be among people of all gender identities and expressions; we also acknowledge the importance of tradition.
Hymn Amen, Amen.
led by Michele Allan, Tracy Allen, David Giessow, Randy McGee, Todd Swavey, and video from Pete Butler (This hymn is an African-American spiritual that found fame during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's It's call and response form allowed the lead singer to create new verses which the congregation affirms by singing Amen.)
Amen, amen, amen, amen,
O see the little baby lying in a manger
amen, Amen
On Christmas morning.
amen, amen, amen, amen!
See Jesus in the temple talking to the elders;
amen, Amen,
how they all marveled!
amen, amen, amen, amen!
See Jesus at the sea shore preaching to the people,
amen, Amen,
healing all the sick ones!
amen, amen, amen, amen!
See Jesus on the cross… bearing all my sins…
amen, Amen,
in bitter agony!
amen, amen, amen, amen!
Yes, Jesus died to save us, rose on Easter morning,
amen, Amen
and lives forever!
amen, amen, amen, amen!
We’re singing Alleluia! Jesus is my Savoir,
amen, Amen,
who lives forever!
amen, amen, amen, amen!
Children’s Message Priscilla Anderson
Special Music I Dream a World Andre' Thomas Lyrics
by Langston Hughes
Pastoral Prayer Daryl Denelle, Ministry Intern
Scripture Reading: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 Deacon Ellen Rathke
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is so high that I cannot attain it.
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
all the days that were formed for me,
when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them—they are more than the sand;
I come to the end—I am still with you.
Sermon: “To Be Known” Rev. Dr. Peter W. Allen
| 
