Order of Worship

27 August 2023

Sunday Morning Spiritual Formation

For Adults: the How and Why of Spiritual Connections

We gather at 9:00 am in the Multipurpose Room. Expect a warm welcome and grace-filled discussion.

For Children Ages 4 and up: Getting to Know You

You can find us in the Blue Room! Look for signs and friendly faces as you enter the education building. For children under 4, Amy and Jaian are ready for you in the Red Room. Sunday mornings are time for fun and connection.

Order of Worship

Prelude

"In My Life" by The Beatles

Shared by Travis Meyers

Opening Words

Led by Pastor Ken

One: Who are we and what are we called to do?

All: To create a world where every person is radically affirmed and barriers between people become bridges of inclusion, justice, and spirituality.

Welcome and Announcements

Pastor Ken

Singing Our Faith ~ "All Are Welcome"

Please stand if comfortably able               by Marty Haugen

1. Let us build a house where love can dwell

      and all can safely live.

A place where saints and children tell

How hearts learn to forgive.

Built of hopes and dreams and visions,

Rock of faith and vault of grace.

Here the love of Christ shall end divisions:

All are welcome, all are welcome,

All are welcome in this place.

2. Let us build a house where hands will reach

   beyond the wood and stone.

To heal and strengthen, serve and teach,

And live the Word they’ve known.

Here the outcasts and the stranger bears the image

   of God’s face.

Let us bring an end to fear and danger.

All are welcome, all are welcome,

All are welcome in this place.

3.    Let us build a house where all are named,

          their songs and visions heard.

     And loved and treasured taught and claimed

     As words within the Word.

     Built of tears and cries and laughter,

     Prayers of faith and songs of grace.

     Let the house proclaim from floor to rafter:

     All are welcome, all are welcome,

     All are welcome in this place.

The Peace

Led by Pastor Ken

Let us greet each other as a sign of God's peace and of our shared friendship.

Gathering and Centering Prayer

Shared by Pastor Ken and Travis Meyers

The Word About Life for Today - Matthew 16:13-20

Shared by Pastor Ken

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20

Celebrations and Celebration Song

Led by Pastor Ken

This is our time to share the celebrations of our lives: birthdays, 

anniversaries, words of kindness and works of peace and justice.  

Celebrate your heart and your spirit,

Celebrate your life while you live it.

Even when it’s hard to do,

Celebrate the best of you.

Celebrate your dreams and your visions,

Celebrate the love you’ve been given.

Cherish all that you’ve been through,

Celebrate the best of you.

Invitation to Give

Led by Pastor Ken

Let us bring our offerings as a decision to be co-creators with God in a safer and more inclusive world. Let us give of ourselves and our offerings to make life good.

Offerings and Offertory

Shared by Travis Meyers

"Why Georgia" by John Mayer

Dedication of Our Offerings

Led by Pastor Ken

One: By our smallest actions, we become part of a bigger world. The smallest giving can be an expression of the good spirit of generosity and caring. 

All: May we and these gifts be used to build a foundation of inclusion, justice and spirituality. Amen.



Words For Mission   

Led by Pastor Ken

One:    May we be mindful that each day offers more things than we can do.

All:     May we do what needs to be done, postpone what does not, and be at peace with what we can be and do.

One: Therefore, may we learn to separate that which matters most,

All: and that which matters least of all. 

One: These are the times

All: We are the people.

One: All of Creation is blessed!

All: May we love all and serve all!

One: God be with you.

All: And also with you.

One: Amen.  

All: Amen!

Sending Forth Song ~ "Free To Be You and Me"

There’s a land that I see where the children are free.

 And I say it ain’t far to this land from where we are.

Take my hand, come with me where the children are free.

Come with me, take my hand, and we’ll live...

Chorus

In a land where the river runs free.

In a land through the green country.

In a land to a shining sea.

In a land where the horses run free.

And you and me are free to be, you and me.

I see a land, bright and clear and the time’s comin’ near

When we’ll live in this land, you and me, hand in hand.

Take my hand, come along, lend your voice to my song.

Come along, take my hand, sing a song...

    Chorus

Every boy in this land grows to be his own man.

In this land, every girl grows to be her own woman.

Take my hand, come with me, where the children are free.

Come with me, take my hand, and we’ll run...

    Chorus

Sermon Reboot is OFF for today because we have Coffee Chat!

This is a time to go deeper into today's worship theme and explore connections and applications. If you're attending in person, make your way to the Narthex seating area. If you're participating via Zoom, please stay connected.