Order of Service / Creation 4 / September 29, 2024

 *Gathering Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful (#291 VU | vs. 4,5)

Welcome& Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: Blessed is the One who surrounds us with care and grace.

All: Our help is in the name of the Creator, who made heaven and earth.

One: We gather in awe of the beauty of creation.

All: The earth, the skies, the waters – gifts of God’s creative hand.

One: Let us worship the One who sustains all things with steadfast love.

All: We worship with joy and thanksgiving, for God is our refuge and strength.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn God of the Sparrow (#217 VU | vs. 1,2,6)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Creator of all, we confess that we often forget to care for your creation. We sometimes focus on our own needs and ignore the needs of others and the earth. Forgive us for our unkind actions and help us to live in harmony with all living things. Teach us to show love and respect in all that we do. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: God’s love is deeper than our mistakes; we are forgiven and welcomed.

All: We embrace this grace with grateful hearts, ready to begin anew.

One: We journey with God, healing the broken relationships around us.

All: With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will work to live in harmony and peace.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (Know that God is Good / MV #104)

Know that God is love, know that God is love,

know that God is love, God is love, God is love.

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

James 5:13-20 The sick should be anointed by the elders.

Psalm 124 (VU p.848) If God had not been at our side.

Mark 9:42-50 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn Teach Me, God, to Wonder (#299VU)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (Tune: #374VU)

Acts of kindness, times for sharing; bringing Christ to human need.

Caring for the least among us; simple actions plant the seed.

By our giving and forgiving, work a miracle of love.

Holy presence to us offered; Praise the One who reigns above.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Loving Creator, we bring our gifts to you today with thankful hearts. We give these offerings as a sign of our love and care for your creation. Help us to use these gifts to support those in need and to protect the earth. May our actions reflect your kindness and generosity in the world. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn In the Quiet Curve of Evening (#278 VU)

*Commissioning

One: Blessed is the One who sends us forth with care and grace.

All: Our strength is in the name of the Creator, who empowers our mission.

One: As we go into the world, let us share the beauty of creation.

All: The earth, the skies, the waters—remind us to be stewards of God’s gifts.

One: Let us serve the One who inspires us with steadfast love.

All: We go with joy and thanksgiving, ready to be instruments of peace. Amen.

*Commissioning Song Peace be with You (#215 MV)

Peace be with you, peace forever, peace be with you my friends.

Till we meet again, may God be with you. Peace, peace, peace.

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