Services of Worship - Presbytery of the Cascades

A SERVICE OF WORD AND SACRAMENT
AT THE OPENING OF THE PRESBYTERY MEETING
GATHERING
PRELUDE Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed
C. Hubert, H. Perry
OPENING SENTENCES
Romans 14: 8 (CEB)
We don’t live for ourselves and we don’t die for ourselves. If we live, we live for the Lord,
and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die, we belong to God.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Adapted from the Heidelberg Catechism, Q1 and Q2
People of God, what is your only comfort, in life and in death?
That we are not our own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to our
faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
What must we know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?
Three things: first, how great our sin and misery are; second, how we are set free
from all our sins and misery; third, how we are to thank God for such deliverance.
People of God, we may be sure of the providence of God.
Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Let us worship God.
*HYMN 270 O God, in a Mysterious Way
Dundee
*PRAYER OF ADORATION
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CALL TO CONFESSION
Adapted from the Heidelberg Catechism, Q3 through Q5
Christ teaches us to love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind; and to love
our neighbors as ourselves.
We cannot live up to all this perfectly. We have a natural tendency to hate God
and our neighbor.
And yet, the providence of God has set us free from our sin and misery. Let us confess our
need of God’s deliverance.
CONFESSION
Adapted from the Heidelberg Catechism, Q5 through Q17
We know what the Law of God requires, but through disobedience and rebellion,
we have departed from what God made good. Our sin is both corporate and
individual, it is both inborn and what we choose to do. We long to escape the
punishment we deserve. The claims of God’s justice increase against us every
day. Yet, since we belong to God, it is God who redirects us and restores us to
righteousness and life. Therefore, we dare to pray forgiveness.
A brief silence for reflection will be kept.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Adapted from the Heidelberg Catechism, Q14 through Q19
God has reconciled us through a mediator and deliverer who is both true God and true and
righteous human.
The holy gospel tells us what God has proclaimed by the patriarchs and
prophets, foreshadowed by the law and fulfilled in God’s beloved Son.
Friends, our Lord Jesus Christ completely delivers us and makes us right with God.
*SUNG RESPONSE Glory to God
Glory to God, Glory to God, praise and celebration.
Glory to God, Glory to God, praise the name of the Lord. repeat
Jim Strathdee
*THE PEACE
Since God has given us peace through the Son, Jesus the Christ, let us be at peace with
one another. The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
THE WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE Romans 8:31-39
SERMON
Something Really Pithy
The Rev. Dr. John Mahon
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RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
From the Heidelberg Catechism, Q21
The Heidelberg Catechism asks, What is true faith?
True faith is
not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true
all that God has revealed to us in Scripture;
it is also a wholehearted trust,
which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel,
that God has freely granted,
not only to others but to me also,
forgiveness of sins,
eternal righteousness,
and salvation.
These are gifts of sheer grace,
granted solely by Christ’s merit.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING
OFFERTORY
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
*DOXOLOGY
All creation, join in praising,
God the Father, Spirit, Son.
Evermore your voices raising
To the eternal Three in One.
Praise and honor, praise and honor,
Holy God, whom we adore.
arr. Martin
REGENT SQUARE
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
THE EUCHARIST
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
From the Heidelberg Catechism, Q75
Friends, this is a joyful feast. According to Luke, when our risen Lord was at table with his
disciples, they recognized him in the blessing and breaking of bread. It is this same Lord’s
table. Our deliverer and mediator invites those who trust him to share the feast he has
prepared. This holy supper reminds and assures us that we share in Christ’s one sacrifice
on the cross and in all his benefits.
Christ has commanded all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup
in remembrance of him. As we taste the bread and cup of the Lord, our souls are
nourished and refreshed for eternal life.
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GREAT THANKSGIVING
May the Lord of the kingdom be with you!
And also with you!
Children of God, offer your hearts to the One
who calls us to serve the world.
We embrace the God of the loving heart.
God’s people, sing praises forever and ever.
We rejoice in the One who will not allow anything,
not a thing, to keep us apart.
Hearts overflow . . . forever singing our praises to you.
Holy, holy, holy are you, word-keeping God.
All creation tells of your wonderful deeds.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who is the treasure of your kingdom.
Hosanna in the highest!
Holy are you . . . that mystery we call faith:
Christ died, with love more powerful than hate;
Christ rose, with life too strong for death;
Christ will come, with grace too deep for words.
As we gather at this Table . . . God in Community, Holy in One.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver
us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and
forever. Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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SHARING BREAD AND CUP
The people are invited to come to the closest serving stations as directed. If it is difficult for
you to move about, please signal a server. As we commune, please feel free to join in
singing
Eat This Bread and Never Hunger
Daniel Charles Damon
Cantor:
Asking for a cup of water, Jesus touched forbidden ground;
and the woman, with a question, told the world what she had found.
Refrain
Eat this bread and never hunger;
Drink this cup and never thirst.
Christ invites us to the table where the last become the first.
Walking down a desert highway, Jesus healed a man born blind;
soon the man became a witness to the truth we seek and find.
Refrain
Weeping for his friend at graveside, Jesus felt the pain of death;
yet he knew God’s power to waken, living water, living breath.
Refrain
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
SENDING
*HYMN 436 We Are Your People
ES FLOG EIN KLEIN WALDVÖGELEIN
*CHARGE AND BLESSING
Matthew 22:37-40, 2 Thessalonians 5:23
Go out into the world in peace.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind; and love
your neighbor as yourself. And may the God of peace make you holy in every way.
Amen and amen.
POSTLUDE
All Glory Be to God on High
J. S. Bach
Please be seated for the postlude.
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PARTICIPANTS
Raoul Bellis-Squires, Cantor, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR
The Reverend Rebecca Chancellor, Associate Pastor, Valley Community
Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR
Darlene Cusick, Organist, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR
The Reverend Charles F. Falconer, HR, Portland, OR
The Reverend John Mahon, Co-Executive Presbyter, Eugene, OR
The Reverend Ben Paroulek, Stated Supply Associate Pastor, Valley Community
Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR
Addy Pratt, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR
The Reverend Jenny Pratt, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Portland, OR
Adele Pelletier, Ruling Elder, Tualatin Presbyterian Church, Tualatin, OR
Communion servers are from our host church, and from commissioners representing
churches in our Presbytery.
RESOURCES
The Book of Confessions. Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA),
Louisville, KY, 1996. And 2012 new translation of the Heidelberg Catechism.
Great Thanksgiving: Thom M Shuman, Playing Hopscotch in Heaven: Lectionary
Liturgies for RCL Year A. © 2013 by Thom M Shuman. The liturgy used is for
Pentecost 10, Year A.
Lift Up Your Hearts. Geneva Press, Louisville, KY, 1999.
The Presbyterian Hymnal. Westminster/John Knox Press, Louisville, KY, 1990.
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SERVICE OF WORSHIP AT PRESBYTERY
FRIDAY EVENING
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
The Lord will keep you from all harm–
God will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:1-2, 7-8
PRELUDE Thee We Adore
arr. Martin
OPENING SENTENCES
From Genesis 12:1-2, John 3:3,1 Peter 2:9, John 3:17
As God set Abram, Sarai, and Lot on a journey,
God calls us to follow in trust.
God is able to make us more than we have been
and blesses us on the way.
As Jesus invited Nicodemus to be born again,
Christ invites us to become a new creation.
Christ calls us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
and we are saved through him.
*A HYMN REFLECTING ON THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM
My Life Flows On—How Can I Keep from Singing?
My life flows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the clear, though far-off hymn that hails a new creation.
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die? I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth.
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing?
Refrain: No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m clinging.
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Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
CALL TO CONFESSION
We cannot earn God’s grace or favor.
It comes to us, not as something owed,
but as a gift freely given.
Confident in God’s love for us,
even when we are ungodly,
we confess our sins in faith.
Romans 4:4-5
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, we come before you
in need of forgiveness and grace.
You call us to trust in you completely,
but we do not.
We are timid and fearful as we follow your lead.
We justify our actions and words,
though we know they are not what you require.
We struggle to understand the new life Christ offers,
preferring old habits to risky change.
Forgive us, we pray.
Help us to be born again into the life of Christ,
trusting that you have included us by grace
in the family of faith.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
A brief silence will be kept.
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Friends, God is for us and not against us!
For that very reason,
God sent the Son into the world
not to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Believe the good news,
in Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
ANTHEM
Loving Lamb
Romans 8:31, John 3:16-17
Ruth Krusemark
THE EPISTLE READING Romans 8:28-39
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
God our Helper,
we thank you for keeping our lives
always in your care and protection
and pray for any and all who are in harm’s way.
For those walking the midst of danger . . .
for those who are treading a slippery path . . .
for those exhausted and seeking relief . . .
for those who face a mountain of worry or debt
or any other obstacles . . .
Be Guardian and Guide, we pray,
setting all our feet on your paths of righteousness and peace.
We pray for those who are struggling
with a new challenge or call . . .
with a major transition in life or livelihood . . .
with their faith and understanding . . .
with grief, ancient or new . . .
Keep in your tender care and mercy, O God,
those who are sick in mind, body, or spirit . . .
those weighed down by depression or pain . . .
those recuperating from surgery or accident . . .
Protect not only us and those we love,
but also the whole wide world you so love.
In places of war, bring peace . . .
in places beset by natural disaster, bring calm and restoration . . .
where there is unrest and injustice, make justice our aim.
Where hope has grown tired and thin, lift our sights,
so that we may see hope beyond hope,
life beyond death, and you, lifted up before us.
In the name of Christ,
who gave himself for our sake, we pray.
Amen.
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*A HYMN OF CONTRITION AND HOPE
We Love to Sound Your Praises
PASSION CHORALE
We love to sound your praises, To lift our hands above,
To sing how grace amazes, To celebrate your love.
Yet, God your world is grieving; Is your heart breaking too?
May we cry out, believing Laments can honor you.
Like Jeremiah, crying For cities that were lost,
We see the children dying Who know war’s awful cost.
Each day repeats the story; Sin takes its toll again.
How can we sing your glory When our hearts break with them?
The scope of sin is broader Than what the late news tells;
Rejecting living water, We dig our broken wells.
In gods of our own making We look for joy each day;
O God, is your heart breaking When we all turn away?
O God, you came to save us In Christ, your suffering Son.
In his death you forgave us; In his life, joy is won!
And when this world is suffering, When songs of grief abound,
May we work for your kingdom, Till alleluias sound!
*CHARGE
Go out in faith,
trusting in God’s sense of direction.
Remember how much God loves this world
and so love the world in the name of Christ,
that your testimony becomes the good news
someone else has been waiting to receive.
Genesis 12:1, John 3:16, John 3:11-12
*BLESSING
As you go out and come in,
may God keep you by sunlight and moonlight;
may Christ encompass you with love;
and may the Holy Spirit empower you with new life;
now and forever.
Amen.
ANTHEM
At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners
Psalm 121:8
Williametta Spencer
Please be seated for the anthem.
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*The assembly as able is invited to stand
PARTICIPANTS
Chancel Choir, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR
Darlene Cusick, Organist, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR
Garry Rawson, Ruling Elder, Reedville Presbyterian Church, Aloha, OR.
RESOURCES
Kimberly Bracken Long (ed), Feasting on the Word Worship Companion,
Liturgies for Year A, Vol. 1. Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, KY,
2013. Pgs. 100-103. Reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox
Press.
My Life Flows On—How Can I Keep from Singing? Tune: How Can I Keep from
Singing. Text and Music: Robert Lowry, 1869. Glory to God: The
Presbyterian Hymnal. Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, KY.
2013.
We Love to Sound Your Praises. Tune: Passion Chorale 76.76 D (O Sacred
Head Now Wounded), Hans Leo Hassler, 1601. Text: Copyright © 2007
by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Copied from Songs of
Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
(Discipleship Resources, 2009), 9. Email: [email protected] Web
site: www.carolynshymns.com
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MORNING PRAYER
IN THE SEASON OF LENT
PRELUDE Jesus, Lord and Precious Savior
Paul Manz
*OPENING SENTENCES
O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37, 39
Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy never cease.
Lamentations 3:22–23
fresh as the morning and sure as the sunrise.
*MORNING PSALM
220 All People That on Earth Do Dwell
SCRIPTURE READING Romans 8: 33-39
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
OLD HUNDREDTH
Theme text for the meeting
THE CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH 602 The Song of Zechariah
MERLE’S TUNE
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION FOR SATURDAY
Satisfy us with your love in the morning,
and we will live this day in joy and praise.
Great and wonderful God, we praise and thank you for the gift of renewal in Jesus
Christ. Especially we thank you for
opportunities for rest and recreation . . .
the regenerating gifts of the Holy Spirit . . .
activities shared by young and old . . .
fun and laughter . . .
every service that proclaims your love. . . .
You make all things new, O God, and we offer our prayers for the renewal of the world
and the healing of its wounds. Especially we pray for
those who have no leisure . . .
people enslaved by addictions . . .
those who entertain and enlighten . . .
those confronted with temptation . . .
The Presbytery of the Cascades and the PCUSA
the church in North America. . . .
Prayers of thanksgiving and intercession may be prayed. There may be silent
prayer.
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CONCLUDING PRAYER
God of all joy,
fill our souls to overflowing
with the fullness of your grace.
In this season,
remind us of your triumph over the tragedy of the cross,
and your victory for us over the powers of sin and death,
so that we may reflect your glory
as disciples of Jesus Christ,
our risen Lord.
Amen.
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.
*HYMN 434 Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples
KINGSFOLD
The Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 1
*DISMISSAL
Our only comfort is that we belong—body and soul, in life and in death—
to our faithful savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Bless the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
A sign of peace may be exchanged by all with words like,
“The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.”
*POSTLUDE
Praise to the Lord, The Almighty
Paul Manz
*You are invited to stand as you are able.
PARTICIPANTS
Tracie Bullis, Teaching Elder, Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church, Hillsboro, OR
Darlene Cusick, Organist, Valley Community Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR
RESOURCES
The service is based on Morning Prayer in the Book of Common Worship, 1993
Westminster/John Knox Press, Louisville. Reprinted by permission.
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PARTING PRAYER
PRELUDE
Be Thou My Vision
Paul Manz
*OPENING SENTENCES
Yes, we have a grave task in ministry.
Yes, we are tested and tried in many ways.
Yes, we will never know what each day may bring or what the future holds.
All this lies within the circle of God’s love.
We are also those who laugh and play,
those who discover wonderful gifts among us,
those who eat and drink in celebration,
who sing and make music together,
whose hearts are lifted by our life, among the wonder of the creation
and the delights of living.
We will celebrate this day.
Thanks be to God!
SCRIPTURE READING
Romans 8: 33-39
*SONG In the Bulb There is a Flower
Natalie Sleeth
In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
there’s a dawn in ev’ry darkness bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what is holds, a mystery,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
Please notice the stones on the floor at the front of the sanctuary, and the flowers in the
baskets beside them. Among the stones lie moments of joy, the color of growing, of
surprising gifts and of the simple beauty in our life together. As we sing, let us take a
flower and place it among the stones.
Our neediness, our failures and the struggles of the people among whom we minister is
never the whole truth about our life and work.
With thankful hearts, O God,
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we celebrate a greater truth
in the signs of your abundant life among us.
Open our eyes and hearts, we pray,
that we may always see your spreading grace
which flows in healing and nurturing life
among the stones.
PRAYER
Let us share one thing in our life and work for which we would like special prayer:
We have heard the prayer which you bring.
We join you in prayer and place them before God in faith.
Hold your lives in your hand, gracious God.
We dedicate our ministries to you afresh
and commit ourselves to each other and to you,
in the name of Christ.
Amen.
SENDING
Go from here in faith,
sure in the love of God and each other.
And may the Holy God surprise us on the way,
Christ Jesus be our company
and Holy Spirit break open life before us.
Amen.
Amen.
POSTLUDE
Now Thank We All Our God
Paul Manz
PARTICIPANTS
Nina Clippard, Ruling Elder, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Portland,
OR
Darlene Cusick, Organist, Valley Community Presbyterian Church,
Portland, OR
RESOURCES
Lift Up Your Hearts. Geneva Press, Louisville, KY, 1999.
Dorothy McRay-McMahon, Liturgies for High Days. SPCK Publishing,
England, 2010.
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