NOTE: Page #s refer to the Book of Alternative Service
God has called us through the gospel, so that we may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. See 2 Thessalonians 2.14
Processional Hymn: #577 God of Glory
God of grace and god of glory
on your people pour your power;
now fulfil your church’s story,
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
Lo! The hosts of evil round us
scorn your Christ, assail his ways!
Fears and doubts too long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
Cure your children’s warring madness;
Bend our pride to your control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in goods and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,
Set our feet on lofty places;
Grid our lives that they may be
Armoured with all Christ-like graces
In the fight for liberty.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we fail ourselves and thee.
Welcome & Acknowledgment of Land
A Healing Prayer for Creation
God is present, in the darkness before dawn.
In the waiting and uncertainty,
Where fear and courage join hands. conflict and caring link arms,
And the sun rises over the town
God is with us, sits down in our midst, shares our humanity,
walks the road we walk; paid a price we were unable to pay
And gave his life for this world. Amen
(Amos Trust: Words of Hope, p. 114)
The Gathering of the Community (Service begins on p. 185)
Glory to God p. 186
Kyrie Eleison p.186
The Collect: O God, at creation your Spirit hovered over the ancient deep in which all life was born. In the waters of baptism we are recreated as your children. Bless all oceans and waters; Let your Spirit come and renew the face of the earth. Save us from selfish use of what you have given so that men and women everywhere may give you thanks, through the Eternal Word spoken eternally by God, whose Spirit fills all things and makes us whole. Amen (Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis)
The Proclamation of the Word (Led by Tim Ray)
1st Lesson: Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1 REFRAIN: Happy are they who trust in the Lord.
2nd Lesson: James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a
Gospel Hymn: #585. Lord whose love in Humble Service
Lord, whose love in humble service
bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken,
worked your mercy’s perfect deed:
we, your servants, bring the worship
not of voice alone, but heart;
consecrating to your purpose
ev’ry gift which you impart.
Still your children wander homeless;
still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom;
still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion
healed the sick and freed the soul,
by your Spirit send your power
to our world to make it whole.
As we worship, grant us vision,
till your love’s revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness
dawns upon our quickened sight,
making known the needs and burdens
your compassion bids us bear,
stirring us to ardent service,
your abundant life to share.
The Gospel: Mark 9:30-37
Homily: “A Servant Heart in this Season of Creation”
Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed p. 189
Prayers of the People p.190 (Led by Rev. Marion)
Confession and Absolution p.191
The Peace (a nod or bow is permitted) p. 192
Offertory Hymn: #500 Sister, let me be your Servant
Sister, let me be your servant.
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I might have the grace to
let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey.
fellow trav'lers on the road.
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the nighttime of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping.
When you laugh, I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we've seen this journey thro'.
When we sing to God in heaven,
We shall find such harmony
Born of all we've known together
Of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, let me be your servant.
let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I might have the grace to
let you be my servant, too.
Offertory Prayer p. 382
The Celebration of the Eucharist
The Great Thanksgiving (Eucharistic Prayer 5, p. 204)
The Lord’s Prayer p. 211
The Breaking of the Bread (prayer # 2) p. 212
The Communion (all are welcome to receive communion) p. 213
Communion Hymn: #61 As We Gather at your Table
As we gather at your Table,
as we listen to your Word,
help us know, O God, your presence;
let our hearts and minds be stirred.
Nourish us with sacred story
till we claim it as our own;
teach us through this holy banquet
how to make Love's victory known.
Turn our worship into witness
in the sacrament of life;
send us forth to love and serve you,
bringing peace where there is strife.
Give us, Christ, your great compassion
to forgive as you forgave;
may we still behold your image
in the world you died to save.
Gracious Spirit, help us summon
other guests to share that feast
where triumphant Love will welcome
those who had been last and least.
There no more will envy blind us
nor will pride our peace destroy,
as we join with saints and angels
to repeat the sounding joy.
Prayer after Communion p. 382
Doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise him all creatures here below! Praise him above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Amen
The Blessing
Closing Hymn: “This is my Father’s World”
This is my Father's world
And to my listening ears
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres
This is my Father's world
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees
Of skies and seas
His hands the wonders rod
This is my Father's world
The birds their carols raise
The morning light the, lily white
Declare their Maker's praise
This is my Father's world
He shines in all that's fare
In rustling grass I hear him pass
He speaks to me everywhere
This is my Father's world
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This my Father’s world,
The battle is not done,
Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied,
And earth and heaven be one.
