The Celebration of the Gospel
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 8, 2018
9:30 am
“Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
—Mark 12:17
The Celebration of the Gospel
July 8th, the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
______________ We Gather as the Body of Christ
GREETING
PRELUDE Festival Prelude on “Lobe Der Herren”
Arr: Pierce Dickens
[As we listen to the music we quiet our minds and bodies, listen for our hearts’ deepest desires, and become present to the Holy One who is lovingly present for us.
We invite you to sign and pass the red attendance pads down the row and across the aisle— and back again, so you can learn your neighbor’s names.]
* CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Lord Christ, you came among us as one of us.
All: You proclaimed the kingdom of God in villages, towns and lonely places.
You preached good news to the poor and set the captives free.
Lord, help us to follow your example.
You fed the hungry, healed the sick and gave hope to the despairing.
Lord, help us to follow your example.
You reached out to those who were excluded and outcast.
Lord, help us to follow your example.
You invited us to join you in the work of bringing about the kingdom of God.
Lord, may we be faithful to your call.
* SONG God of the Ages
Blue hymnal # 698
______________________ We Attend to the Word
*OPENING PRAYER
Holy One, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us to continually strive for justice and mercy as we seek to live the law of love embodied in the example of Jesus. Open our hearts to the needs of others in this country and in the world. Give us a spirit of mutual respect and affection as we discern your dream for the human family. Guide us to do your will as citizens of your realm. We ask your blessing and we trust your grace. Amen.
CHILDREN’S TIME
THE WORD IN SONG Sebastian Quist
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1 Samuel 8: 1-9
RESPONSE: The Word of God for the people of God. All: Thanks be to God.
*RESPONSIVE READING from Proverbs 29
Leader: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
All: when the wicked rule, the people groan.
By justice, a king gives stability to the land,
but one who makes heavy tribute ruins it.
The righteous know the rights of the poor;
the wicked have no such understanding.
If a king judges the poor with equity,
his throne will be established forever.
Where there is no vision, the people perish,
but happy are those who keep the law.
Many seek the favor of a ruler,
but it is from the Lord that justice is given.
NEW TESTAMENT READING Romans 13: 1-10
RESPONSE: The Word of God for the people of God. All: Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Mark 12:13-17
RESPONSE: The Gospel of the Beloved, Jesus Christ. All: Thanks be to God.
SERMON
SONG America the Beautiful
Blue Hymnal #696
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
[Anyone who wishes may share a prayer concern at the microphone.]
RESPONSE: This is my prayer. All: This is our prayer.
THE PRAYER OF JESUS
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 trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
___________ We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
OFFERING OUR GIFTS Alleluia
Jerry Sinclair
* OFFERING SONG Doxology
Blue Hymnal # 94
* PRAYER
Gracious God, we give you our lives, symbolized in these gifts. Receive them with love, bless them with grace and use them to grow your kingdom. Make us faithful stewards so that justice and mercy reign everywhere. Amen.
THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD
*SONG This is My Son
Blue Hymnal #437
* THE BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH
RESPONSE Please stand and sing to your neighbors:
May the grace and peace of Christ be with you my friends.
Go and share the love of God, love that never ends.
POSTLUDE How Great Thou Art
Stuart K. Hine, arr: Fred Bock