United Church of Christ
The Church Vitality Initiative & Stillspeaking Ministry
March 13&14, 2009
A Worshipful Journey
Do not cling to where Calvin and Luther left us. God hath more light and truth to break forth from God’s Holy Word.
-John Robinson
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
-The United Church of Christ
In this circle of earthly existence you shine so finely.
-Hildegarde of Bingen
Beginning the Journey
Gathering Chant #742 “Gathered Here” (in the round)
Gathered here in the mystery of this hour,
Gathered here in one strong body,
Gathered here in the struggle and the power,
Spirit draw near.
Invitation to the Journey
One: It’s true! No matter who you are or where you are on life’s
journey, you’re welcome here.
All: God is still speaking.
One: Indeed, God has spoken and continues to speak in many ways.
Men: Like a whisper that awakens the imagination,
Women: Gentle as a prayer that eases our pain.
One: God is still speaking. Are you listening?
Men: Loud and boisterous, even rollicking with laughter,
Women: Lyrical, melodious and yet sometimes prophetically dissonant.
One: God is still speaking. Are you listening?
Men: Clearly, creatively, compassionately,
Women: Even in moments of deepest silence.
One: God is still speaking. Are you listening?
All: We gather to worship the God who speaks anew to us each day.
Hymn of Praise #459 Come, O Fount of Every Blessing (all who are able stand)
Invitation to Prayer (all seated)
Prayer for the Journey
God of history and hope—Creator of aardvark and atom, zebra and zorapteran—we gaze upon our world and see your wondrous imagination in all creation. You bless us beyond measure with the bounty of your abundance and grace us with the deep wellspring of your love. Each moment is filled with holy possibility, if we but pause to recognize your presence and hear your inviting word.
God of sound and silence—open us to your still speaking voice—whispered in the nooks and crannies of daily tasks, or shouted in the chaos and cacophony of life. Empower us to live as your comma people, offering time and space to others in need of your renewing Spirit, in the fullness of Jesus our Christ…Amen
Silent Meditation
Passing the Peace of Christ
Listening for the Word
Hymn of Preparation #531 God Speak to Me, That I May Speak (all who are able stand)
Holy Wisdom Luke 24:13-35
The Word Proclaimed That Same Hour Rev. Felix Carrion
Living the Promise
Sharing Our Prayers (all are invited to offer prayers)
The Lord’s Prayer
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us,
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen.
According to the New Zealand Prayer Book of the Anglican Tradition
Offerings of gratitude and joy (each person is invited to share expressions of gratitude and joy)
Song of Exploration “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”
(all who are able stand)
Spiritual
We are climbing Jacob’s ladder… listen to God’s call.
Every rung goes higher, higher… listen to God’s call.
God is speaking every moment… listen to God’s call.
We are dancing Sarah’s circle… sisters, brothers, all.
Benediction Rev. Felix Carrion
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