Gathering Music

“A Round of Goodness” led by Dr. Simpson

Call to Worship

One: The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
Many: the hills gird themselves with joy,
One: the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
Many: the valleys deck themselves with grain,
One: they shout and sing together for joy
Many: Come, let us join their song!

Hymn

“Welcome” W&S #3152

Scripture

2 Kings 4:38-41 (NRSV)

38 When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the company of prophets was sitting before him, he said to his servant, “Put the large pot on, and make some stew for the company of prophets.” 39 One of them went out into the field to gather herbs; he found a wild vine and gathered from it a lapful of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were. 40 They served some for the men to eat. But while they were eating the stew, they cried out, “O man of God, there is death in the pot!” They could not eat it. 41 He said, “Then bring some flour.” He threw it into the pot, and said, “Serve the people and let them eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.

One: Hear what the spirit is saying
Many: We are listening

Homily

“The Antidote for Death”

Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson

Sung Response

“We Resist”

Seminary Choir led by Brendan Fox and Hayoung Kang

Table Liturgy

One: While we wait, we are fed. The Holy Child invites us to this table, every one. While we wait, we are emptied of all that fills us with falseness and fear. And we confess together….

Many: Holy One who makes us whole, we are impatient and demanding; we want to know what to expect. We worry and we hide; we are not sure what you will see when the Great Star shines down on us. Gracious One, free us from this trap. Keep us alert. Make us ready for your Great Good News to arrive again.

Passing of the Peace

The Great Thanksgiving

One: God is with us.
Many: We open our hearts
One: God enters in
Many: And we are made well.

…

“Sanctus”

…

“Memorial Acclamation”

One: Shine your Holy Spirit into all of us here, and on this simple food that becomes a holy feast by your grace and mercy. May it give us courage to be Emmanuel for this time and place. Make us one in Jesus Christ, and one in ministry for the whole world, while we wait for Jesus to come again and eat with us at the table of paradise.

Many: This year, as that great star rises in the night sky, may we rise to stand with the wise people at the side of the One you send. Expecting something we could never imagine, and rejoicing that we will be set free once more. All honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Consecration & Serving of the Elements

We will receive the elements by intinction.

Music During Communion

“In Remembrance of Me” TFWS #2254

In remembrance of me, eat this bread
In remembrance of me drink this wine
In remembrance of me pray for the time when God’s own will is done

In remembrance of me heal the sick
In remembrance of me feed the poor
In remembrance of me open the door and let your neighbors in

In remembrance of me search for truth
In remembrance of me always love
In remembrance of me don’t look above but in your heart look for God
Do this in remembrance of me

Blessing

Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson

Sending

“You Are Good” W&S #3014

Lord you are good and your mercy endureth forever
Lord you are good and your mercy endureth forever
People of every nation and tongue
From generation to generation

We worship you
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
We worship you
For who you are (x2)

And you are good

Lord you are good and your mercy endureth forever
Lord you are good and your mercy endureth forever
People of every nation and tongue
From generation to generation

We worship you
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
We worship you
For who you are (x2)

You are good all the time
All the time you are good

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Worship Notes:

Communion Liturgy written by Tanya Linn Bennett, 2020.