GATHERING MUSIC – “Creation of Peace”

Words: Barbara Hope, Music: Mark Miller

CALL TO WORSHIP

Roeline Ramirez

Leader: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it!
From the east to the west, from the north to the south,
All: God’s Spirit moves across the face of the earth.
Leader: From the east to the west, from the north to the south,
All: we gather together, united by God’s Spirit, to celebrate God’s glory and proclaim God’s praise!
Leader: Let’s worship God together!
All: Amen.

OPENING SONG – “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

Words: Charles Wesley, Music: Mark Miller

SCRIPTURE – Psalm 24

Jack Tironi

To the CREATOR OF ALL belongs the earth and all that fills her,
the world, and those who dwell in her.
For God upon the seas has founded her,
and on the rivers has established her.
Who shall ascend the hill of the HOLY ONE?
And who shall stand in God’s holy place?
The woman or man who has cleans hands and pure hearts,
who does not lift up their [hands] to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully on their souls.
[Instead] they will lift up a blessing from the FAITHFUL GOD,
and what is right from the God of their salvation.
Such is a generation of those who seek God,
who seek the God of Rebekah. Selah
Lift up your heads, you gates!
and be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
that the One of glory may come in.
Who is this One of glory?
The FIRE OF SINAI, strong and mighty,
the GOD WHO IS MAJESTY, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates!
and be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
that the One of glory may come in.
Who is the One of glory?
The COMMANDER of heaven’s legions.
God is the One of glory. Selah

Translation: The Rev. Dr. Wilda A Gafney
A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church, Year W, Church Publishing, New York, New York, 2021

MESSAGE

Asa Coulson

PRAYER

Yolanda Williams

You are our God and we are Your people,
and we are grateful that You have claimed us as your own.
You have set us in the company of saints past and present,
among those who have made bold witness
to Your goodness and Your truth.
Your Word opens up new futures
where we see no way forward.

You know the places in our hearts
where we are afraid
— afraid of a future we cannot control;
— afraid of losing health and independence
— afraid for the well-being of our children
— afraid that past mistakes will ruin our future

Write the stories of your people deep into our hearts
so that we may learn to trust you beyond our fears.
Give us hearts and minds and spirits
ready to trust and follow wherever your Spirit leads,
confident that you will not lead us
beyond your loving embrace.
We ask in Jesus’ name
whose outstretched arms welcome us
and hold us securely in your grace. Amen.

MUSICAL RESPONSE – “The Day Is Coming”

Tangy Major, soloist
Words: Laurie Zelman, Music: Mark Miller

BLESSING

Asa Coulson’

Worship Notes: Call to Worship adapted from Christine Longhurst, re:worship, based on Psalm 24.
Prayer adapted from Christine Jerrett, https://christinejerrett.wordpress.com/