GATHERING MUSIC

CALL TO WORSHIP

Yajenlemla

God’s reign is here, and coming.
A mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;
it is the smallest of all the seeds,
but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree,
so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.
God’s reign is here, and coming.
Yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour
until all was leavened.
God’s reign is here, and coming.
Treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid;
then joyfully sells all they have and buys the field.
God’s reign is here, and coming.
A merchant in search of fine pearls;
on finding one of great value,
sells all of their possessions and buys the pearl.
God’s reign is here, and coming.

OPENING PRAYER

Rebekah Keazer

The pearl of great price, the hidden treasure,
where should I seek them Lord?
Do I seek them in the depths of my soul
where you pour out your Spirit?
Or in scripture
where your word speaks to me?

Do I seek them in prayer and hymns
where you unite us with the angels?
In the bread and the wine
where you gather us to yourself?
In your church
where you teach your wisdom?

I have found you in all these places.
But the pearl and the treasure
for which I would give all I have
is love, reciprocal and without end:
it enlightens my soul,
grants me understanding of scripture,
and makes my heart sing,
it gathers us in unity
it offers us true wisdom,

And this love has a name: your name. Amen.

SONG

SCRIPTURES

Jesse Dicken

Matthew 13:45-46
‘Again, the reign of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Gospel of Thomas 76, Patterson/Meyer translation, adapted
Jesus said, “God’s reign is like a merchant who had a supply of merchandise and found a pearl. That merchant was prudent; he sold the merchandise and bought the single pearl for himself. So also with you, seek the treasure that is unfailing, that is enduring, where no moth comes to eat and no worm destroys.”

REFLECTION

Professor Mark Miller

SONG

“What Are We Searching For?”

Hyerim Yu

BLESSING

Prof. Mark Miller

SENDING FORTH SONG

---

Worship Notes:
Call to Worship: Adapted from Katherine Hawker, Liturgy Outside
Opening Prayer: Adapted from a prayer written by Rev. Martin Hoegger, Reformed Church of the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, for the 70th anniversary of the World Council of Churches.