Bulletin

Welcome to United Christian Parish! Use the bulletin as guidance as you worship.
(download the bulletin as a PDF)

AUGUST 30 ORDER OF WORSHIP

PRELUDE

WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Christ has set us free—not for ourselves alone, but for lives of love.
All: We are called to live in freedom.
One: The Spirit moves among us, calling us to listen, discern, and respond.
All: We are called to live by the Spirit.
One: God is still speaking.
All: Give us ears to listen.
One: God is still calling.
All: Give us courage to respond.
One: Come, let us worship God.

OPENING SONG *
“The Church’s One Foundation” (#577)
God of grace and God of glory,
on the people pour thy power;
crown thine ancient church's story,
bring her bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!
Fears and doubts too long have bound us;
free our hearts to work and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.

Cure thy children's warring madness,
bend our pride to thy control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss thy kingdom's goal,
lest we miss thy kingdom's goal.

Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the search for thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving thee whom we adore,
serving thee whom we adore.

CALL TO CONFESSION *

PRAYER OF CONFESSION *
One: Gracious God, you have called us into freedom, yet too often we use our freedom only for ourselves.
All: We cling to certainty when you invite us to discern. We judge others when you call us to listen.  We protect our own interests when you call us to love our neighbors.
One: Forgive us when we confuse freedom with simply doing whatever we want.
All: Teach us instead the freedom that comes from love, the courage to follow conscience, and the humility to listen for your Spirit.  Free us from fear, pride, and prejudice, that we may remain open to your leading and faithful to your call.
One: God of grace, open our hearts. Open our minds. Open our ears. Help us listen for your Spirit and use our freedom in the service of love.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

One: Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON *
One: Hear the good news: In Christ, we are free to love, free to serve, free to listen, and free to begin again.
All: We are forgiven, renewed, and called again to live as people of grace. Thanks be to God!  Amen.

GLORIA *
“Glory to God”
Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me,
and to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me,
and to the Spirit, whose love has set me free.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

PASSING THE PEACE

OFFERING

DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise Christ, all people here below;
praise Holy Spirit evermore;
praise Triune God, whom we adore.
Amen.

CHILDREN’S TIME

BELLS
“Pachelbel Canon”
Johann Pachelbel, arr. John L von Wolzogen

SCRIPTURE (Galatians 5:1)

SERMON

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
One: God of freedom, you have called us to live not in fear but in the freedom of Christ. Guide us by your Spirit.
All: We pray for your church. Where there is division, give us understanding. Where there is fear of difference, give us courage to listen.
One: We pray for our community and our nation. May freedom be accompanied by responsibility, and may the freedom we cherish create greater freedom for others.
All: We pray for those whose freedom is threatened by poverty,  discrimination, violence, oppression, or exclusion.  Make us instruments of your justice and peace.
One: We pray for this congregation. Make us a community where questions can be welcomed, where consciences are respected, where gifts are shared, and where we remain open to the movement of your Spirit.
All: God is still speaking. May we have the courage to ask: What are you saying to us now? Where is your Spirit moving? Whose voice have we failed to hear? And what are you calling us to change?
One: Give us ears to hear and courage to respond. In the freedom of Christ, let us pray as Jesus taught us, saying…

LORD’S PRAYER
All: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

CLOSING SONG *
“Here I Am, Lord” (#593)
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Refrain: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send? [Refrain]

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send? [Refrain]

CLOSING MESSAGE *
One: Christ has set us free. Go into the world with courage. Listen for the Spirit. Trust your conscience. Honor the freedom of others. Use your freedom to serve. And remember:
All: God is still speaking. We will go in freedom, guided by the Spirit, grounded in love, and committed to the way of Christ.
One: Go in peace. Amen.

POSTLUDE
“The Lord Bless You and Keep You”
Peter C. Lutkin, arr. Charles Maggs

*Rise in body or spirit