Proper 18
Worship
Lectionary Worship Aids
Series V, Cycle A
First Lesson: Exodus 12:1-14
Theme: Together
Call To Worship
Like Hebrews of Aaron's and Moses' time, called at the first Passover to gather as families and share the sacrificed lamb of a goat or sheep, this congregation also is called to worship together as a family. Come, let us worship our sustaining God with praise and thanksgiving.
Collect
We lift our prayers today for those in other places who must make secret marks to identify their faith. We pray that they might have a robust sense of community and the spiritual sustenance of a shared symbolic meal. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
How do we make a sign, dear God, that tells you we belong to you? Is the sign a shouting billboard? Is it a whispered moment of the soul? You would note both, for we are yours. Yet, even we, like the early Hebrews, must take the initiative of first confessing that we are part of the community of faith. In Christ's name. Amen.
53A Hymns1
"Before Jehovah's [Aweful][Awesome] Throne" Tune: PARK STREET or WINCHESTER NEW
"O Thou Great Friend" Tune: FFIGYSBREN
"Rise Up, O [Church][Men] Of God" Tune: FESTAL SONG
Proper 18
Sunday between September 4 and September 10 inclusive
Second Lesson: Romans 13:8-14
Theme: How To Live
Call To Worship
Leader: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
People: Love is thoughtful to classmates.
Leader: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
People: Love waits patiently in a conversation with a neighbor of a different first language.
Leader: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
People: Love pays attention to what happens in the neighborhood.
Leader: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
People: Love practices fair play in the workplace.
Collect
On this day of considering the workers of our land, we pray, O God, for all who serve as mediators, that they might see each worker as their neighbor. Give to those who attempt to reconcile worker with worker the perception to recognize Christ in each one. Impart to all workers a sense of enthusiasm for what they do and a sense of dignity because of their efforts. Give to supervisors the ability to encourage and convey appreciation for work well done. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
We live in times, dear God, when it is safer and less complicated to avoid our neighbors. Somehow, not caring for a neighbor makes us lesser people. Enable us to recognize who is a neighbor. Help us to take small, tender steps toward being neighborly as we meet people face to face. Let a neighborly attitude light up our eyes and countenance our expressions at home, at school, in the workplace, and in the shop. We pray in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
53A Hymns1
"Come, Labor On" Tune: ORA LABORA
"God's Action, Always Good And Just" Tune: WAS GOTT TUT OR "God's Glory Is A Wondrous Thing" Tune: HUMMEL
"God Be With You" Tune: GOD BE WITH YOU
Proper 18
Sunday between September 4 and September 10 inclusive
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Theme: Two Or Three
Call To Worship
Leader: With two or three gathered in Christ's name,
People: We enter this place of worship to meet God.
Leader: With two or three gathered in Christ's name,
People: We expand our capacity to love.
Leader: Where two or three are gathered,
People: We witness truth together.
All: Where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, God is here among us.
Collect
We learn here, O God, the holy spirit of community. Be among us. Clarify our sense of purpose and our understanding of the faith. In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
We can accomplish many but not all things alone, Gracious God. We stand still in our efforts when we cannot resolve all struggles single-handedly. Prompt us, O God, to remember the strength of your Holy Spirit when two or three gather in your name. Amen.
53A Hymns1
"When Morning Gilds The Skies" Tune: LAUDES DOMINI
"Draw Us In The Spirit's Tether" Tune: UNION SEMINARY OR "We Gather Together" Tune: KREMSER
"Through The Night Of Doubt And Sorrow" Tune: ST. ASAPH
____________
1. In the next four weeks, sing verse four of "Amazing Grace" (Tune: AMAZING GRACE) (My God has promised good to me/whose words my hope secures/God will my shield and portion be/as long as life endures) as a closing response after the benediction. See NCH.
Theme: Together
Call To Worship
Like Hebrews of Aaron's and Moses' time, called at the first Passover to gather as families and share the sacrificed lamb of a goat or sheep, this congregation also is called to worship together as a family. Come, let us worship our sustaining God with praise and thanksgiving.
Collect
We lift our prayers today for those in other places who must make secret marks to identify their faith. We pray that they might have a robust sense of community and the spiritual sustenance of a shared symbolic meal. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
How do we make a sign, dear God, that tells you we belong to you? Is the sign a shouting billboard? Is it a whispered moment of the soul? You would note both, for we are yours. Yet, even we, like the early Hebrews, must take the initiative of first confessing that we are part of the community of faith. In Christ's name. Amen.
53A Hymns1
"Before Jehovah's [Aweful][Awesome] Throne" Tune: PARK STREET or WINCHESTER NEW
"O Thou Great Friend" Tune: FFIGYSBREN
"Rise Up, O [Church][Men] Of God" Tune: FESTAL SONG
Proper 18
Sunday between September 4 and September 10 inclusive
Second Lesson: Romans 13:8-14
Theme: How To Live
Call To Worship
Leader: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
People: Love is thoughtful to classmates.
Leader: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
People: Love waits patiently in a conversation with a neighbor of a different first language.
Leader: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
People: Love pays attention to what happens in the neighborhood.
Leader: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
People: Love practices fair play in the workplace.
Collect
On this day of considering the workers of our land, we pray, O God, for all who serve as mediators, that they might see each worker as their neighbor. Give to those who attempt to reconcile worker with worker the perception to recognize Christ in each one. Impart to all workers a sense of enthusiasm for what they do and a sense of dignity because of their efforts. Give to supervisors the ability to encourage and convey appreciation for work well done. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
We live in times, dear God, when it is safer and less complicated to avoid our neighbors. Somehow, not caring for a neighbor makes us lesser people. Enable us to recognize who is a neighbor. Help us to take small, tender steps toward being neighborly as we meet people face to face. Let a neighborly attitude light up our eyes and countenance our expressions at home, at school, in the workplace, and in the shop. We pray in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
53A Hymns1
"Come, Labor On" Tune: ORA LABORA
"God's Action, Always Good And Just" Tune: WAS GOTT TUT OR "God's Glory Is A Wondrous Thing" Tune: HUMMEL
"God Be With You" Tune: GOD BE WITH YOU
Proper 18
Sunday between September 4 and September 10 inclusive
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Theme: Two Or Three
Call To Worship
Leader: With two or three gathered in Christ's name,
People: We enter this place of worship to meet God.
Leader: With two or three gathered in Christ's name,
People: We expand our capacity to love.
Leader: Where two or three are gathered,
People: We witness truth together.
All: Where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, God is here among us.
Collect
We learn here, O God, the holy spirit of community. Be among us. Clarify our sense of purpose and our understanding of the faith. In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Prayer Of Confession
We can accomplish many but not all things alone, Gracious God. We stand still in our efforts when we cannot resolve all struggles single-handedly. Prompt us, O God, to remember the strength of your Holy Spirit when two or three gather in your name. Amen.
53A Hymns1
"When Morning Gilds The Skies" Tune: LAUDES DOMINI
"Draw Us In The Spirit's Tether" Tune: UNION SEMINARY OR "We Gather Together" Tune: KREMSER
"Through The Night Of Doubt And Sorrow" Tune: ST. ASAPH
____________
1. In the next four weeks, sing verse four of "Amazing Grace" (Tune: AMAZING GRACE) (My God has promised good to me/whose words my hope secures/God will my shield and portion be/as long as life endures) as a closing response after the benediction. See NCH.
