SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
7th Sunday of Easter
5.24.2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We have gathered—new followers and lifelong disciples, the powerful and the powerless, those who have too little and those who have too much.
We have gathered, for we are one in Christ.
We have come—seekers and skeptics, sinners and saints, the poor in spirit and the rich in faith.
We have come, for we are eager to hear God’s word.
We are here, together.
Let us glorify the one true God.
HYMN: “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun”
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does its successive journeys run,
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His name, like sweet perfume, shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.
People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song,
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His name.
Blessings abound where'er He reigns;
The prisoners leap to lose their chains,
The weary find eternal rest,
And all who suffer want are blest.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, your blessed Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things. Mercifully give us faith to trust that, as he promised, he abides with us on earth to the end of time; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, you long for us to be one, just as you and the Father are one. But we gravitate toward those who think like us, behave like us, pray like us, because it is easier than looking beyond difference to discover what is good and kind and faithful in those we call the other. Even in our houses of worship, we are slow to reach across the aisle to embrace siblings in faith with whom we hold little in common. Forgive us, we pray. Wash us in the waters of our baptism, so that, with one mind, we might continue the work you gave us to do. (Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God Most High, reigning in glory, send down your Spirit of wisdom to shine in your heavenly Word, so that we may worship you with joy continually blessing your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (read responsively)
1 Let God rise up, let his enemies be scattered;
let those who hate him flee before him.
2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;
as wax melts before the fire,
let the wicked perish before God.
3 But let the righteous be joyful;
let them exult before God;
let them be jubilant with joy.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds--
his name is the Lord--
be exultant before him.
5 Father of orphans and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
6 God gives the desolate a home to live in;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious live in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad;
you restored your heritage when it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord, Selah
33 O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel;
and whose power is in the skies.
35 Awesome is God in his sanctuary,
the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!
Acts 1:6-14
The Ascension of Jesus
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. (1 Corinthians 15:1–2)
REFLECTION: “Shekinah Glory, Hope's Luminous Glow” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
New life in Christ takes shape in a community in which people know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are. They therefore accept themselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.22
We Offer Ourselves to God:
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Majestic Lord, you unselfishly provide us with the sanctuary of your love. You wisely calm our imagined fears while nurturing our dream-filled hopes. Grant us the ability to serve you faithfully. Joyfully, we honor you with these our tithes and offerings. Blessed be your name! Amen. (Ps. 68:1-10, 32-35) (David S. Bell)
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
HYMN “Amazing Grace”
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Jesus prayed, "I pray that they may be one, as we are one, so that the world may know that you have sent me." Let us remember that Jesus our Lord ascended into the glory of God, as we too will be in glory with God one day. The lion roars, the evil one stands ever ready to devour the believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Be steadfast and strong. Remain in the Spirit, to be of one accord, so the world may know whose we are. We are blessed. May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen.
(Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 337;
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEMORIAL DAY, May 25th, will be observed as a church holiday. The church office will be closed. (Please pray for the families of our dearly departed this day)
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, for these joys, we give you thanks.
*******
MAY 14, 2020 SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (via Zoom)
Session approved the motion to keep the building closed, with face to face worship and in person meetings suspended through June 22nd.
Session is continuing to work on a careful reopening plan.
The following special worship opportunity was approved:
May 31st- The Pentecost worship service will be held outside (weather permitting) at Pioneer Park, 10:30 a.m. Plan to bring your lawn chairs and enjoy worship together, though safely distant. If you would like to provide music for us all to enjoy for this service, please notify Pastor Norlita. (or Dolores Canaday) This could be a specific piece you’d like to share for special music, or that you are willing to supply music for already planned hymns. There will be no food or picnic, just a worship service. Please join us!
(If due to weather we are unable to be outside at Pioneer Park, then join us online for a Zoom worship service or view the video on our website).
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Flint
Clerk to the Session
*******
As per Session decision, we will continue to worship using Zoom during the month of May on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Please look in your email on Friday afternoon for an invitation to join our Zoom worship gathering.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
7th Sunday of Easter
5.24.2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
We have gathered—new followers and lifelong disciples, the powerful and the powerless, those who have too little and those who have too much.
We have gathered, for we are one in Christ.
We have come—seekers and skeptics, sinners and saints, the poor in spirit and the rich in faith.
We have come, for we are eager to hear God’s word.
We are here, together.
Let us glorify the one true God.
HYMN: “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun”
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does its successive journeys run,
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His name, like sweet perfume, shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.
People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song,
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His name.
Blessings abound where'er He reigns;
The prisoners leap to lose their chains,
The weary find eternal rest,
And all who suffer want are blest.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, your blessed Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things. Mercifully give us faith to trust that, as he promised, he abides with us on earth to the end of time; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord Jesus, you long for us to be one, just as you and the Father are one. But we gravitate toward those who think like us, behave like us, pray like us, because it is easier than looking beyond difference to discover what is good and kind and faithful in those we call the other. Even in our houses of worship, we are slow to reach across the aisle to embrace siblings in faith with whom we hold little in common. Forgive us, we pray. Wash us in the waters of our baptism, so that, with one mind, we might continue the work you gave us to do. (Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God Most High, reigning in glory, send down your Spirit of wisdom to shine in your heavenly Word, so that we may worship you with joy continually blessing your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (read responsively)
1 Let God rise up, let his enemies be scattered;
let those who hate him flee before him.
2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;
as wax melts before the fire,
let the wicked perish before God.
3 But let the righteous be joyful;
let them exult before God;
let them be jubilant with joy.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds--
his name is the Lord--
be exultant before him.
5 Father of orphans and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.
6 God gives the desolate a home to live in;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious live in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness, Selah
8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad;
you restored your heritage when it languished;
10 your flock found a dwelling in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord, Selah
33 O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens;
listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel;
and whose power is in the skies.
35 Awesome is God in his sanctuary,
the God of Israel;
he gives power and strength to his people.
Blessed be God!
Acts 1:6-14
The Ascension of Jesus
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. (1 Corinthians 15:1–2)
REFLECTION: “Shekinah Glory, Hope's Luminous Glow” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
New life in Christ takes shape in a community in which people know that God loves and accepts them in spite of what they are. They therefore accept themselves and love others, knowing that no one has any ground on which to stand, except God’s grace.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.22
We Offer Ourselves to God:
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Majestic Lord, you unselfishly provide us with the sanctuary of your love. You wisely calm our imagined fears while nurturing our dream-filled hopes. Grant us the ability to serve you faithfully. Joyfully, we honor you with these our tithes and offerings. Blessed be your name! Amen. (Ps. 68:1-10, 32-35) (David S. Bell)
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
HYMN “Amazing Grace”
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Jesus prayed, "I pray that they may be one, as we are one, so that the world may know that you have sent me." Let us remember that Jesus our Lord ascended into the glory of God, as we too will be in glory with God one day. The lion roars, the evil one stands ever ready to devour the believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Be steadfast and strong. Remain in the Spirit, to be of one accord, so the world may know whose we are. We are blessed. May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen.
(Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 337;
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEMORIAL DAY, May 25th, will be observed as a church holiday. The church office will be closed. (Please pray for the families of our dearly departed this day)
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
- Those with health concerns: Jan & Bob Jones, Jack & Alice Edge (Lee’s parents), Gary (undergoing treatment/hospitalized) & Pam (healing of injury) Larson, Alan Young, Natalie & Marvin Schroeder (Teri’s aunt & uncle), Loren & Sue Boy (Bonnie’s parents), Judy Smith (hand surgery recovery), Judy McCann (broken wrist recovery), Susan Smith’s friend Dan having chemo therapy, Lena S. (cancer surgery & heart issues) and her grandchildren Natalie & Nolan, Kenner VanderWaal (Art & Marjorie’s grandson), Sharon Webster, Darwin Longieliere
- Today’s Prayer Families: Susan Smith, Terry & Ann Spitzenberger, Bart & Andrew Sweebe
- Our homebound or in care members: Barb Borstad, Delores Koepsell, Nona Marshall, Helen Peterson, Cliff Rindels, Stephen & Carrie Van Buren, Dee Watson
- Feeling isolated, please reach out and call: Cliff Rindels and Dee Watson
- Prayers for our sister church First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends
- Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. Also those suffering from flooding in Michigan.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- High School graduates: Trent B. (member of our congregation) and Andrew S. (friend of our congregation); Kaitlyn (Richard & Dolores C. grandchild); Megan (Nelda H. grandchild)
- For our wee ones Grace, Nora & Finley learning to walk
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY for May!
- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for May!
Lord, for these joys, we give you thanks.
*******
MAY 14, 2020 SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (via Zoom)
Session approved the motion to keep the building closed, with face to face worship and in person meetings suspended through June 22nd.
Session is continuing to work on a careful reopening plan.
The following special worship opportunity was approved:
May 31st- The Pentecost worship service will be held outside (weather permitting) at Pioneer Park, 10:30 a.m. Plan to bring your lawn chairs and enjoy worship together, though safely distant. If you would like to provide music for us all to enjoy for this service, please notify Pastor Norlita. (or Dolores Canaday) This could be a specific piece you’d like to share for special music, or that you are willing to supply music for already planned hymns. There will be no food or picnic, just a worship service. Please join us!
(If due to weather we are unable to be outside at Pioneer Park, then join us online for a Zoom worship service or view the video on our website).
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Flint
Clerk to the Session
*******
As per Session decision, we will continue to worship using Zoom during the month of May on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Please look in your email on Friday afternoon for an invitation to join our Zoom worship gathering.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.