CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and Everloving God, we come before you humbly ever grateful for your mercy and your forgiveness. Your endless patience is unfathomable to us, when we are so confounded by our own behavior. What is it, dearest Lord, that takes possession of the human heart so causing it to do harm to a fellow who is made of the same flesh and bone; who is alive by virtue of the same beating heart. What is it that goes awry in the human mind and spirit that drives us to wield a sword instead of campaign for peace? We fear irrationality and chaos, but more than these we fear acts of hatred calculated to eradicate innocence. Help us, Lord God, to remain strong in our will to love one another as you have loved us. Make us unstoppable in our efforts to live your goodwill message. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
“1837” What is it? Not a random number or a date; it is a cost. We took the average “weekly” attendance during 12 months — 185 people— and divided it into the yearly budget: $340,000 ÷ 185 people = $1837.83 per person annually. Dividing that amount by 52 weeks brings us to $35.32, which is the weekly cost of the seat you are sitting in. It comes out just about the same using: $340,000 ÷ 52 weeks = $6538.46 needed per week ÷ 185 people = $35.34 per person. Many people can’t tithe $35.34 a week to the church. Some folks have never really given it much thought. The fact remains that according to these numbers many of you are being underwritten by those individuals who do tithe. I am underwriting about three of you, whereas others are underwriting as many as six. Every gift matters.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God Bless these gifts. thank you. Amen.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
April 14, 2013 "NOT YOUR TYPCIAL FISH STORY"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Most Sovereign God, it is always good to be together offering to you our thanks and praise. We confess it feels a bit different worshiping out of doors. We hear the sounds of your creation differently, accepting the breeze and the rustle of the palms as nature’s accompaniment to our singing. So often when we are at worship inside the sanctuary we find ourselves distracted by the emergent sounds of sirens, or loud motorcycle engines and car horns. We have come to this park on purpose, to commune not only with nature, but to make ourselves more visible in our community, among our neighbors. We have come out of doors to be a welcoming presence here. We are rethinking what it means to be the church for the world, and not simply be those who attend church in the world. May the glorious light of the resurrection continue to shine in us today and everyday. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
There are people who are gifted in what is called “the ask.” They are not afraid to ask moneyed people for large donations. These giving gurus are those persons who understand that many wealthy people are eager to give to worthy causes and endeavors. I confess that I am not one gifted in “the ask,” perhaps because for much of my adult life I have worked two jobs in order to serve God and own a home. I know how it feels to lose a job, and scramble to find another one just to keep the roof over my head. That said, the church’s commercial refrigerator which has been resuscitated numerous times has finally died. A new one will cost $4500. I don’t have $4500 at my disposal just now, but I do have $250 to put toward it today. Anyone want to join me?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless We offer them, always, with grateful hearts. We give not from our surplus, rather we give this tithe as our first and most important gift. Pour out your Spirit of all things possible upon this offering that it may serve those in need, build up your church, and keep it ever relevant in this complex world. Let what we are fortunate enough to share be an instrument of transformation, restoring the souls of the lost and forgotten. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
Most Sovereign God, it is always good to be together offering to you our thanks and praise. We confess it feels a bit different worshiping out of doors. We hear the sounds of your creation differently, accepting the breeze and the rustle of the palms as nature’s accompaniment to our singing. So often when we are at worship inside the sanctuary we find ourselves distracted by the emergent sounds of sirens, or loud motorcycle engines and car horns. We have come to this park on purpose, to commune not only with nature, but to make ourselves more visible in our community, among our neighbors. We have come out of doors to be a welcoming presence here. We are rethinking what it means to be the church for the world, and not simply be those who attend church in the world. May the glorious light of the resurrection continue to shine in us today and everyday. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
There are people who are gifted in what is called “the ask.” They are not afraid to ask moneyed people for large donations. These giving gurus are those persons who understand that many wealthy people are eager to give to worthy causes and endeavors. I confess that I am not one gifted in “the ask,” perhaps because for much of my adult life I have worked two jobs in order to serve God and own a home. I know how it feels to lose a job, and scramble to find another one just to keep the roof over my head. That said, the church’s commercial refrigerator which has been resuscitated numerous times has finally died. A new one will cost $4500. I don’t have $4500 at my disposal just now, but I do have $250 to put toward it today. Anyone want to join me?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless We offer them, always, with grateful hearts. We give not from our surplus, rather we give this tithe as our first and most important gift. Pour out your Spirit of all things possible upon this offering that it may serve those in need, build up your church, and keep it ever relevant in this complex world. Let what we are fortunate enough to share be an instrument of transformation, restoring the souls of the lost and forgotten. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
April 7,2013 "JOURNEYING TO EMMAUS"
AN AFFIRMATION FOR EASTERTIDE (WRITTEN BY AMANDA BURR)
We trust and affirm that each of us is created in the image of God and that:
God’s Grace is immeasurable and God’s will for us is always Goodwill;
Jesus Christ lived to forgive, to bind up the broken hearted and proclaim release to those held captive by this world;
Jesus carried our sins and bore our shame upon the cross where he surrendered his own spirit to God.
Jesus set our spirits free.
God promised that Jesus would not be given up to death.
He rose on the third day proving that all things are possible with God.
The Holy Spirit reminds us daily that loving God with all of our heart, soul mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, moves us ever onward toward perfection.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Divine author of the Resurrection, our spirits are still electrified by the wonder and mystery of Christ being raised up from death. We confess our timidity to shout the news of Christ’s rising to the mountain tops as freely and easily as we declare Jesus’ birth. Let our faith in the resurrection shine in each of us as a beacon of triumphant hope for all who doubt, or who live with a fear that death will ultimately be victorious. Prayerfully, gracious God, we dare to repeat what Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?” With Paul we challenge the power of death and are invited, energized, and empowered to excel in our service to you, and our work for the gospel, knowing that our labor is not in vain. In the name of the Christ we offer our thanks and praise. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I love reading Charles Dickens. Actually, I love to hear his books read by David Timson. Currently I am reading Dombey and Son. Dombey’s 6 year old son Paul asks: “Papa, what is money?” His father is taken aback wondering what he wants to know, but decides that young Paul will benefit most by knowing what money can do. He says: “Money, Paul, can do anything. It causes us to be honored, feared, respected, courted and admired. It makes us powerful and glorious in the eyes of all men.” Paul responds: “If money can do anything, why didn’t money save me my Mama? It isn’t cruel is it?” Through a child’s innocent question, Dickens invites his reader into a critical exploration of the moral versus the political value of money.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we bring. We offer them with grateful hearts. These are the first fruits of our faith, the first fruits of our labor offered to your service, for we esteem you more than these. With these we honor our most important commitment — to you. May these tithes build up your church, and keep it relevant in this complex world. Let what we are fortunate enough to share be an instrument of transformation, helping to restore the spirits of the lost and forgotten. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
We trust and affirm that each of us is created in the image of God and that:
God’s Grace is immeasurable and God’s will for us is always Goodwill;
Jesus Christ lived to forgive, to bind up the broken hearted and proclaim release to those held captive by this world;
Jesus carried our sins and bore our shame upon the cross where he surrendered his own spirit to God.
Jesus set our spirits free.
God promised that Jesus would not be given up to death.
He rose on the third day proving that all things are possible with God.
The Holy Spirit reminds us daily that loving God with all of our heart, soul mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, moves us ever onward toward perfection.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, Divine author of the Resurrection, our spirits are still electrified by the wonder and mystery of Christ being raised up from death. We confess our timidity to shout the news of Christ’s rising to the mountain tops as freely and easily as we declare Jesus’ birth. Let our faith in the resurrection shine in each of us as a beacon of triumphant hope for all who doubt, or who live with a fear that death will ultimately be victorious. Prayerfully, gracious God, we dare to repeat what Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?” With Paul we challenge the power of death and are invited, energized, and empowered to excel in our service to you, and our work for the gospel, knowing that our labor is not in vain. In the name of the Christ we offer our thanks and praise. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
I love reading Charles Dickens. Actually, I love to hear his books read by David Timson. Currently I am reading Dombey and Son. Dombey’s 6 year old son Paul asks: “Papa, what is money?” His father is taken aback wondering what he wants to know, but decides that young Paul will benefit most by knowing what money can do. He says: “Money, Paul, can do anything. It causes us to be honored, feared, respected, courted and admired. It makes us powerful and glorious in the eyes of all men.” Paul responds: “If money can do anything, why didn’t money save me my Mama? It isn’t cruel is it?” Through a child’s innocent question, Dickens invites his reader into a critical exploration of the moral versus the political value of money.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Lord, Bless the gifts we bring. We offer them with grateful hearts. These are the first fruits of our faith, the first fruits of our labor offered to your service, for we esteem you more than these. With these we honor our most important commitment — to you. May these tithes build up your church, and keep it relevant in this complex world. Let what we are fortunate enough to share be an instrument of transformation, helping to restore the spirits of the lost and forgotten. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
March 31, 2013 EASTER MORNING WORSHIP "THINGS HEARD AND REMEMBERED"
An Easter Affirmation (***)
Each of us is created in the image of God. Believe it!
God’s will for us is GOODWILL always. Believe it!
We follow the Christ who lived to forgive. Believe it!
He showed us a new way to connect with God by serving one another. His mission
became our mission to bind up the broken hearted and proclaim release to those held captive by the ways of the world.
Jesus took all that separated us from God and carried it to the cross where he died. He was buried in a tomb.
But on the morning of the third day, he rose. He rose from the dead! Believe it!
In his death and resurrection he threw open the doorway that leads to the heart of God and invited us to enter in. Believe it!
The Holy Spirit is God with us speaking truth to all who have ears to hear. Believe it!
When we live the commandment to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves, we become the body of Christ. Believe it!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Ever Surprising and unfathomable Lord, what a glorious morning this is! Our hearts are triumphant. Our spirits are full and we rejoice at the news of Christ’s resurrection. Let our response to your promise fulfilled be unreserved and boisterously glad. Cause us to cheer even louder today than we do when our favorite team wins the Super Bowl. Christ’s resurrection is not the stuff of everyday. It is an event unmatched in human history. And it is your most wondrous, mysterious and wholly unchangeable gift of forgiveness and love. With the disciples who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, we held our breath, in anticipation waiting to exhale. Today you have revealed what lies beyond the grief of loss, the mourning of death. Your message for all the world is clear. The tomb is empty, and life, with all of its ups and downs, has been touched by the promise of eternity. We embrace the gift you offer us in Christ’s resurrection and respond with a renewed and more powerful faith. Dearest Lord, today you have made all things new and the sting of death is no more. We give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Some of you know that I can be a bit obsessive about the importance of not celebrating Easter or preaching about the resurrection during Lent — that is before it has happened. But on Tuesday, I heard about a church — a really big church— that held its annual Easter Egg Hunt two weeks before Easter. 500 kids with parents in tow, showed up. When I couldn’t figure out why the church would do that, someone who is much smarter than me, said: “You get them to come to the church for the candy and the bunny and when you have their candied attention you convince them to come back on Easter Sunday to give credit to the creator of the bunny and the eggs.” Now, why didn’t I think of that?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God we are so very grateful for this day of resurrection. There is no clearer message of goodwill; no more graphic demonstration of your love; no greater assurance of your hope for humanity. The gifts we offer on the Easter Sunday cannot compare to the gift you have given us, but we hope they will, in some small measure, bring the message of your love and goodwill to those who have never known it. In the name of the risen Christ we pray. Amen.
*** The Easter Affirmation written by Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr
Each of us is created in the image of God. Believe it!
God’s will for us is GOODWILL always. Believe it!
We follow the Christ who lived to forgive. Believe it!
He showed us a new way to connect with God by serving one another. His mission
became our mission to bind up the broken hearted and proclaim release to those held captive by the ways of the world.
Jesus took all that separated us from God and carried it to the cross where he died. He was buried in a tomb.
But on the morning of the third day, he rose. He rose from the dead! Believe it!
In his death and resurrection he threw open the doorway that leads to the heart of God and invited us to enter in. Believe it!
The Holy Spirit is God with us speaking truth to all who have ears to hear. Believe it!
When we live the commandment to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves, we become the body of Christ. Believe it!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Ever Surprising and unfathomable Lord, what a glorious morning this is! Our hearts are triumphant. Our spirits are full and we rejoice at the news of Christ’s resurrection. Let our response to your promise fulfilled be unreserved and boisterously glad. Cause us to cheer even louder today than we do when our favorite team wins the Super Bowl. Christ’s resurrection is not the stuff of everyday. It is an event unmatched in human history. And it is your most wondrous, mysterious and wholly unchangeable gift of forgiveness and love. With the disciples who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, we held our breath, in anticipation waiting to exhale. Today you have revealed what lies beyond the grief of loss, the mourning of death. Your message for all the world is clear. The tomb is empty, and life, with all of its ups and downs, has been touched by the promise of eternity. We embrace the gift you offer us in Christ’s resurrection and respond with a renewed and more powerful faith. Dearest Lord, today you have made all things new and the sting of death is no more. We give you thanks and praise in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Some of you know that I can be a bit obsessive about the importance of not celebrating Easter or preaching about the resurrection during Lent — that is before it has happened. But on Tuesday, I heard about a church — a really big church— that held its annual Easter Egg Hunt two weeks before Easter. 500 kids with parents in tow, showed up. When I couldn’t figure out why the church would do that, someone who is much smarter than me, said: “You get them to come to the church for the candy and the bunny and when you have their candied attention you convince them to come back on Easter Sunday to give credit to the creator of the bunny and the eggs.” Now, why didn’t I think of that?
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God we are so very grateful for this day of resurrection. There is no clearer message of goodwill; no more graphic demonstration of your love; no greater assurance of your hope for humanity. The gifts we offer on the Easter Sunday cannot compare to the gift you have given us, but we hope they will, in some small measure, bring the message of your love and goodwill to those who have never known it. In the name of the risen Christ we pray. Amen.
*** The Easter Affirmation written by Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr
March 31, 2013 Easter Sunrise "THEY HEARD IT TOO"
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and wonderful God, we greet this new morning with a sense of wonder, awe and triumph. These early morning hours were much beloved by Jesus. It was in these quite peaceful moments when he opened his heart to you and reflected on your mission together. We have come to this garden to remember and give thanks for your most profound statement, proclaimed without words — an empty tomb!! Like the stunned women who came to the tomb to minister to the one who had died, we gasp in surprise and then remember that with you all things are possible. We lift our eyes and arms to heaven in a gesture of praise and thanksgiving for your promise so stunningly fulfilled. Lord God, today you have swallowed up death and offered, in its place, life everlasting. In the resurrection you have not only opened wide the gaits of paradise, but our eyes, as well, to see the brightness of a new day. Our Abba 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
We thank you, wondrous and loving God, for this glorious resurrection day. The gifts we bring are more than a gesture of thanksgiving; they are an expression of our trust and confidence in you. By these gifts we believe you will empower your church to carry out wondrous deeds in the name of the Christ. Amen.
Gracious and wonderful God, we greet this new morning with a sense of wonder, awe and triumph. These early morning hours were much beloved by Jesus. It was in these quite peaceful moments when he opened his heart to you and reflected on your mission together. We have come to this garden to remember and give thanks for your most profound statement, proclaimed without words — an empty tomb!! Like the stunned women who came to the tomb to minister to the one who had died, we gasp in surprise and then remember that with you all things are possible. We lift our eyes and arms to heaven in a gesture of praise and thanksgiving for your promise so stunningly fulfilled. Lord God, today you have swallowed up death and offered, in its place, life everlasting. In the resurrection you have not only opened wide the gaits of paradise, but our eyes, as well, to see the brightness of a new day. Our Abba 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
We thank you, wondrous and loving God, for this glorious resurrection day. The gifts we bring are more than a gesture of thanksgiving; they are an expression of our trust and confidence in you. By these gifts we believe you will empower your church to carry out wondrous deeds in the name of the Christ. Amen.
March 29, 2013 GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE "THERE IS A BALM"
Good Friday
March 29, 2013 7:00 PM
PRELUDE *CALL TO WORSHIP
All: Save me, O God. Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame
because of me. Answer me, O Lord for your steadfast love is
good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Do not hide your face from your servant,
for I am in distress—make haste to answer me.
*OPENING HYMN In the Cross of Christ I Glory Hymnal # 295 1-4
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH An Affirmation of Faith for Lent **
We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath. We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to be in this life with us, reaching out to love us into new life. We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret carrying these to the cross, where he gave himself unto eternity for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that his death was not the end, and that he will come again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks a fiery, passionate truth to all people, in every
language. Our hearts are warmed and we become the living proof of God’s transforming
presence.
We believe that we are the church, the body of Christ, called to serve and to make a
difference in God’s world.
THE LORD’S PRAYER ***
Our Abba, Father, in heaven. Holy, holy, holy is your name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it most surely is in heaven. Give us this day the food we need and forgive us our sins as we forgive the sins of our neighbor. Guide us in right paths. Lead us away from temptation and keep us from evil; for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
HYMN OF CONTRITION: Ah, Holy Jesus Hymnal # 289 1- 3
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23:26-38
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 1
The Good Samaritan Speaks
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23:39-43
HYMN OF CONTRITION Ah, Holy Jesus Hymnal # 289 4
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23: 44-49
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 2
The Woman with the Alabaster Flask Speaks
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Luke describes individuals casting lots after Jesus says: “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Traditionally people have imagined soldiers at the foot of the cross shooting dice, as if gambling for Jesus’ garments, but casting lots was a a method used to foretell the future. In Old Testament stories priests threw painted dice or knuckle bones onto the ground to determine which goat was to be sacrificed to the Lord and which goat would serve as the “scapegoat” carrying upon its back all of the sins of the children of Israel. The “scapegoat” was sent off into the wilderness alone. Today we are aware that as the soldiers cast lots, Jesus has taken on both roles.
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Hymnal # 66
Praise my soul, the King of heaven, to the throne thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore God’s praises sing.
Aleluia! Aleluia! Praise the everlasting King.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts with humble hearts. Bless them we pray to do your work and will in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARATION HYMN O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done Hymnal # 287 1& 2
SCRIPTURE Luke 23:50-56
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 3
The Wife of Chuza Speaks Dr. Amanda Burr
CLOSING HYMN O Sacred Head Now Wounded Hymnal # 286
*BENEDICTION “Go In Peace to Love and serve as never before.”
POSTLUDE Solo: Were You There
The Original Script "THERE IS A BALM" (three Monologues) IS Available from the author Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr The United Methodist Church of Palm Springs
March 29, 2013 7:00 PM
PRELUDE *CALL TO WORSHIP
All: Save me, O God. Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame
because of me. Answer me, O Lord for your steadfast love is
good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Do not hide your face from your servant,
for I am in distress—make haste to answer me.
*OPENING HYMN In the Cross of Christ I Glory Hymnal # 295 1-4
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH An Affirmation of Faith for Lent **
We believe in God the creator of heaven and earth, the giver of light and truth, life and breath. We believe that nothing can separate us from the grace, love and mercy of God who never hesitates to forgive the repentant heart.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God in human vesture, who desired to be in this life with us, reaching out to love us into new life. We believe that he took upon himself our sin and regret carrying these to the cross, where he gave himself unto eternity for our sakes. This was his ultimate gift to us.
We believe that his death was not the end, and that he will come again one day.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who speaks a fiery, passionate truth to all people, in every
language. Our hearts are warmed and we become the living proof of God’s transforming
presence.
We believe that we are the church, the body of Christ, called to serve and to make a
difference in God’s world.
THE LORD’S PRAYER ***
Our Abba, Father, in heaven. Holy, holy, holy is your name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it most surely is in heaven. Give us this day the food we need and forgive us our sins as we forgive the sins of our neighbor. Guide us in right paths. Lead us away from temptation and keep us from evil; for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
HYMN OF CONTRITION: Ah, Holy Jesus Hymnal # 289 1- 3
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23:26-38
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 1
The Good Samaritan Speaks
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23:39-43
HYMN OF CONTRITION Ah, Holy Jesus Hymnal # 289 4
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 23: 44-49
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 2
The Woman with the Alabaster Flask Speaks
PREPARING FOR THE OFFERING
Luke describes individuals casting lots after Jesus says: “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Traditionally people have imagined soldiers at the foot of the cross shooting dice, as if gambling for Jesus’ garments, but casting lots was a a method used to foretell the future. In Old Testament stories priests threw painted dice or knuckle bones onto the ground to determine which goat was to be sacrificed to the Lord and which goat would serve as the “scapegoat” carrying upon its back all of the sins of the children of Israel. The “scapegoat” was sent off into the wilderness alone. Today we are aware that as the soldiers cast lots, Jesus has taken on both roles.
OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Hymnal # 66
Praise my soul, the King of heaven, to the throne thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore God’s praises sing.
Aleluia! Aleluia! Praise the everlasting King.
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Gracious God, we offer these gifts with humble hearts. Bless them we pray to do your work and will in the name of the Christ. Amen.
PREPARATION HYMN O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done Hymnal # 287 1& 2
SCRIPTURE Luke 23:50-56
THERE IS A BALM Chapter 3
The Wife of Chuza Speaks Dr. Amanda Burr
CLOSING HYMN O Sacred Head Now Wounded Hymnal # 286
*BENEDICTION “Go In Peace to Love and serve as never before.”
POSTLUDE Solo: Were You There
The Original Script "THERE IS A BALM" (three Monologues) IS Available from the author Rev. Dr. Amanda Burr The United Methodist Church of Palm Springs
March 28, 2013 MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE
SCRIPTURE Luke 22: 1-6
MEDITATION Fear-filled Intentions Dr. Burr
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
This night is different from all others. We intend by our presence here to remember the saving acts of God throughout human history. We have come as the disciples of Jesus to eat the Passover meal and, in his company, we are forever changed, for on this night Jesus will become the lamb of God, sacrificed to redeem the lost people of God. As we contemplate the gifts we offer we are compelled by the covenant Jesus has made with us, to carry on in his stead, to proclaim the good news, heralding freedom and release to all who are imprisoned and living in darkness. Your gifts bring the light of Christ into their lives.
OFFERTORY
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Merciful God, this evening we remember how Jesus kept his mission promise, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to restore sight to the blind. We are still longing to find favor in your sight, knowing that each one of us falls short of your glory. When we offer our gifts to your service we are seeking to prepare our hearts, minds and spirits for the better day. With these gifts we perpetually acknowledge and seal our covenant with you. Bless them, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
SCRIPTURE Luke 22:7-13
MEDITATION Readying Ourselves Dr. Burr
COMMUNION ANTHEM
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION Luke 22:14-20
SHARING THE LORD’S SUPPER
Following the words of Institution, you will be guided to the table in groups of twelve. Standing around the table, you will pass the communion elements around, serving each other. As you offer the bread, please speak the blessing “Shalom” and as you offer the cup, please say to the one you are serving “Remember.”
SCRIPTURE Luke 22: 31-34; 39-46 Dr. Burr
MEDITATION Who is Willing? Dr. Burr
HYMN All Praise to Thee, My God This Night Hymnal # 682 1, 2, 4
SCRIPTURE Luke 22: 47-62
MEDITATION What Will You Remember? Dr. Burr
CLOSING HYMN What Wondrous Love Is this Hymnal #292 1-2
MEDITATION Fear-filled Intentions Dr. Burr
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
This night is different from all others. We intend by our presence here to remember the saving acts of God throughout human history. We have come as the disciples of Jesus to eat the Passover meal and, in his company, we are forever changed, for on this night Jesus will become the lamb of God, sacrificed to redeem the lost people of God. As we contemplate the gifts we offer we are compelled by the covenant Jesus has made with us, to carry on in his stead, to proclaim the good news, heralding freedom and release to all who are imprisoned and living in darkness. Your gifts bring the light of Christ into their lives.
OFFERTORY
*UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Merciful God, this evening we remember how Jesus kept his mission promise, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to restore sight to the blind. We are still longing to find favor in your sight, knowing that each one of us falls short of your glory. When we offer our gifts to your service we are seeking to prepare our hearts, minds and spirits for the better day. With these gifts we perpetually acknowledge and seal our covenant with you. Bless them, in the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.
SCRIPTURE Luke 22:7-13
MEDITATION Readying Ourselves Dr. Burr
COMMUNION ANTHEM
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION Luke 22:14-20
SHARING THE LORD’S SUPPER
Following the words of Institution, you will be guided to the table in groups of twelve. Standing around the table, you will pass the communion elements around, serving each other. As you offer the bread, please speak the blessing “Shalom” and as you offer the cup, please say to the one you are serving “Remember.”
SCRIPTURE Luke 22: 31-34; 39-46 Dr. Burr
MEDITATION Who is Willing? Dr. Burr
HYMN All Praise to Thee, My God This Night Hymnal # 682 1, 2, 4
SCRIPTURE Luke 22: 47-62
MEDITATION What Will You Remember? Dr. Burr
CLOSING HYMN What Wondrous Love Is this Hymnal #292 1-2
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