A Service of Worship and Communion for Sunday, July 12, 2020 —
Old First Church, Philadelphia, PA
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the Rev. Michael Caine, pastor; Holly Phares, music director; William Lowden, organist
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Welcome — Worship is organized around Isaiah 55: 10-13 today. Thanks to everyone who
contributed photos to illustrate that passage and our service. Rain, snow, the
earth watered, the earth sprouting, mountains, hills, trees, a cypress tree, myrtle
Prelude Voluntary
Lucien Southhard
Silence
Words of Gathering
One: Come away from the burdens of the world.
Many: Find rest in Jesus, and be renewed in the Spirit.
One: Come away from the judgement of the world,
Many: Find freedom in Christ, and hope of new life now.
One: Come away from the way of sin in this world,
Many: Love God, love your neighbor, and seek forgiveness.
Come, let us worship God, who leads us into new life. Amen.
Confession
Holy Spirit, we confess that we have been caught up in the movements of this world, that cause us to seek our own gain, our own worldly success above the needs of others. We confess that we often judge others by our own lives… that others have not worked hard enough or lived the right way.
Forgive us for our short-sightedness, our selfish smugness that asserts we are right and others are wrong.
Forgive us for not living as if we are last of all and servant of all, as Christ taught us.
Lead us into the way of life, to seek the well-being of others, lifting up those who are in need, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. In the name of Christ, our Teacher, our Redeemer and Friend, we pray. Amen.
Silence — In the silence, we may continue with our personal confessions
Assurance
Passing the Peace — who has a sentence / promise to share about God’s peace?
A Time with the Children Aubrey Stover-Charron
The Scripture Isaiah 55: 10-13
Be Thou My Vision
Meg Bigelow & Suzanne Cole, vocalists
Be Thou my vision, O God of my heart;
Nothing surpasses the love you impart.
You my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, your presence my light.
Riches I need not, nor life’s empty praise,
You, my inheritance, now and always;
You and you only are first in my heart,
Great God, my treasure, may we never part.
Sovereign of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
The Sermon The Comeback Power of God’s Promises
Sermon Talk-back
In the first congregation Michael served, there was a tradition that the “Word was not preached until the responses of the congregation had been heard. Preaching is always a conversation; a sermon talk-back just makes it more explicit. Now is a time for questions, corrections, comments, additions…
Affirmation of Faith — adapted from the Belhar Confession of the World Communion of Reformed Churches
We believe that God
brings justice to the oppressed
and gives bread to the hungry.
We believe that God
frees the prisoner
and restores sight to the blind.
We believe that God
supports the downtrodden,
protects the stranger,
helps orphans and widows,
and blocks the path of the ungodly.
The Offering
Offertory I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say
arr. Anne Krentz Organ
Julie Steiner, flute; Holly Phares, pianist
Dedication
Prayers of the People
The Prayer of our Savior (using sins, debts or trespasses)
Community Life
- Children’s Bible Storytime
- Lunch with the Pastor
- Adult Bible Study
- Prayer Group
- Shawl Ministry Team
- Midday Meeting
- Voter Engagement Service
Benediction — Alexa Sherr
Postlude O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Mark Hayes
FELLOWSHIP
