ORGAN PRELUDE

WELCOME and CALL to WORSHIP

(verses from Psalm 78)

While our ancestors watched, God performed miracles in the plain of Zoan in the land of Egypt.

He divided the sea and took them through it; he made the waters stand like walls.

By day he led them with a cloud and all night long with the light of a fire.

He split the rock open in the desert and gave them water from the depths.

He caused a stream to come out of the rock

and made water flow like a river.

Listen to these things we have heard and known; things that our ancestors told us.

We will tell the next generation of the wonderful things that the LORD has done.

Hymn 152 * Praise the Lord, his glories show

People’s Choice Hymns are marked with an asterisk (*)

PRAYER of APPROACH

Eternal God, we return with grateful hearts to you this day, beginning anew with you the miracle of grace that breaks afresh upon us each day. In this time of prayer with its quiet patience and holy waiting, remove from our hearts and minds the jangling distractions and the pressing worries that crowd our minds and hearts; so that the light and stillness of your presence floods our lives once more. We bless you for your unfailing presence in our lives; turn us, once more, to face your mercy, not in fear but with anticipation; not through overwhelming guilt, but with steady trust. Forgive us our disjointed lives; forgive us our petulant participation in worship; forgive us for our unpredictable witness. Recall us to the rhythm of service and hope that enables our obedience to your call, and brings that steadiness of purpose and intention without which our living and our faith is hopelessly confused. We pray all this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE of PARDON

God rains down manna in the wilderness and squeezes water from a desert rock. With fire and cloud, God leads us out of the bondage of our past into a future of freedom and safety. God has been with us in the past, is with us in this present moment, and will be with us forever and ever. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Hymn 212 * Morning has broken

CHILDREN’S TIME

PRAYER for TEACHERS of CHILDREN

(based on verses from Psalm 78)

God of all generations, our ears are open to hear your Word. We also hear your command to teach it to our children, so they too will praise you. We give thanks for those who have heard your call to teach your Word to our children. Send your Spirit upon them, we pray, so that rising generations may hope in you, love your ways, and live according to your will. In Jesus’ name: Amen.

SHARING GOD’S PEACE

(Children may leave for Kids’ Church in the halls next door)

Hymn 356 * Meekness and majesty

SERMON Rev. James Brown

Hymn 500 Lord of creation

(Offerings are gathered and brought forward)

(Hymn of the Month, September 2014)

INSTALLATION of the CHURCH COUNCIL

There are different gifts, but it is the same Spirit who gives them.

There are different ways of serving God, but it is the same Lord who is served.

God works through different people in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purpose through them all.

Each one is given a gift by the Spirit, to use it for the common good.

PREAMBLE, AFFIRMATION, PRAYER

RENEWAL of COMMITMENT

UNISON PRAYER

God of grace, you call us to be servants of Christ Jesus and to share in his ministry of love to all people. Renew our zeal; give us joy in your service. Direct us by your Spirit of wisdom and fill us with the gifts of grace, that together we may declare your wonderful deeds and show your love to the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NOTICES and PRAYERS for OTHERS

Lord, in your mercy: hear our 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 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 and ever. Amen.

Hymn 251 * Here I am, Lord

BLESSING and Threefold Amen (No. 819)

ORGAN POSTLUDE