11th Sunday After Pentecost CALL TO WORSHIP P: God lifts us from death to life and preserves us for God’s purposes through the compassion of Jesus Christ our Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. With thanksgiving, praise the Lord! C: We come to praise God who gives us new life. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS based on today’s readings P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence is kept for reflection P: Gracious God, you call us to step out in faith, trusting in you for all things. We respond to your command but then sink in doubt and fear. We hide from the challenges of bold discipleship. We are not able to fulfill your commandments, for our purposes are never in full accord with yours. Forgive us, we pray, when we confess with our lips but do not believe in our hearts. Help us to practice our faith in all circumstances. Lift us out of sin into the arms of your mercy. Though we are distracted by noise all around, allow us to hear your voice even when it is the sound of sheer silence. We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. P: Our God sees all, knows all, forgives all, restores all through our Lord Jesus Christ. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. C: This is the good news we believe in our hearts and confess with our lips: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven! This is good news to share with all people! Amen. HYMN “When Peace Like a River” PRAYER OF THE DAY P: Son of God, you walk on the waters of turmoil to meet us in the midst of the journey of our lives. Help us to recognize your presence, remember your promise, rely on your power, and receive your peace through every storm. C: Amen. READING Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33 22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” SERMON Rev. Lori E.L. Kitzing HYMN “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION P: Confident that God receives our joys and concerns, let us offer our prayers for the church, those in need, and all of creation. P: God of grace and faith, your faithfulness is never-ending, and your righteousness becomes ours through Christ Jesus. Send the church to proclaim the gospel both near and far, in church buildings and in every sector of our lives. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: God of sky and sea, the plants, animals, mountains, and plains proclaim your glory. Prosper the work of ecologists as they teach us new ways to care for the environment. Bring relief to areas recovering from natural disasters (especially Hawaii). And we pray for the farmers who are tending to your creation every day. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: God of peace and justice, you call us to live as your beloved community throughout the world. Instill in local, regional, national, and global political and civic leaders a desire to work for the well-being of all people. And help us to be peacemakers in the world. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: God of care and compassion, you bring assurance when we are afraid. Bring calm to any who are anxious or fearful. Bless the work of therapists, nurses, and other health care providers. Comfort all who grieve and soothe any who are sick (especially Julie, Karla, Stephanie, Cammie, Nancy, Beverly, Micala, Murlene, Donald, Dale, and Jim). Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: God of wonder, you accompany us in both joys and sorrows. We pray for children and teachers preparing for a new school year. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: God of new life, you send people to renew both church and society. We give you thanks for their lives of faithful service as examples of following your call. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. P: Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, in the name of the one who reconciled all creation to himself, Jesus Christ our Savior. C: Amen. OFFERING PRAYER Financial gifts may be sent to the church. P: God of field and forest, sea and sky, you are the giver of all good things. Sustain us with the gifts of your creation, and multiply your graciousness in us, that the world may be fed with your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C: Amen. LORD’S PRAYER Sung in Hawaiian BENEDICTION P: May the steadfast love and faithfulness of God surround you; the peace of Christ + enfold you; and the Holy Spirit encourage you, now and forever. C: Amen. HYMN “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus” CHARGE P: Go And...Share Your Story! So that you can better love and serve God and your neighbor. C: Thanks be to God. Printed by permission oneliscense.net A-717495
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AuthorRev. Lori E.L. Kitzing Archives
April 2024
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