Worship Elements: July 3, 2022

January 6th, 2022

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

COLOR: Green
SCRIPTURE READINGS: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

THEME IDEAS

Gentleness and a firm stance for peace are paths to healing, right relationships, and God’s realm—even for the mighty, the prosperous, and the strong. Naaman almost allows his ego to prevent his own healing. Jesus sends out seventy ambassadors, brandishing nothing more than words of peace, acts of healing, and belief in God’s realm. Paul urges gentleness with “transgressors.” At this point in history, what lessons can we draw? What stance might we take? What healing might turn the world’s mourning into dancing?

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Call to Worship (Psalm 30)

Sing praises to God, O faithful ones.
Give thanks and proclaim God’s holy name.
Weeping or joyful, mourning or dancing,
come as you are, for all are welcome here.
Open your hearts to healing, to life restored.
Let us worship God.

Opening Prayer (2 Kings 5, Galatians 6, Luke 10)

O God of cleansing waters,
center our hearts on healing.
Messenger of peace,
instruct us in your ways.
Spirit of gentleness,
make of us a new creation.
Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Prayer of Confession (2 Kings 5, Psalm 30)

O God of people and nations,
we are ignorant and arrogant
about our own prosperity and might.
When we forget how much we have,
remind us of our abundance.
When we take pride in our status
and think ourselves better than others,
grant us humility.
When we use wealth and power
to get our own way at the expense of others,
correct us.
Heal us, we pray,
that we may be a force for wholeness.
With all that we have,
we pray for your forgiveness. Amen.

Words of Assurance (Psalm 30)

God’s anger lasts but a moment,
but God’s favor lasts a lifetime.
Weeping may last the night,
but joy comes in the morning.
God takes off our sackcloth
and clothes us with joy.
Let us rejoice! We are forgiven!

Passing the Peace of Christ (Luke 10)

Jesus sent forth his disciples with a word of peace. We too are bearers of that peace as we greet others in Christ’s name. Please greet your neighbors with the blessing: “The peace of Christ be with you.”

Response to the Word (Luke 10)

Equip us to know your will, O God,
as we strive to labor daily
in the fields of your harvest. Amen

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

Invitation to the Offering (Galatians 6)

“You reap whatever you sow,” says the Apostle Paul, “so wherever we have the opportunity, let us work for the good of all.” For the nurture of this family of faith, and for the ministry to a world in need, let us now give joyfully as we present our tithes and offerings.

Offering Prayer (Galatians 6)

Generous God, source of all abundance,
bless now these gifts, we pray.
Receive this offering.
Receive our very lives.
Fit us for humble, joyful ministry
in your name. Amen.

SENDING FORTH

Benediction (Galatians 6)

Do not grow weary in doing what is right,
for you will reap a great harvest
if you do not give up.
Sow in the Spirit
and reap the blessings of God.
Go in peace.

CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

Contemporary Gathering Words (Psalm 30)

You cried all night,
your life is the pits,
you’re very sorry for something you’ve done;
but dawn has broken
and joy comes in the morning.
If you can’t feel the dawn, take heart. It’s coming.
If joy still feels a long way off, you’re not alone.
Let’s be in Christ’s healing presence this hour.
Let’s give our thanks and praise to God.

Praise Sentences (Psalm 30, Luke 10)

Make our spirits dance, O God!
Take off our sackcloth and clothe us with joy!
Help our souls praise you and not be silent!
Take off our sackcloth and clothe us with joy!
Teach the way of peace, O Jesus!
Take off our sackcloth and clothe us with joy!