Covenant Presbyterian Church
August 7, 2022 – 10am
Covenant is an accepting, welcoming community sharing the glory of God’s love with all.
PRELUDE “Suite No. 2 in D minor, BMV 1008” by J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
- Prelude
- Sarabande
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Candle
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and shield.
People: Our hearts are glad, because we trust in God’s holy name.
Leader: Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
People: Let us worship God!
*HYMN 26 “Earth and All Stars!” (verses 1-4) Ribbon
1 Earth and all stars!
Loud rushing planets!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Hail, wind, and rain!
Loud blowing snowstorm!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too sing praises with a new song!
2 Trumpet and pipes!
Loud clashing cymbals!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Harp, lute, and lyre!
Loud humming cellos!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too sing praises with a new song!
3 Engines and steel!
Loud pounding hammers!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Limestone and beams!
Loud building workers!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too sing praises with a new song!
4 Knowledge and truth!
Loud sounding wisdom!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
Daughter and son!
Loud praying members!
Sing to the Lord a new song!
God has done marvelous things.
We too sing praises with a new song!
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Cross
God of Hope and Promise, we confess we do not always believe. We confess our questions and complaints catch up to us. We cannot understand our suffering and the suffering of others. Forgive us when we give up on you and ourselves. Return and restore us to right relationship. Help us to not disengage but remain steadfast in faithful dialogues of grace. Amen.
(Silence for personal confession)
WORDS OF FORGIVENESS
HYMN #581 “Glory Be to the Father” Ribbon
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen, amen.
HYMN #188 “Jesus Loves Me” (verses 1-2)
1 Jesus loves me! This I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong.
They are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
2 Jesus loves me! This I know,
as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee, saying,
"Let them come to me."
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
TALK WITH CHILDREN
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Cross
THE FIRST READING Genesis 15:1-6 (CEB)
Holy wisdom, holy word. Thanks be to God.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Après Un Rêve” by Gabriel Fauré
THE GOSPEL READING Luke 12:32-40 (CEB)
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
PRAYER OF THE DAY †
God our Thief,
you steal from us
our dead complacent hearts
and kindle a new flame:
take from our hands
the burden of worthless things,
and make them ready
to receive a greater gift:
the love of a Servant King:
through Jesus Christ, the Son of Man.
Amen.
SERMON The Big Table: The Holy Thief
PRESENTATION OF OFFERING
OFFERTORY “All Belong Here” by the Many (verses 1-3)
1 When you’re not sure who you really are
When all you feel is the shape of your scars
And you have more wounds than you can count
Open your eyes, look all around
You aren’t alone, this is your home
Chorus
Come and remember who you are here
Do this to remember who I am
Come and remember you belong here
All belong here
2 When you don’t know how to forgive
When locked doors seem like the only way to live
And you’ve got more questions than you can count
Open your eyes, look all around
You aren’t alone, this is your home
3 At this table come as you are
Broken and bleeding’s ok
At this table eat and be filled
Come and drink in this grace.
*DOXOLOGY #606 Ribbon
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication Cross
THE LORD’S SUPPER
See the back page of the hymnal
*HYMN #350 “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” (verses 1, 2, 4) Ribbon
1 Keep your lamps trimmed and burning;
keep your lamps trimmed and burning;
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
for the time is drawing nigh.
Refrain:
Sisters, don’t grow weary;
brothers, don’t grow weary;
children, don’t grow weary,
for the time is drawing nigh.
2 It’s our faith makes us happy;
it’s our faith makes us happy;
it’s our faith makes us happy,
for the time is drawing nigh. [Refrain]
4 Every round goes higher, higher;
every round goes higher, higher;
every round goes higher, higher,
for the time is drawing nigh. [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Reprise of “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning”
Unless otherwise noted, prayers in this service are reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion. Copyright 2012.
† From Prayers for an Inclusive Church by Steven Shakespeare. New York: Church Publishing, 2009
Assisting in Worship Today:
Tori Vazquez–Liturgist
Brian Gray–Vocalist
Cecelia McVicker- Cello
Cherie Brooks – Director of Music & Technology
Katie Wynkoop–Organist/Pianist & Assistant Director of Music
Erin Wise – Director of Children’s & Youth Ministries
Brian Biller – Media Production Specialist
Rev. Joel A. Esala – Pastor