SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
6th Sunday of Easter
5-17-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
O people, praise our God—the Artist of creation, the Lord of heaven and earth.
We worship our Maker with resounding praise!
In God we live and move and have our being; it is the Lord who gives us life and breath.
God has kept us among the living and not let our feet slip.
God formed all people to seek the Lord; indeed, our Creator is never far away.
Bless the Lord, who is faithful to us!
HYMN: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the rue life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
Then wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.
Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Great and loving God, your will for us in Jesus is the peace which the world cannot give; your abiding gift is the Advocate he promised. Calm all troubled hearts, dispel every fear. Keep us steadfast in love and faithful to your word, that we may always be your dwelling place. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who lives with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” you said. And, in the same breath, you promised an Advocate would come to us. You, Lord, were faithful to your promise. But we—we have broken your law of love. We have hoarded resources, rather than feeding your sheep. We have stoked competition, rather than kneeling at others’ feet. We have kept silent, rather than testifying to our belief. For not showing our love for you by loving one another, forgive us. Help us obey your commandments and keep us ever faithful to your Word by the power of your Spirit, who abides with and among us.
(Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God Most High, reigning in glory, send down your Spirit of wisdom
to shine in your heavenly Word, so that we may worship you with joy
continually blessing your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 66:8-20 (read responsively)
8 Bless our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard,
9 who has kept us among the living,
and has not let our feet slip.
10 For you, O God, have tested us;
you have tried us as silver is tried.
11 You brought us into the net;
you laid burdens on our backs;
12 you let people ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.
13 I will come into your house with burnt offerings;
I will pay you my vows,
14 those that my lips uttered
and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fatlings,
with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;
I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for me.
17 I cried aloud to him,
and he was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But truly God has listened;
he has given heed to the words of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God,
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me.
1 Peter 3:13-22
13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. (1 Corinthians 15:1–2)
REFLECTION: “We Have No Fear but Fear Itself” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign that God will consummate the work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ.
(Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.26)
We Offer Ourselves to God:
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Generous and loving God, we remember. We remember the others who have encouraged us. Many people have taught us. We have been forgiven. We have been loved. We admit that we haven't done it all ourselves. In a way, this offering is a response to all that has come before us. We pray that the money will be used to encourage, to teach, to forgive and to love, in Jesus name. Amen.
(John 14:15-21) (David S. Bell)
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Jesus said: You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen.
(Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. love always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 300 & 301; https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-prayer-for-the-times-;
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/04/prayer-litany-for-women.html
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A CALLED SESSION MEETING will be held on May 21st at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom meeting for the purpose of having discussion and developing plans toward reopening our church.
CARD SHOWER: Cliff Rindels is celebrating his 88th birthday on May 23rd. Let’s join the celebration by sending cards and best wishes to him at Stoneybrook Suites, 1906 12th St S, Brookings, SD 57006.
MEMORIAL DAY, May 25th, will be observed as a church holiday.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
· Those Who Mourn: the family of Calvin Vaudrey who passed away April 16 in Goodyear, AZ; the families of loved ones who have passed away during this time of pandemic; the family of Alice Semeniuck who was a faithful long term member prior to moving closer to family
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, for this joy, we give you thanks.
*******
MAY 14, 2020 SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (via Zoom)
Session approved the motion to keep the building closed, with face to face worship and in person meetings suspended through June 22nd. Session is continuing to work on a careful reopening plan.
The following special worship opportunity was approved:
May 31st- The Pentecost worship service will be held outside (weather permitting) at a public park. Plan to bring your lawn chairs and enjoy worship together, though safely distant. If you would like to provide music for us all to enjoy for the Pentecost Worship Service in the park, please notify Pastor Norlita. This could be a specific piece you’d like to share for special music, or that you are willing to supply music for already planned hymns. More details for this service will be forthcoming!
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Flint
Clerk to the Session
*******
As per Session decision, we will continue to worship using Zoom during the month of May on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Please look in your email on Friday afternoon for an invitation to join our Zoom worship gathering.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
6th Sunday of Easter
5-17-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
O people, praise our God—the Artist of creation, the Lord of heaven and earth.
We worship our Maker with resounding praise!
In God we live and move and have our being; it is the Lord who gives us life and breath.
God has kept us among the living and not let our feet slip.
God formed all people to seek the Lord; indeed, our Creator is never far away.
Bless the Lord, who is faithful to us!
HYMN: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the rue life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
Then wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.
Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Great and loving God, your will for us in Jesus is the peace which the world cannot give; your abiding gift is the Advocate he promised. Calm all troubled hearts, dispel every fear. Keep us steadfast in love and faithful to your word, that we may always be your dwelling place. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, who lives with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words. Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” you said. And, in the same breath, you promised an Advocate would come to us. You, Lord, were faithful to your promise. But we—we have broken your law of love. We have hoarded resources, rather than feeding your sheep. We have stoked competition, rather than kneeling at others’ feet. We have kept silent, rather than testifying to our belief. For not showing our love for you by loving one another, forgive us. Help us obey your commandments and keep us ever faithful to your Word by the power of your Spirit, who abides with and among us.
(Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God Most High, reigning in glory, send down your Spirit of wisdom
to shine in your heavenly Word, so that we may worship you with joy
continually blessing your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 66:8-20 (read responsively)
8 Bless our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard,
9 who has kept us among the living,
and has not let our feet slip.
10 For you, O God, have tested us;
you have tried us as silver is tried.
11 You brought us into the net;
you laid burdens on our backs;
12 you let people ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.
13 I will come into your house with burnt offerings;
I will pay you my vows,
14 those that my lips uttered
and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fatlings,
with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;
I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for me.
17 I cried aloud to him,
and he was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19 But truly God has listened;
he has given heed to the words of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God,
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me.
1 Peter 3:13-22
13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, 15 but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20 who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. 21 And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
This is the good news which we have received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. (1 Corinthians 15:1–2)
REFLECTION: “We Have No Fear but Fear Itself” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign that God will consummate the work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ.
(Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.26)
We Offer Ourselves to God:
(By offering up our time, talents, intellect and resources, we’re asking God’s blessings upon them. Please prayerfully consider sending your tithes/offerings to the church by mail or by designating your church donation through the bill paying option if you do online banking. Sharing of ourselves within a phone call/text or email is another way in the offering of ourselves.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Generous and loving God, we remember. We remember the others who have encouraged us. Many people have taught us. We have been forgiven. We have been loved. We admit that we haven't done it all ourselves. In a way, this offering is a response to all that has come before us. We pray that the money will be used to encourage, to teach, to forgive and to love, in Jesus name. Amen.
(John 14:15-21) (David S. Bell)
SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
Jesus said: You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Amen.
(Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. love always! Blessings for your week! )
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA, David S. Bell and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 300 & 301; https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-prayer-for-the-times-;
https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/04/prayer-litany-for-women.html
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A CALLED SESSION MEETING will be held on May 21st at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom meeting for the purpose of having discussion and developing plans toward reopening our church.
CARD SHOWER: Cliff Rindels is celebrating his 88th birthday on May 23rd. Let’s join the celebration by sending cards and best wishes to him at Stoneybrook Suites, 1906 12th St S, Brookings, SD 57006.
MEMORIAL DAY, May 25th, will be observed as a church holiday.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
- Those with health concerns: Jan & Bob Jones, Jack & Alice Edge (Lee’s parents), Andrew L’Amour, Gary (undergoing treatment/hospitalized) & Pam (healing of injury) Larson, Alan Young, Natalie & Marvin Schroeder (Teri’s aunt & uncle), Loren & Sue Boy (Bonnie’s parents), Judy Smith (hand surgery recovery), Judy McCann (broken wrist recovery), Susan Smith’s friend Dan having chemo therapy
- Today’s Prayer Families: Judy Sebring, Larry & Melanie Shepherd & Abigail, Richard & Judy Smith
· Those Who Mourn: the family of Calvin Vaudrey who passed away April 16 in Goodyear, AZ; the families of loved ones who have passed away during this time of pandemic; the family of Alice Semeniuck who was a faithful long term member prior to moving closer to family
- Our homebound or in care members: Barb Borstad, Delores Koepsell, Nona Marshall, Helen Peterson, Cliff Rindels, Stephen & Carrie Van Buren, Dee Watson
- Robby & Donna’s daughter is reopening her dental practice
- Feeling isolated, please reach out and call: Cliff Rindels and Dee Watson
- Prayers for our sister church First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends
- Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
- Gary & Pam’s son graduating from medical school and beginning residency in Chicago
- Richard & Judy’s grandchildren graduating
- Susan Smith’s students graduating from SDSU
- Linda’s friend Terri’s good results
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY for May!
- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for May!
Lord, for this joy, we give you thanks.
*******
MAY 14, 2020 SESSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS (via Zoom)
Session approved the motion to keep the building closed, with face to face worship and in person meetings suspended through June 22nd. Session is continuing to work on a careful reopening plan.
The following special worship opportunity was approved:
May 31st- The Pentecost worship service will be held outside (weather permitting) at a public park. Plan to bring your lawn chairs and enjoy worship together, though safely distant. If you would like to provide music for us all to enjoy for the Pentecost Worship Service in the park, please notify Pastor Norlita. This could be a specific piece you’d like to share for special music, or that you are willing to supply music for already planned hymns. More details for this service will be forthcoming!
Respectfully submitted,
Donna Flint
Clerk to the Session
*******
As per Session decision, we will continue to worship using Zoom during the month of May on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Please look in your email on Friday afternoon for an invitation to join our Zoom worship gathering.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.