SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
8th Sunday after Pentecost
7-26-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
A tiny seed that burgeons into a majestic tree with branches that offer shelter and shade; or yeast, hidden within a bushel of flour, that transforms the dough in due time:
this is what the kingdom of heaven is like.
We gather ’round Jesus—our teacher and Lord—seeking wisdom and understanding, longing for a foretaste of the kingdom of heaven.
Let anyone with ears to hear listen!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Gracious, Loving God, We come this day to worship and praise Your holy name. We gather with thanksgiving on our lips and love in our hearts to sing to Your glory; to be touched and inspired by Your work; to dwell in Your house in unity. Open our eyes to You, O God…May Your Holy Spirit reinvigorate us. May we rub our eyes and focus on what You call us to do this day and every day. Open our eyes, open our hearts, open our mouths, and open our minds we pray. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
It is only by the power of God that we are able to stand against evil.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God, your kingdom confounds us. You challenge our assumptions about right living and stretch our understanding of what holds worth. You reverse our expectations and reorder our priorities until they reflect your vision of well-being for all. Your kingdom surprises us with grace upon grace. But we cling to the values of this world, which privilege products over people, success over service, and competition for resources over the common good. Open us to new ways of living that embody your desire for creation and contribute to a commonwealth marked by justice and joy.
(Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Now stand firm in your faith, covered by the saving grace of God and ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
GLORIA PATRI
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.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Listen to the word of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:4
SCRIPTURE READINGS
1 Kings 3:5-12
4-5 The king went to Gibeon, the most prestigious of the local shrines, to worship. He sacrificed a thousand Whole-Burnt-Offerings on that altar. That night, there in Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon in a dream: God said, “What can I give you? Ask.”
6 Solomon said, “You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
7-8 “And now here I am: God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I’m too young for this, a mere child! I don’t know the ropes, hardly know the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you’ve chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
9 “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
10-12 God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. There’s never been one like you before; and there’ll be no one after.
Romans 8:26-39
26-28 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
29-30 God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
31-39 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
31-32 Another story. “God’s kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. It is quite small as seeds go, but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles build nests in it.”
33 Another story. “God’s kingdom is like yeast that a woman works into the dough for dozens of loaves of barley bread—and waits while the dough rises.”
44 “God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.
45-46 “Or, God’s kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.
47-50 “Or, God’s kingdom is like a fishnet cast into the sea, catching all kinds of fish. When it is full, it is hauled onto the beach. The good fish are picked out and put in a tub; those unfit to eat are thrown away. That’s how it will be when the curtain comes down on history. The angels will come and cull the bad fish and throw them in the garbage. There will be a lot of desperate complaining, but it won’t do any good.”
51 Jesus asked, “Are you starting to get a handle on all this?”
They answered, “Yes.”
52 He said, “Then you see how every student well-trained in God’s kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it.”
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God . Deuteronomy 6:6
REFLECTION: “Hope is Mustard Seeds, Yeast, Predestination, and More” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The risen Christ is the Savior of all people. Those joined to him by faith are set right with God and commissioned to serve as God’s reconciling community. Christ is head of this community, the church, which began with the apostles and continues through all generations.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.10
We Offer Ourselves to God: Special Music Susan Smith
(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.)
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy Spirit, you search the recesses of our minds and the depths of our hearts. You call us to be not only givers but also receivers of your gift of grace. We believe that you will multiply our gifts to draw us nearer to your side. As we offer these financial gifts, we are grateful to be joined to the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Romans 8:26-39 (David S. Bell)
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
HYMN “Praise Ye the Lord the Almighty”
Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near;
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(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. 363.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We would appreciate flowers from your gardens for our worship service in the Sanctuary.
A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been called by Session for today Sunday, July 26th following worship. The purpose will be to elect an at-large member of the nominating committee to complete Gary Larson's term. There will also be an update on the church finances at this meeting.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will meet at Hillcrest Park Shelter at “9:30ish”. Use the parking lot off 15th Avenue and 4th Street between the school and pool. BYOB (bring your own beverage). If it is raining, use your discretion about attending. Questions? Call Nancy (697-3073) or Dolores (695-3723).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will begin meeting next Thursday July 30th at 9:30 am at Hillcrest Park Shelter between the School and Tennis Courts. Bring a lawn chair, beverage of choice, and BYOB Bring your own Bible….and Prayer Notebook. We’ll be studying the book of Second Peter. Come Join Us, all are welcome!
July and August Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated next Sunday, August 2nd. (We will recognize birthdays and anniversaries on the first Sunday of each month)
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
-Teri B.’s mother Bev (fall), her son Anthony, her aunt Natalie (cancer) and uncle Marvin
-Jan & Bob Jones
-Jack Edge (Lee’s father)
-Sue Boy (Bonnie’s mother)
-Judy Smith (hand issues)
-Sharon Webster
-Donna W.’s sisters Rhonda & Terri dealing with cancer issues
-Nancy O.’s husband
-Marvis J.’ sister Marvel (medical issue)
-Ann, wife of Rev. Terry Drew
-Richard & Dolores’ daughter Kara
-Former member Emery T. (hospitalized) and family Jenny & Hailey (request submitted by Bonnie F.)
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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.
8th Sunday after Pentecost
7-26-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
A tiny seed that burgeons into a majestic tree with branches that offer shelter and shade; or yeast, hidden within a bushel of flour, that transforms the dough in due time:
this is what the kingdom of heaven is like.
We gather ’round Jesus—our teacher and Lord—seeking wisdom and understanding, longing for a foretaste of the kingdom of heaven.
Let anyone with ears to hear listen!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Gracious, Loving God, We come this day to worship and praise Your holy name. We gather with thanksgiving on our lips and love in our hearts to sing to Your glory; to be touched and inspired by Your work; to dwell in Your house in unity. Open our eyes to You, O God…May Your Holy Spirit reinvigorate us. May we rub our eyes and focus on what You call us to do this day and every day. Open our eyes, open our hearts, open our mouths, and open our minds we pray. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
It is only by the power of God that we are able to stand against evil.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God, your kingdom confounds us. You challenge our assumptions about right living and stretch our understanding of what holds worth. You reverse our expectations and reorder our priorities until they reflect your vision of well-being for all. Your kingdom surprises us with grace upon grace. But we cling to the values of this world, which privilege products over people, success over service, and competition for resources over the common good. Open us to new ways of living that embody your desire for creation and contribute to a commonwealth marked by justice and joy.
(Silent Reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Now stand firm in your faith, covered by the saving grace of God and ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
GLORIA PATRI
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.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Listen to the word of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:4
SCRIPTURE READINGS
1 Kings 3:5-12
4-5 The king went to Gibeon, the most prestigious of the local shrines, to worship. He sacrificed a thousand Whole-Burnt-Offerings on that altar. That night, there in Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon in a dream: God said, “What can I give you? Ask.”
6 Solomon said, “You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
7-8 “And now here I am: God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I’m too young for this, a mere child! I don’t know the ropes, hardly know the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you’ve chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
9 “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
10-12 God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. There’s never been one like you before; and there’ll be no one after.
Romans 8:26-39
26-28 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
29-30 God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
31-39 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
31-32 Another story. “God’s kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. It is quite small as seeds go, but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles build nests in it.”
33 Another story. “God’s kingdom is like yeast that a woman works into the dough for dozens of loaves of barley bread—and waits while the dough rises.”
44 “God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.
45-46 “Or, God’s kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.
47-50 “Or, God’s kingdom is like a fishnet cast into the sea, catching all kinds of fish. When it is full, it is hauled onto the beach. The good fish are picked out and put in a tub; those unfit to eat are thrown away. That’s how it will be when the curtain comes down on history. The angels will come and cull the bad fish and throw them in the garbage. There will be a lot of desperate complaining, but it won’t do any good.”
51 Jesus asked, “Are you starting to get a handle on all this?”
They answered, “Yes.”
52 He said, “Then you see how every student well-trained in God’s kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it.”
Keep these words in your heart. The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Thanks be to God . Deuteronomy 6:6
REFLECTION: “Hope is Mustard Seeds, Yeast, Predestination, and More” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
The risen Christ is the Savior of all people. Those joined to him by faith are set right with God and commissioned to serve as God’s reconciling community. Christ is head of this community, the church, which began with the apostles and continues through all generations.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.10
We Offer Ourselves to God: Special Music Susan Smith
(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.)
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy Spirit, you search the recesses of our minds and the depths of our hearts. You call us to be not only givers but also receivers of your gift of grace. We believe that you will multiply our gifts to draw us nearer to your side. As we offer these financial gifts, we are grateful to be joined to the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Romans 8:26-39 (David S. Bell)
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
HYMN “Praise Ye the Lord the Almighty”
Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near;
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise ye the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise ye the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(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. 363.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We would appreciate flowers from your gardens for our worship service in the Sanctuary.
A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been called by Session for today Sunday, July 26th following worship. The purpose will be to elect an at-large member of the nominating committee to complete Gary Larson's term. There will also be an update on the church finances at this meeting.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will meet at Hillcrest Park Shelter at “9:30ish”. Use the parking lot off 15th Avenue and 4th Street between the school and pool. BYOB (bring your own beverage). If it is raining, use your discretion about attending. Questions? Call Nancy (697-3073) or Dolores (695-3723).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will begin meeting next Thursday July 30th at 9:30 am at Hillcrest Park Shelter between the School and Tennis Courts. Bring a lawn chair, beverage of choice, and BYOB Bring your own Bible….and Prayer Notebook. We’ll be studying the book of Second Peter. Come Join Us, all are welcome!
July and August Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated next Sunday, August 2nd. (We will recognize birthdays and anniversaries on the first Sunday of each month)
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
- Those with health concerns:
-Teri B.’s mother Bev (fall), her son Anthony, her aunt Natalie (cancer) and uncle Marvin
-Jan & Bob Jones
-Jack Edge (Lee’s father)
-Sue Boy (Bonnie’s mother)
-Judy Smith (hand issues)
-Sharon Webster
-Donna W.’s sisters Rhonda & Terri dealing with cancer issues
-Nancy O.’s husband
-Marvis J.’ sister Marvel (medical issue)
-Ann, wife of Rev. Terry Drew
-Richard & Dolores’ daughter Kara
-Former member Emery T. (hospitalized) and family Jenny & Hailey (request submitted by Bonnie F.)
- Those who wait:
- Today’s Prayer Families: Chad & Diane Broksieck/family Tate & Trent, Jan Broksieck, LaVonne Broksieck
- Our homebound or in care members: Barb Borstad, Delores Koepsell, Nona Marshall, Helen Peterson, Cliff Rindels, Stephen & Carrie Van Buren, Dee Watson. (Please reach out and call)
- 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. God grant them all comfort and healing.
- Prayers for those who are decision-makers concerning the reopening of our schools in our nation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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.