“Bleating Hearts”

April 21, 2024
Anthem We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace Undine Smith Moore African American Spiritual / Choir We shall walk through the valley in peace. If Jesus himself shall be our leader, we shall walk through the valley in peace. There will be no more trials there. If Jesus himself shall be our leader, We shall walk through the valley in peace.

In our Generation

April 14, 2024
Cameroonian Melody Ralph Johnson /Louez le Seigneur In Cameroonian church services, the Bible is often brought forward as part of a “Lectionary Procession” before the scripture readings. Typically led by the women of the congregation, lively dance and hymns of praise accompany the movement. "Louez le Seigneur" is an example of this traditional form crossing over into popular hymnody. Louez le Seigneur! Louez son saint nom, Alleluia! Praise the Lord! Praise his holy name, Alleluia!
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. ... 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, now and forever. Amen

“Thresholds”

February 11, 2024
Anthem Call To Worship & Benediction John Rutter I will worship the Lord all the days of my life; I will tell of his glory and will show forth his praise. I will sing and rejoice, for the Lord is my stronghold. Alleluia! Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ above me, Christ beneath me, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. I will worship the Lord… 
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. ... 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, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer of Confession We come on this holy day to speak of how we live.  Politicians, celebrities, and talk show folks have become our so-called gods. Our choices often cause those around us to trip over our anger and slip on our pride. The words we speak to others show how we often want very little to do with You. Forgive us, Holy God, and have mercy on us. May we silence our fears, so words of hope may be spoken. May we give thanks not only with our hearts, but with the grace we can share with others. May justice and peace be the tools we use, as we serve beside Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Anthem Chariot! Traditional African American spirituals arr. by Phillip Kern Gonna ride up in the chariot early in the morning, And I hope I join the band. O Lord, have mercy on me.Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home I look over Jordan and what do I see A band of angels coming after me Coming for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Coming for to carry me home.

“In You, I Delight”

January 7, 2024
Prayer of Confession God, when you called each of us into being, you delighted in your works. You gifted us with differences that illuminate the breadth of beauty, wisdom, and practices of love in your creation. In whatever ways we still struggle to accept and celebrate our own unique offerings, free us from narrow thinking that confines, constrains, or condemns your good work in us. Help us to desire you, Lord. Help us to yearn for your presence. Pour your baptismal waters over us again. Nourish and heal us so that we may joyfully serve you.
Magnificat Luke 1:46-55 Carl Witt Cantor 1: For God has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day, all generations will call me blessed: For God has done great things for me, and holy is his name. RESPONSE Cantor 2: God has shown mercy on those who fear him in every generation. God has shown the strength of his arm; he has scattered the proud in their conceit. RESPONSE. Cantor 1: God has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. RESPONSE. Cantor 2: God has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he remembered his promise of mercy; The promise God made to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children, forever. RESPONSE.