Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day,
Didst make thy triumph over death and sin:
And having harrow’d hell, didst bring away
Captivity thence captive, us to win:
This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin,
And grant that we for whom thou didst die,
Being through thy dear Son now welcomed in,
May live for ever in felicity. And that thy love we weighing worthily,
May likewise love thee for the same again:
And for thy sake, that all like dear didst free,
With love may one another entertain.
So let us love, dear love, like as we ought,
Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.
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.
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
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.
January 21, 2024 — Third Sunday after Epiphany Meredith Alspach The Rev. Annamarie Groenenboom The Rev. Chrissy Westbury The Rev. Dr. Seth Weeldreyer
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.
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.