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5.10.20 - Singing Songs of Lament and Hope




Welcome to First Presbyterian Sterling Online!

Visit past services at firstonsecond.blogspot.com.
God’s People Gather

*Prelude with Rex

Prelude Pondering
“...eventually tides will be the only calendar you believe in…
And someone’s face, whom you love, will be as a star
Both intimate and ultimate,
And you will be heart-shaken and respectful.

And you will hear the air itself, like a beloved, whisper
Oh let me, for a while longer, enter the two
Beautiful bodies of your lungs...

Look, and look again.
This world is not just a little thrill for your eyes.

It’s more than bones.
It’s more than the delicate wrist with its personal pulse.
It’s more than the beating of a single heart.
It’s praising.
It’s giving until the giving feels like receiving.
You have a life- just imagine that!
You have this day, and maybe another, and maybe
Still another…

And I have become the child of the clouds, and of hope.
I have become the friend of the enemy, whoever that is.
I have become older and, cherishing what I have learned,
I have become younger.

And what do I risk to tell you this, which is all I know?
Love yourself. Then forget it. Then, love the world. ”
― Mary Oliver, Evidence: Poems

*Welcome with Christina and Karsten
 

*Call to Worship with Meli & Vincent

Leader: Come, people of God, to worship the God who is our refuge.
People: God is our rock and our redeemer.
Leader: Come and worship the God who listens when we cry out.
People: God is the one who leads and guides us.
Leader: Come and worship the God whose love is unfailing.
People: God’s mercy is everlasting, and God’s steadfast love endures forever.
ALL: Let us worship God!

*Opening Song - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God


*Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Pardon with Meli & Vincent

Oh God, our rock and our redeemer, in you we find refuge. We know this, but there are days when we live as if we are in charge. We make decisions that fail to honor you, that bring harm or pain to others. We react with anger and anxiety and lash out. Other times, we do nothing, instead of acting in ways that would bring glory to you. Forgive us, we pray. Remind us that we are in your hands, and you have redeemed us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Silence is kept

Leader: Beloved, hear these words of assurance from the Psalmist: Blessed be the Lord,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege. I had said in my alarm, “I am driven far from your sight.” But you heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help. Love the Lord, all you his saints. The Lord preserves the faithful. Rejoice and be glad!
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

*Response - Glory to God

 
*Sharing the Peace of Christ & Peace Song

Leader: Because of Jesus Christ, we have peace with God! Let us now share that peace with one another, saying: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

God’s Word is Proclaimed
*Children’s Time with Nan


*Scripture Reading - Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 & *Sermon - Songs of Lament and Hope

In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

Responding to God’s Word
*Offering - Lead Me to the Rock - Rex, Nicole, Tim, Erik, & Amy

If you are able during these uncertain times, please continue to send in your offering and pledge.
If you are enrolled in electronic funds transfer, no need to do anything different. If you would like to give online using Paypal, click this link:

*Prayer of Dedication

God, you are our rock and our redeemer. Because of your loving kindness, we have new life. Because of your gifts to us, we are able to give. Take and use these gifts so that others may know your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.

*Sharing Joys and Concerns, Pastoral Prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer


God’s People are Sent
*Closing Song - You Are Mine with the FPC Band


*Benediction 

Leader:….and let all God’s people say… People: Alleluia! Amen!
Thank you for joining us in worship! We hope you will be back. 

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