Worship Setting
Enhance the worship setting by running a long piece of fabric up the
center aisle as a pathway for the congregation to walk on as they enter the
sanctuary. Using the same fabric on the rostrum, shape it as a curving path
that shows the perspective of fading into the distance. Greenery can help
create this effect.
We Prepare for the Journey
Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
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Leader:
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Listen to the call to follow Jesus Christ, our Lord!
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Congregation:
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As friends and followers of Jesus, we lift our eyes to the
horizon and set forth on our journey, knowing that with each step he is
leading us.
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Leader:
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Anticipate twists and turns . . . the unexpected, the awesome,
the challenging.
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Congregation:
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We step out in faith on a new adventure, trusting in
your good Spirit to transform us.
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Leader:
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I am the way and the truth and the life . . . come, follow me.
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*Opening Hymn: "Christ Has Called Us to New Visions"
OR "Lord, Thou Hast Brought Us to This Place"
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SP 38
HS 6 |
*Invocation
*Response
We Build a Community
Reading: ". . . For It Is Good" see below
Disciple’s Generous Response
Scripture: Psalm 108:1–5 NIV®
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my
soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O
Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great
is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the
skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over
all the earth.
Offering and Blessing of Mission Tithes
We Celebrate God with Us
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Hymn: "Companions on the Journey"
OR "In Heavenly Love Abiding"
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NS 7
HS 120 |
Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b
Testimony
Ask someone who was at the beginning of the dream to build or create the
congregation to share the experience.
We Are All Learners and Teachers
Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 161:4a
Testimony
Ask someone to share the importance of children in the
life of the congregation.
We Grow in Faith
Scripture Reading: James 1:2–4 NIV®
Consider it pure joy, my brothers [and sisters], whenever you face trials
of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.
Testimony
Ask someone to share whose faith was strengthened through the efforts to
build the new building.
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Hymn: "Mighty God, Transforming God!"
OR "God Who Spoke in the Beginning"
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NS 38
HS 308 |
We Look beyond These Walls
Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 161:3a, b, c and 6b
Challenge
Paint a new vision of the possibilities that lie ahead for the
congregation.
Sent Forth to Proclaim Jesus Christ
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*Sending Forth Hymn: "Called by Christ to Love Each Other"
OR "Christ Leads!"
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SP
36
R-12/13 |
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—By Request: Songs for the Community of
Christ (Herald House, 2004).
* Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 161:7a
*Sending Forth
God looked upon our congregation and smiled . . . for it was good. May
God bless each of you. Go forth united in God’s love.
*Postlude
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God looks down at our congregation and smiles . . . for it is good.
Holy fingers caress the sky with streaks of rose and fiery orange as God
murmurs to our waking community . . . "I love you."
God’s breath whips the leaves of the trees over our homes and whispers .
. . "I love you."
The lark soars over our heads and in its lyrical song God exclaims . . .
"I love you."
God lingers among us, over us, and all around us during our worship,
watching with overflowing love each one sitting here. Our songs and prayers
spiral upward and swirl around us. Then God’s spirit blankets us, a
comforter of peace.
Sometimes as we eat together, we chatter with warm smiles, enjoying with
simple gladness the time to be together. God listens with love, knowing that
really our smiles often cover pain, sadness, stress, and worry. God sits next
to each of us, knowing all of those silent burdens, and promises to carry
every one of them for us on our journey together.
Clouds blissfully chase one another from west to east as God blesses all
our preparations, planning, and commitment made to create this place dedicated
to worship, learning, and fellowship. Golden rays of sun shimmer through and
God proclaims:
I was with you in your planning . . .
I was with you in your fundraising . . .
I was with you as each nail was pounded . . .
I was with you with each brushstroke of new paint . . .
I was with you when each new tile was laid . . .
I was with you as the many brooms swept and mops mopped . . .
I was with you in each and every prayer . . .
And God looks at all of us gathered here in this place.
"Tonight I’ll send you a shooting star. Tonight I’ll dance in the
shimmering light of a brilliant sunset. Tonight I’ll watch over you as you
sleep and bless your dreams with peace."
And God looks upon our congregation and smiles . . . for it is good.
