Worship Order for July 5th, 2020

Introduction

Welcome to Worship!

Today is the 5th Sunday after Pentecost–when we continue to look at the life and work of the Church in the world around us. This Sunday we also are reminded, and give thanks, for the freedoms we have afforded to us as citizens of the United States of America. As we continue to celebrate Independence Day–we also look to our Father in Heaven and celebrate that our true freedom and abundant life comes as we live in-dependance of all of God’s goodness.

Gather with loved ones, in the same room or on the phone, and participate in worship. As you do, even if these words are on a big tv, a computer screen, or a tablet, remember this. This is worship. It is not something you watch. Worship is participatory in nature. Certainly it is different than if we were in the same room singing and praying together. But, I encourage you to engage your hearts, sing and say the words, give of your heart and mind to this time as we encounter the risen Lord Jesus together.

Order of Worship

A Prelude to center our hearts in Christ

We call on the Name of the Triune God. We gather in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

An Opening Song

The Kyrie

In Peace, Let us pray to the Lord

Lord, Have Mercy

For the Peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy

For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort and defend us, gracious Lord.

Amen.

Openning Prayer

For those who love you, O God, you have chosen and prepared what no eye has seen nor ear heard. Pour into our hearts a loving affection for you, that we may choose you in and above all things. For only then shall we have what you promise, which far exceeds all we can desire; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

The Word

Romans 7:14-25a

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now ^zit is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, ^cit is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Another Song for Worship

Today’s Gospel and Sermon

Some Discussion Questions:

1. What is a favorite 4th of July tradition/celebration?
2. Share a time when you were frustrated by toil and an unproductive day.
3. When was a time you were part of a successful team?
4. An unsuccessful team?
5. What do you think your purpose is in this life?
6. What is one way that you can partner with Jesus this week?

We Profess our Faith

Using the words of the Apostles’ Creed–the words declared at our baptisms

I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord.  He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary.  He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.  On the third day he rose again.  He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen

Prayer

For our prayers today we are led by various presidents of these United States and we join our hearts with their words.

I invite you into a time of prayer. Together as a family. Together in silence. Together–although gathered apart.

For these things we pray:

• Praise and adoration of the Holy Trinity
• Awe and wonder at the gift of Jesus for our sake
• For forgiveness and reconciliation for our brokenness
• For the outcries across our nation, that justice, peace, and hope might be manifested among us.
• For our community that we would find common and fair ground and that all voices might be heard.
• For the health of our nation and the world and a speedy resolution to Covid19.
• For the cares and concerns of our own hearts and our community of faith that is Prince of Peace.

Pray together the Lord’s Prayer

Every Wednesday night in the Youth Zone, as the youth gather to pray at the end of the time, our dear brother Jeffery leads the youth and leaders in the Lord’s Prayer. We miss many things about not being together. Thanks to this video, we can have a taste of the faithfulness of Jeffery as he leads us in the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name

Thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

Lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory

Forever and ever. Amen.

A Closing Song:

May you be blessed. Today. Tomorrow. and Forever. In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Postlude of Praise