The Parish Gathering | Acts of the Apostles: The Believers Share (August 9, 2020)
Please participate in the following liturgy, reading aloud all the parts in bold italics.
Call to Worship
God of all people, cultures, and places:
Your love encompasses everything in creation.
By your Spirit form us into a people of holistic, inclusive love
actively seeking the renewal and reconciliation of all people, things, and places.
Amen.
Song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
The sun comes up
It’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
You’re rich in love
And You’re slow to anger
Your name is great and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
And on that day
When my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will
Sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
Celebrating a New Year in Parish Family Ministry
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:29-35
“And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Acts of the Apostles: The Believers Share
Song: Seek First
Peace that passes my understanding
Love that conquers my fear and regret
Joy unending, eternal pleasure
In Your presence, my risen King
And I will seek first Your kingdom
I will seek first Your righteousness
And everything I need You will provide for me
My heart is to seek first Your kingdom
You’re all I really want, You’re all I really need
Father, every breath I’ve got You have given it to me
Community Life: The Believers Pray
The Cross of Christ
All our problems,
we send to the cross of Christ!
All our difficulties,
we send to the cross of Christ!
All the devil’s works,
we send to the cross of Christ!
All our hopes,
we set on the Risen Christ!
Blessing and Sending
Blessing and Sending Rebecca Carswell
Benediction
3 Good Minutes
As you think about your life (your work, school, neighborhood, finances, influence), how might God be inviting you to “show up” for all we hold in common?
