Prelude Voluntary on St. Helena David Lasky
Welcome And Opening Prayer
Hymn Christ, High-Ascended
Christ high-ascended, now in glory seated,
throned and exalted, victory completed,
death’s dread dominion finally defeated,
we are his witnesses.
Christ from the Father every power possessing,
who on his chosen lifted hands in blessing,
sends forth his servants, still in faith confessing,
we are his witnesses.
Christ, who in dying won for us salvation,
lives now the firstborn of the new creation;
to win disciples out of every nation,
we are his witnesses.
Christ in his splendor, all dominion gaining,
Christ with his people evermore remaining,
Christ to all ages gloriously reigning,
we are his witnesses.
As at his parting, joy shall banish grieving,
faith in his presence strengthen our believing;
filled with his Spirit, love and power receiving,
we are his witnesses.
Confession of Sin/Assurance of Pardon
Forgive us, Lord, for all the world’s injustice.
Forgive us, Lord, for all of our indifference.
Forgive us, Lord, we’re shackled by our habits.
Forgive us, Lord, we’re chained to disobedience.
(Silent confession)
Scripture Reading Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus— for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
Sermon Rolling the Dice The Rev. Margo Walter
Affirmation of Faith from the Confession of 1967
In each time and place there are particular problems and crises through which God calls the church to act. The church, guided by the Spirit, humbled by its own complicity and instructed by all attainable knowledge, seeks to discern the will of God and learn how to obey in these concrete situations.
Offertory Voluntary on Norwich David Cherwien
Richard Hagen, horn
Communion
Pastoral Prayer/The Lord’s Prayer
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 forever. Amen.
Hymn Faith Begins by Letting Go
Faith begins by letting go,
giving up what had seemed sure,
taking risks and pressing on,
though the way feels less secure:
pilgrimage both right and odd,
trusting all our life to God.
Faith endures by holding on,
keeping mem’ry’s roots alive
so that hope may bear its fruit;
promise-fed, our souls will thrive,
not through merit we possess
but by God’s great faithfulness.
Faith matures by reaching out,
stretching minds, enlarging hearts,
sharing struggles, living prayer,
binding up the broken parts:
till we find the commonplace
ripe with witness to God’s grace.
Benediction
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