First Congregational Church of Montague Montague , MA
Summer Bulletin 2010
Meditation: “Empower me to be a bold participant, rather than a timid saint in waiting, in the difficult ordinariness of now; to exercise the authority of honesty, rather than to defer to power, or deceive to get it; to influence someone for justice, rather than impress anyone for gain; and, by grace, to find treasures of joy, or friendship, of peace hidden in the fields of the daily you give me to plow.” Ted Loder
Prelude
Announcements
Invitation to Worship
L: We are called together this day to praise God.
P: We ask that God will put us in pathways of service to others.
L: The Lord will walk with us as we faithfully witness to Christ’s love.
P: Open our hearts, Lord, to receive your words and will.
L: Come, let us worship God!
P: Let us sing our praises to God our Redeemer and Healer. AMEN.
Prayer of Invocation (unison)
Lord of mercy and peace, you know us so well. The summer breezes entice us. We long to be in places of rest and relaxation. Our thoughts stray to other activities that we have planned or for which we hope. Bring us back to you, O Lord. Remind us that we have much work to be done helping others for whom this time holds fear and frustration. Forgive us when our thoughts are for ourselves only. Help us to serve you by serving others at all times and in all places. We ask this in Christ’s name. AMEN.
*Hymn of Gathering
Prayer of Confession (unison)
Patient Lord, you know how we are. We let the frustrations and worries of our lives overcome us. Our hearts seem to buckle under the weight of anger and confusion. And we turn away from you, sure that you can do nothing to alleviate our strife. How foolish we are! How faithless we are! Please forgive us. Help us to learn that you are actively involved in our lives, not as a “puppet master” but as a creative co-worker, seeking healing and hope not only for each of us, but for the whole world. Make us into disciples of peace and compassion; for we ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Words of Assurance
Let go of your fears and doubts. God pours God’s love on you, in you and through you to others. Be at peace. AMEN.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, it is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Music Meditation
*Responsive
*Scripture Lessons
*Sermon
*Hymn of Praise
Prayers
Joys and Concerns
L: Let us join in prayer. The Lord be with you.
P: And with your spirit
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever Amen.
Prayer Response
Offering
Offertory Anthem
Doxology #514
Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self
Gracious and Generous God, we give you thanks and praise for the good gifts you see fit to give your children. Today we return a portion of those gifts and ask that you bless them and use them as you grow your kin-dom among us. We ask this in Christ’s holy name. Amen.
Affirmation of Faith: #54R
*Hymn of Closing
Benediction
Benediction Response (Tune of Amazing Grace)
“Depart in peace to do God’s will, walk ever in the light. For Christ is with us evermore, to guide us day and night.”
Postlude
*For the summer, and in the interest of conservation, we offer a “generic” bulletin with the specific hymn, scripture selections, prayer garden
First Congregational
Trinitarian
Pastor Barbara E. Turner Delisle
Music Director Ann Cenzano
