May 18, 2025
Prelude: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Southern Harmony/Wood
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 33]
Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
He fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
Truly the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Let us worship the LORD!
All Creatures of Our God and King (Hymn 455)
Franicis of Assisi/Geistliche Kirchengesang
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
And everyone of tender heart, forgiving others, take your part.
O sing ye! Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and cast on God your care!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All creatures, your Creator bless, and worship God in humbleness.
O sing ye! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Confession
Merciful Jesus, you preached good news to the poor, healed the sick, and restored outcasts to their communities. You humbled yourself and used God’s power for the sake of others. When circumstances give us power or influence over others, forgive us when we take advantage for our own ends rather than caring for people. Forgive us when we ignore economic systems that benefit some while exploiting others, especially when we are among those who benefit. When facing the complexities of poverty in our city and beyond, help us come alongside those in need as we use our gifts in your service. Amen.
Silence
Jesus Loves Me (Hymn 304)
Bradbury/Warner
Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Solo: When a Poor One (Hymn 407)
Olivar & Manzano
When a poor one who has nothing shares with strangers,
When the thirsty water give unto us all,
When the crippled in their weakness strengthen others,
Refrain:
Then we know that God still goes that road with us,
Then we know that God still goes that road with us.
When at last all those who suffer find their comfort,
when they hope though even hope seems hopelessness,
When we love though hat at times seems all around us, (refrain)
When our joy fills up our cup to overflowing,
When our lips can speak no words other than true,
When we know that love for simple things is better, (refrain)
When our homes are filled with goodness in abundance,
When we learn how to make peace instead of war,
When each stranger that we meet is called a neighbor, (refrain)
Prayer for Illumination
Creed
The reconciliation of humankind through Jesus Christ makes it plain that enslaving poverty in a world of abundance is an intolerable violation of God’s good creation. Because Jesus identified himself with the needy and exploited, the cause of the world’s poor is the cause of his disciples. The church cannot condone poverty, whether it is the product of unjust social structures, exploitation of the defenseless, lack of national resources, absence of technological understanding, or rapid expansion of populations. The church calls all people to use their abilities, their possessions, and the fruits of technology as gifts entrusted to them by God for the maintenance of their families and the advancement of the common welfare. It encourages those forces in human society that raise hopes for better conditions and provide people with an opportunity for a decent living. A church that is indifferent to poverty, or evades responsibility in economic affairs, or is open to one social class only, or expects gratitude for its beneficence, makes a mockery of reconciliation and offers no acceptable worship to God.
Scripture Readings
Alida Gowan
Old Testament: 2 Kings 6:21-22
New Testament: Romans 12:20
Sermon: The Common Good
Scott Starbuck
Focus: “To be pilgrims means that men must perpetually return to the starting-point of that naked humanity which is absolute poverty and utter insecurity...The veritable pinnacle of religious achievement is attained when men are thrust down into the company of those who lie in the depths. Where this is overlooked, the first must become the last, for only the last can be first.” ― Karl Barth
Response: The Cry of the Poor
Foley
Steve Blewett
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, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Zak Cannard
Israel said to Joseph, “I did not expect to see your face; and here God has let me see your children also.” -Genesis 48:11
Sending: Bless the Lord, O My Soul (Hymn 597)
Appalachian folk melody
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
and all that is within me, bless God’s holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
and forget not all God’s benefits.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
Southern Harmony
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