October 4, 2026 - World Communion Sunday
Prelude: Lonely the Boat/Christ, You Are the Fullness
Korean melodies, arr. Burkhardt
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 85]
Restore us again, O God of our salvation. Revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you.
Let us hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground and righteousness will look down from the sky.
Let us worship the LORD!
The God of Abraham Praise (Hymn 488)
Daniel ben Judah/Hebrew melody
The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above;
The ancient of eternal days, the God of love!
The Lord, the great I Am, by earth and heaven confessed,
We bow before your holy name, forever blest.
Your spirit still flows free, high surging where it will;
In prophet’s word you spoke of old and you speak still.
Established is your law, and changeless it shall stand,
Deep writ upon the human heart by your strong hand.
You have eternal life implanted in the soul;
Your love shall be our strength and stay, while ages roll,
We praise you, living God! We praise your holy name;
The first, the last, beyond all thought, and still the same!
Confession
God of journeys and hospitality, sometimes we are afraid to step outside familiar places and groups of people to follow your leading. On this World Communion Sunday, forgive us when we have become too closed-in and cautious about whom we include. Forgive us when we forget what it means to be a stranger or guest. Sometimes change is thrust upon us, and we must seek you in the midst of our uncertainty and vulnerability. In this world we do not know where we are going; help us look forward in faith to the home in you that welcomes all. Amen.
Silence
We Are Marching in the Light of God
South African
We are marching in the light of God; (sing 4 times)
We are marching, marching, we are marching, (ohh)
we are marching in the light of God. (sing twice)
We are praying in the light of God; (sing 4 times)
We are praying, praying, we are praying, (ohh)
we are praying in the light of God. (sing twice)
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Doxology (Hymn 592)
Ken/Genevan Psalter
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.
Children’s Message
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Woolston/Root
Chorus:
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world;
Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Jesus is the Shepherd true, and he’ll always stand by you,
For he loves the little children of the world.
He’s a Savior great and strong, and he’ll shield you from the wrong,
For he loves the little children of the world. (Chorus)
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Old Testament: Genesis 12:1-9
New Testament: Hebrews 11:8-10
Sermon: Flipping World Communion Sunday
Scott Starbuck
Focus: “Being a stranger seems to me no longer like something to be avoided but like something to be sought.” – Barbara Brown Taylor
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Music: For Everyone Born, a Place at the Table
Murray/Mann
Refrain:
And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
Yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice, justice and joy!
Communion Prayer
Call to Stewardship
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. -1 Corinthians 16:2
Sending: In Christ There is No East or West (Hymn 440)
African-American spiritual/Oxenham
In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north;
But one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.
In Christ shall true hearts everywhere their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord close-binding humankind.
Join hands, disciples of the faith, whate’er your race may be.
All children of the living God are surely kin to me.
In Christ now meet both east and west, in Him meet south and north;
All Christly souls are one in Him throughout the whole wide earth.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: In Christ There Is No East or West
Wood
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