almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might: thy justice, like mountains high soaring above;

thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3 To all, life thou givest, to both great and small. In all life thou livest, the true life of all. We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,

then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS          

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP       Jeremiah 23:29

ONE:  The word of the Lord is like fire,

MANY: like a hammer that smashes a stone

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Eternal Light,

you have broken the tyranny of sin and sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts. Give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that all people may know the glorious liberty 

of the children of God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, 

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN [Blue#][GTG#30] “O God, in a Mysterious Way” 

1 O God, in a mysterious way great wonders you perform.

You plant your footsteps in the sea and ride upon the storm.

2 Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill,

you treasure up your bright designs and work your sovereign will.

3 O fearful saints, fresh courage take. The clouds you so much dread

are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head.

4 Our unbelief is sure to err and scan your work in vain.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Ever-loving God, we confess that we are not always ready to trust your love. You call us to step forward in radical faith, but we cling to what is familiar, comfortable and non-controversial. You are eternally at work in the world, but we struggle to discern your presence in the signs of the times. Forgive us, O God. By your grace, give us courage to stand for what is right and good and to risk love and justice even when it is unpopular. Teach us faithfulness and perseverance for the journey ahead. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Hebrews 11:19-12:2

2nd  SCRIPTURE Luke 12:49-56       

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON        “Trust in God, and Keep Your Powder Dry”     Rev. Dr. Martha Robson

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY  “If With All Your Hearts (from Elijah)” by F. Mendelssohn  

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

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

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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 [Blue#][GTG#291] “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”

Refrain:

Spirit, spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness,

calling and free. Spirit, spirit of restlessness,

stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.

1 You moved on the waters; you called to the deep;

then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;

And over the eons you called to each thing,

“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.” Refrain

2 You swept through the desert; you stung with the sand;

and you goaded your people with a law and a land.

When they were confounded with idols and lies,

then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. Refrain

3 You sang in a stable; you cried from a hill;

then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still.

And down in the city, you called once again when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. Refrain

4 You call from tomorrow; you break ancient schemes;

from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams.

Our women see visions; our men clear their eyes.

With bold new decisions your people arise. Refrain

PARTING PRAYER  

God Almighty,

Your peace comes among us sometimes as strife and suffering as it was with our Lord Jesus. While there is division in this world, keep us close to Christ’s side and in communion with all his saints. May we walk this road of faith with grace and love for all. In his name we pray. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue#596][GTG#] “May the Lord, Mighty God”

May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever;

Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor.

Lift up your eyes and see God’s face, full of grace forever;

May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever.

May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever.

Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor.

POSTLUDE  Sonata No. 25, Op. 79: III. Vivace – by L.v. Beethoven                           

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.