Liturgy for Veteran's Day 100th Anniversary of the end of WWI

(Insert) World War I ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice by the Allies and Germany. In the first Armistice Day proclamation in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson called for the nation to remember those who had died in their country’s service and to make the day an opportunity for America to "show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation."

In 1927 Congress called for the display of the U.S. flag on government buildings, and in 1938 Congress called for the observance of Armistice Day in churches and schools — again dedicating the day to the cause of world peace.

Since that time, observances have been held all over the nation, but especially in our national cemeteries and monuments and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. The president and many state governors have issued proclamations. Countless communities, veterans groups, and civic clubs and organizations have held local observances. Armistice Day became Veterans' Day by an act of Congress in 1954. President Eisenhower called on the nation to remember the sacrifices of those who fought in all our nation’s wars, to celebrate the contributions of all veterans of military service, and to rededicate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace. It is Eisenhower’s call that remains the three-fold purpose of Veterans' Day: remembering those who fought and died, celebrating all veterans, and promoting an enduring peace.

(From Suggestions for Observing Veterans Day, United Methodist Church, by Dean McIntyre and Dan Benedict)

Bulletin November 11, 2018 NMPC Patriotic Sunday Veteran’s Day 100^th anniversary of the end of WWI the 11^th hour of the 11^th day and the 11^th month of 1918. Brass Quintet

Prelude

Choral Opening-Choir-Sing

Call to Worship

L: In this land of freedom and beauty, let us give thanks to God.

P: Let us praise the Holy One who created the blue lakes and grassy prairies, the vast desert, and the breathtaking mountains of our homeland.

L: Let us unite in worship of the Creator who formed all lands and all people, and declared without hesitation "it is good".

P: Let us worship God.

Opening prayer

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Opening hymn #562 Eternal Father Strong to Save

Young disciples message

Recognition of our Veterans

(insert) A Litany from The Book of Worship for United States Forces (1974), no. 625
(One-time permission to print and use this litany in congregational worship has been granted by The Armed Forces Chaplains' Board, Washington, D.C.)

L: Let us give thanks to God for the land of our birth with all its chartered liberties. For all the wonder of our country’s story:

P: We give thanks, O God.

L: For leaders in nation and state, and for those who in days past and in these present times have labored for the commonwealth:

P: We give thanks, O God.

L: For those who in all times and places have been true and brave, and in the world’s common ways have lived upright lives and ministered to their fellows:

P: We give thanks, O God.

L: For those who served their country in its hour of need, and especially for those who gave even their lives in that service:

P: We give thanks, O God.

L: Almighty God and most merciful Father, as we remember these your servants, remembering with gratitude their courage and strength, we hold before you those who mourn them. Look upon your bereaved servants with your mercy. As this day brings them memories of those they have lost awhile, may it also bring your consolation and the assurance that their loved ones are alive now and forever in your living presence.  Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Expression of Faith

Jesus taught us to speak of hope as the coming of God's kingdom. We believe that God is at work in our world turning hopeless and evil situations into good. We believe that goodness and justice will triumph in the end

and that tyranny and oppression cannot last forever. One day all tears will be wiped away; the lamb will lie down with the lion, and justice will roll down like a mighty stream. True peace and true reconciliation are not only desired, they are assured and guaranteed in Christ. This is our faith.

This is our hope.~ 20^th century South African creed

Readings: Psalm 46; Mark 12:38-44

Anthem  Brass Quintet America the Beautiful & power point scroll of photos of Veterans

Sermon: Sacrifice and Honor

Hymn “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” (insert)

(Insert) Prayers of Thanksgiving for National Life

(The Book of Common Prayer page 838)

L: Almighty God, giver of all good things: We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land. They restore us, though we often destroy them

P: Heal us.

L: We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them.

P: Forgive us.

L: We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though often fall short of them.

P: Inspire us.

L: We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light.

P: Enlighten us.

L: We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again.

P: Renew us.

L: O judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

P: Amen.

& Lord’s Prayer

Announcements

Minute for Stewardship

Offering/Offertory

The Doxology and Offertory  Prayer

Closing Hymn#564 PH O Beautiful for Spacious Skies (America the Beautiful)

Choral Closing The Lord Bless you and keep you….