Bulletin April 19, 2020 Earth Day Liturgy

Bulletin April 19, 2020 Earth Day! Amid covid19 shelter in place orders

Prelude 

Welcome The heavens declare the glory of God. The firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. Welcome to the broadcast of worship for Naomi Makemie and Francis Makemie Presbyterian Churches located in Onancock and Accomac Virgnia. I’m Monica Gould pastor here to serve the Lord and you, God’s people. Let’s open our hearts and minds and let us worship God!

Call to worship:

Our voices join in praise with all creation; with the sea that roars, the trees that clap their hands, and the birds that sing in joy, let us worship God, let us pray,

Opening Prayer

Lord, we enter your presence today more aware of you and your wonderful world than ever before. We treasure the life you have given us. We are more aware of every breath we take. We are more aware of every flower on our walk. Digging in the dirt we have reconnected with the gift of creation that You gave us. Help us today to see these wonders as signs of your love and mercy as we celebrate your good earth today, in Jesus name. Amen.

Opening Hymn #455 All Creatures of Our God and King v. 1,2,4

Young Disciples Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 Presentation of the Seed (in memory of Jack Humphreys) 

 Call to confession

We are fully present on this Sunday rejoicing that the sun has come out and we can shelter in place in our gardens and yards. We can go to church sitting on our porch basking in grand weather. We can virtually have it both ways-worship God in nature and in virtual church. How grand! Yet, we’re still unsettled, not wanting it to stay this way. God hears our cries of disappointment. God sees our aching souls. God knows our loneliness. God knows our heartbreak. God is here. Let us confess our sufferings, our losses, our pain, our sins. Join me, as we pray together, saying,

Prayer of Confession

Lord, we are back to blaming and hating and hurting. We clearly don’t know how to live with each other. We are digging in our own gardens and creating new life with our energy to plant new seeds of beauty. And in the same breath of energy are throwing and lashing out insults to everyone around us. We are dying every day and yet that doesn’t seem to help us to draw together. Instead we are screaming about our rights. We are scaring each other with falsehoods. No wonder you hang your head in shame of us. We have still not learned to seek you and to serve you. Show us again. Plant your Spirit in us again. Bring to blossom your mercy in us that we might turn away from evil and follow you and only you. Refresh us, rain on us. In Jesus name. Amen.

Words of Assurance

Jesus has offered us all water so we will never thirst again. Let our souls be drenched in the goodness of his grace. It is for us, for you, for me.  Friends, believe the good news of the gospel, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen!

Gloria Patri #579 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.

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.

Readings: Psalm 91; Revelation 22:1-5

Sermon: The Earth Breathed

Hymn #473 For the Beauty of the Earth v. 1,3,4

Announcements We thank you for worshiping with us. We appreciate your support. Please send offerings to us in the mail. For Naomi Makemie P.O. Box 397 23417 For Francis Makemie P.O. Box 680 Accomac 23301

Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer

Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us coworkers in your creation. Give us wisdom and reverence to use the resources of nature, so that no one may suffer from our abuse of them and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty;

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

Closing Hymn #293 This is My Father’s World!

Postlude 

Liturgy written by Rev. Monica Gould

Hymns from the Old Blue Presbyterian Hymnal