The Pilgrim Press & Stillspeaking Publications, The Faith Education, Innovation and Formation (Faith INFO)Team, Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization (MESA), The Pollinator: UCC Environmental Justice Blog, Subscriptions at the United Church of Christ, General Synod 2021 Thursday in Black Offering, General Synod 2021 Racial Justice Offering, Local Church and Conference Resource Directory. Since you call on a Father who judges each persons work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. John 1:1, 4, 9-11, 11[Y]you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Of one being with the Father; We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent, and God is shining through it all the time. Taken from O Merciful God: God of Wisdom: Prayers for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, written by Rev. (Philippians 4:7, RSV). Ephesians 3:16-19, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. As the moon hits the figure--I can tell it is a manand not just any man, a leader. Cleveland, Ohio 44114. Get our Top 5 Roadblocks to Great Preaching & access to our weekly email resource. John 1:1, 14, 16, And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. When we draw our last breath and leave this world, love will be waiting for us. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. . Romans 8:11, 15If you love me, keep my commands. Holy Spirit of God, invisible like the wind,we do not see you moving among us,but the effect we seecome to our hearts:that we may be renewed and reborn. Lord, have mercy. and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. May we give ourselves willingly and joyfully 23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Article. Despite his comfort with digital media and the parish's continued reliance on it "streaming is going to be here forever," Heijmen says, adding that more than 100 people still participate online each Sunday Holy Trinity remained "determined to bring everyone back together . 1 Thessalonians 1:1*, Why You Should Use Gods Word from the Bible in Your Worship Services, All the Scriptures and the Best Scriptures to Use in Worship Services in 17 Different Ways, The Best Scriptures to Use in 31 Worship Services Based on the Church and Secular Calendars, Gods Word and the Best Scriptures to Use in 23 Special Worship Services, Scriptures on Our Freedom in Worshipping the Lord. Eternally begotten of the Father, Who gathers us together and transforms us to new life. Leader: Resurrected Christ guide us all. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. What are human beings that you are mindful of us? These Sundays after Pentecost carry the story of the church at work in the world, the church guided by the Spirit and infused with the presence of Christ. This phrase refers not to cowering anxiety about God but to an appropriate and deep reverence, and awe, before the One who made us and is actually the source of all true wisdom. We have allowed sin to drive us apart from one another You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14, I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. All Rights Reserved, Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, YES! 22But now he has reconciled you by Christs physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. People: Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Leader: Holy, holy, holy! In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Out of his [the Sons] fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 7No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to our sins. Trinity Sunday COLOR: White SCRIPTURE READINGS: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 CALLS TO WORSHIP Call to Worship #1 L: The name of the Lord is majestic! John 1:16-18, 1 To the church . In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. Philippians 2:5-11, 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Praise the Lord! Romans 14:17-18, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Ephesians 2:18*, 3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all Gods people9[S]ince the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. Just as you can hear the windbut cant tell where it comes from or where it is going,so you cant explain how people are born of the Spirit. John 3:8. On this Trinity Sunday, we are invited into the mystery of the Triune God. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever 17 the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-17a*, 21Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Out of the mouths of babes and infants 18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to deatheven death on a cross! InvocationAll: O God of Mystery, Within your very self you model the beloved community.You are the Wisdom within our hearts,The Word who dwells among us,The Spirit who calls us beyond ourselves.Let us know your presence here todayIn a new way, that we might celebrate your love and go forth rejoicing with the Prophet Isaiah,saying: Here am I. Intimately united as a society of love, 1 Peter 1:1-2*. I See the Lord But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewers Home Page. Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? Ephesians 1:15-19a*, For through him [Christ Jesus] we . He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For the sake of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:32-34, 4So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Begotten, not made, Variations of this song run deeply in the African American tradition. Before anyone entered the sanctuary this morning, love was already here. And the life of the world to come. Psalm 53:1. the communion of saints, Written by Michael Saward. For this reason I kneel before the Father. . Ephesians 5:19b-20*. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. Eternal Father, Strong to Save Copyright 2021 Faith INFO Ministry Team, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Lord God Almighty! Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11, 3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. When we look to the heavens, the work of your fingers, (inspired by John 3:14-21 and Ephesians 2:1-10). We dont make this journey alone but surrounded by God in all the ways we experience that loving presence. Right in the city square where the traffic is thickest, she shouts, YouIm talking to all of you, everyone out here on the streets! The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The Rev. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.. This short act of worship has been prepared for you to use whilst we are unable to use Methodist Church premises. to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Being. "Like trying to get an octopus into a paper bag." Its not like I can betray myself and reveal him for all to see. The Father is the cause, origin, and source of all things, visible as well as invisible. I pray that out of his glorious riches he [the Father] may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, and to know this love that surpasses knowledgethat you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 16They were all filled with awe and praised God. Triune God, we desire to relate to You and to each other more fully, so that we might draw into the depths of Your love, first glimpsed at creation, when Your voice called us and the earth forth out of darkness into Your light. New to this blog? 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 John 1:7*, 23[T]his is his [Gods] command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Here are some indexes that might be helpful: INDEXES: For a complete list of all the indexes on this blog, click here. 6Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:5-6, 1The fool says in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Here are some indexes that might be helpful. Opening Prayer . Prayer of ConfessionHoly One, we acknowledge that too often we try to live not acknowledging the mystery of your Being. People: All thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea Leader: Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! 28[Y]ou will be my people, and I will be your God. Ezekiel 36:25-28*, 19God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [the Son], 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. Dr. Bertrice Wood, Sagamore Hills, Ohio. A hymn like "Holy, Holy, Holy," ( United Methodist Hymnal, 64), a perfect Trinity Sunday hymn, can be followed by a simple chorus like " Jesu, Tawa Pano" ("Jesus, We Are Here," The Faith We Sing, 2273) or " Dios Esta Aqui" ("God Is Here Today," The Faith We Sing, 2049). . He said, Young man, I say to you, get up! 15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. It is also the churchs story. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. You are our Intercessor and giver of spiritual gifts. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22. And his commands are not burdensome. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you haven't previously submitted something but would like to, you can find my email address by clicking on my name in the "About Me" section below. Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. God so loved the world that he gave his only Sonthat whoever believes in him should not perishbut have eternal life.Let those who know they are redeemed celebrate it!Those who have been reclaimed from deep trouble! 10And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. Revelation 7:9-10, 10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. Revelation 12:10a*, 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 2 John 9. We might also reflect on the relationship between wisdom and being human: Ellen Davis says that the very capacity to desire wisdom and ultimately to acquire itor better, as the biblical imagery suggests, to enter into lifelong relationship with heris perhaps what most distinctively marks us as human, as the term homo sapiens (compare Latin sapientia, wisdom) suggests. However, she warns that the modern age has seen wisdom outpaced by technical expertise. Gene Tucker steps back for the big picture here: he claims that this text helps us with the larger question of how an almighty, transcendent (and therefore distant) God can also be present and active and known right here, in the physical creation that we can see and toucha thorny question for theologians in every age. What began in God and was accomplished in Jesus Christ is now stirred to glory in the Holy Spirit. Our modern world and its horrors are testimony to the uses to which such expertise have been put, and to what happens when Wisdom, with its essential connection with goodness, is not part of the picture. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24* Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Used by permission. 1 John 3:21-24. who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, It is delight in the glory of creation and in creations God.The verse leaves us at an open threshold gazing at the universe that unfolds before us, aware that this mysterious primordial figure has a special interest in us. How beautifully this line connects us to Psalm 8, the other Old Testament reading for this Sunday: When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? (v. 3-4). Its a sign of our cultures biblical illiteracy that many folks confuse sayings from the Bibles book of Proverbs with sayings from early American Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin: perhaps the most familiar example is the saying, God helps those who help themselves, which does not appear in Scripture but in Franklins 18th-century Poor Richards Almanack! 9And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy . This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3-4, Other Prayers and Acclamations of Praise to God and Their. For there is no place which is without you, O God. Ephesians 4:26-27, 30-32, 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. All: We offer our worship -- the fruit of our lips to you, our God. The Best Calls to Worship for Trinity Sunday 23 " [A] time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. It would be especially appropriate for use on Trinity Sunday (the first Sunday after Pentecost). We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Stillness. Office of Public Policy & Advocacy in Washington D.C. 9Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. Job 11:7-9, 13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! Revelation 5:13, 1 [S]ince we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried outthe only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, When I look at your heavens, thew work of you fingers: the moon and the stars. Who has spoken through the prophets. The one who created the heavens and earthy, whose power is known through creation. Now and forever, Amen. SURFACE: Place a 10" riser at the center back of the worship table. In accordance with the Scriptures; You can use these Trinity Sunday prayer, call to worship, litany, and hymn ideas as you plan your Trinity Sunday worship service. Ephesians 5:18b-20*, Other Introductions to Singing to Consider Using, 6Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. A Traditional Litany for Trinity Sunday Call to Worship & Prayer: Trinity Collect: Baptism of Our Lord Communion Prayer Five Prayers for Trinity Sunda y John 3:16 A Prayer Paraphrase Morning Trinitarian Prayer (John Stott) Opening Prayer: Drawing Near Opening Prayer: Life-Giving Trinity Opening Prayer: Isaiah 6:1-8 Opening Prayer: Psalm 8 You are our perfect Savior, 14He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who lived and died and lives again, Christ Jesus our Lord. The language ties together the churches of this generation in our ecumenical life, especially in the Sacrament of Baptism. Our Creator God has listened to our hearts and inspired within our minds a life renewed There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. Trinity Sunday is the Sunday after Pentecost. was crucified, dead, and buried; Thanks to those of you who took time to answer questions and offer comments about how your congregation navigated worship during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ephesians 4:26-27, 30-32. . Q: Why should we observe Trinity Sunday when it isn't a clear event in Scripture? In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. . Heres a call to worship which references all three persons of the Trinity. because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. In all people, in all places, in every created thing the light of God is shining. 12In a loud voice they were saying: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! 13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! 14The four living creatures said, Amen, and the elders fell down and worshiped. Romans 5:1-2, 5, 14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. They are free to act, trusting that the practice itself will teach them what they need to know.Wisdom atrophies if it is not walked on a regular basis. And yet she clearly doesnt expect us to take her literally; that is, an excellent form of practice is attentive inaction: The easiest practice of reverence I know, she writes, is simply to sit down somewhere outside, preferably near a body of water, and pay attention for at least twenty minutes. Romans 7:4-6, 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. As we worship, may we gain new insight about the mystery and wonder of your love. Ephesians 1:3-5, 11-12, 18[B]e filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. http://www.bruceprewer.com/. Ephesians 2:19-22*, 22[I]n him [Christ Jesus] you . That we may truly share one faith, have one calling, Our fervent hope is that you experience the presence of God among us. . The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. It takes place the Sunday after Pentecost on the liturgical calendar. We are incomplete without you. Hebrews 1:3. Lift up our eyes to where the cross of Christ stands for our healing:so may we believe,and in believing not diebut have eternal life;through him whoin your love for usyou sent into the world,Jesus Christ our Lord. The earliest printed version Of Im So Glad Jesus Lifted Me appears to be in the African American Episcopal hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing (. God of heaven and earth, before the foundation of the universe and the beginning of time, you are the triune God: the Author of creation, the eternal Word of salvation, and the life-giving Spirit of wisdom. 5And hope does not put us to shame, because Gods love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Call to OfferingGod is the Giver of life, Christ is the Gift sent to share our life, and the Holy Spirit the power that enables us to continue in generosity, justice and joy. Amen. 206 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02116 T: 617-536-0944 F: 617-536-8916 2016-23 TRINITY CHURCH IN THE CITY OF BOSTON 7, 2022 Categories Liturgy Tags call to worship, confession, Holy Spirit, Perseverence, Proverbs 8, Psalm 8, Romans 5, Trinity Sunday, wisdom. 23[A] time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Wise people do not have to be certain what they believe before they act. 24The one who keeps Gods commands lives in him, and he in them. Leader: Holy, holy, holy! While a pastor or worship leader may issue the call to worship, it's actually a call from God to his people, as Michael Goheen says in his . And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Third Sunday in Lent, Year A, Learning to Live Inside Out Your email address will not be published. A shadowy figure, moving slowly when concealed and swiftly when in the open. Whats the proper next step after awe? The Spirit you received does not make you . And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy . Ephesians 1:17, 18[T]hrough him [Christ Jesus] we . 3We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, Dont cry., Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. Worship Ideas. We find ourselves unable or unwilling to embrace the love through which you sent Christ to live among us. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. Holy and triune God, 13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, Dont cry. 14Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. A great prophet has appeared among us, they said. Eugene Petersons translation in The Message, as usual, brings this image to life for us today: Shes taken her stand at First and Main, at the busiest intersection.