Celebration in Worship

Eleventh Sunday after PentecostAugust 25, 2019

We believe the words of Jesus reflect the heart of the Divine:

“I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.”

John 6:37

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

PRAYER OF PREPARATION (From Psalm 71)

In you, Holy One, I take refuge; let me never feel separated from you! In your compassion, come and refresh me; listen to my cry. You are my rock, a strong arm upholding me – I abandon myself into your hands. Help me to wait in your presence. You are my hope, the one I have trusted since birth. I praise you in the silence of my heart, In you my fears diminish and my strength returns. Blessed is the Beloved, who dwells in all hearts. Amen.

PRELUDE                   

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (Responsive)

    The Lord be with you.

        And also with you.

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Blessed are those who are afraid or unable to stand tall.

God will raise them up.

Blessed are those who are not afraid to break the rules

in order to set others free.

God will raise them up.

Blessed are those of every age

who hear God’s call, and respond.

God will raise them up.

Blessed are those who rejoice when they see others receiving the gifts of freedom and new life.

God will raise them up.

Blessed are we, as we worship our God together.

God will raise us up!

*HYMN 393O Day of Rest and Gladness

               

CALL TO CONFESSION (Leader)

When we don’t know how or what to pray, the Spirit knows.When all we can muster are sighs and groans, the Spirit knows those also. When we feel that we aren’t even worthy to approach God, the Spirit goes before us and with us and God welcomes us with arms open. Let us confess our sins together, saying . . .

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

There are times, God, when we feel bent over and broken down. There are times when others say we aren’t worth much, and we believe them. There are times when our actions make others feel bad. There are times when we hide behind rules or traditions to avoid helping others be free. Yet, we hear you calling to us. You say to us, “you are free.” You call us to speak your word, to live lives of justice and goodness. Help us, God, to trust you. Help us to do your will. Merciful God, heal us, forgive us, and renew us.

A period of silent prayer is observed.

PROCLAIMING THE WORD

ASSURANCE People of God, hear the good news! God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love for us all. Be at peace and accept the forgiveness that God offers.

In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and made free.

Alleluia! Amen!

*PASSING THE PEACE  

The peace of Christ be with you

        And also with you.

          

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE   

SPECIAL MUSIC

SCRIPTURE LESSON       Luke 13:10-17

SERMON

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

*HYMN 346For the Healing of the Nations

STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION

AN INVITATION TO OFFERING (Leader)

As God’s humble and compassionate workers, let us participate in the healing reign of Jesus through our pledges and offerings given at this time.

OFFERTORY                   

Please use the yellow prayer request cards found in the pew and place them in the offering plate to be included in the prayers of the people and/or the email prayer ministry of CPC.

*DOXOLOGY (Unison)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below:

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise God, the source of all our gifts!

Praise Christ, whose mighty power uplifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

PRAYER OF DEDICATION, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

& THE LORD’S PRAYERWith reverence and awe for your ways, we offer our gifts for the work of love and justice, the work of healing, restoring and setting free in your holy name. Hear us now as we lift our prayers of joy and concern to you . . .

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 795 Healer of Our Every Ill

                       

*CHARGE & BENEDICTION           

You are children of God.

Go and celebrate the freedom and love

God has given you.

Go and proclaim God’s message of love

and freedom to others.

And may God who calls us,

Jesus, the one who sets us free,

and the Holy Spirit that supports us

be with you this day and forever.

Amen.

POSTLUDE   

* Indicates a time in the service when you are invited to rise in body or spirit.

Visitors, friends, members, welcome to worship! Please feel free to participate in ways that you feel led, and comfortable if you would just like to observe.  If you are interested in learning more about making Central Presbyterian your church home, please speak with Pastor Jennifer or the welcome greeter following the service.

Visitors, friends, members, welcome to worship!

We are glad you are here and invite you to

join us for coffee after the worship service.

THIS WEEK AT CENTRAL

10:00am Worship, Sanctuary

11:00am Fellowship, Fellowship Hall

OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Thursday, 8:30am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-4:00

Friday - Closed

Mon, Aug 2611:00amBible StudyParlor

6:30pmBadminton Group Fellowship Hall

Tues, Aug 2710:30pmAll-Staff MeetingPastor’s Office

1:30pmPrayer Shawl MinistryParlor

SACRED ARTS WEEK OCTOBER 20-26 - Pastor Jennifer is taking a group to the Grunewald Guild for a week of art, faith, and community October 20 - 26. It is a bit like church camp for grown-ups! The Guild is a special place in the little community of Plain, WA, between Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee.

Each day is framed by morning and evening prayer together. Every person signs up for a class in a specific art form and will have time with and without instruction in the studio. Prices vary depending on what class you take and what kind of accommodation you choose. To get more details or to sign up for the week, you can go to the Grunewald Guild web site here: https://grunewaldguild.com/sacred-arts-week-fall-2019/ 

FLOWERS TODAY – Have been given to the Glory of God by John & Pat Hocken in honor of their 53rd wedding anniversary.

PW CIRCLES RESUME MEETING IN SEPTEMBER – Love Carved in Stone, A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments, by Eugenia Anne Gamble is the 2019-2020 Bible study. Books are now available in the church office for $11.

MEET YOUR DEACON SUNDAY - At Central, each member/friend of Central is assigned to a flock with a specific person as their Deacon. This is just one of the ways we help fulfill Central’s mission of being a caring and inclusive community of faith. Each June, some Deacons retire and new Deacons come onboard. Meet Your Deacon Sunday on September 8th is designed to give your Deacon a chance to get to know you better. Plan to stay after worship, enjoy the fellowship, and meet your Deacon! Quentin Holmes & Tony Richter, Deacon Co-Moderators.

STRICTLY ORGANIC COFFEE - for $14 a pound, is available in the Narthex from Merle Bottge after worship today. Buy a bag of decaf or regular coffee; it's certified organic, shade grown, and farmer friendly. Any profit Central makes will be given to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

FISH - Canned beans in their many forms are always welcome at FISH: chili with beans, bean soups, refried beans, flavored beans and just plain beans. Bring your donations with you when you come to worship and place them in the wicker basket in the Narthex. They will be delivered to FISH for distribution to those who ask for food. Thank you.

COIN OFFERINGS FOR SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER - will be used to support our work with the St. Vincent DePaul Interfaith Family Shelter. During the week of September 30-October 6, members of Central will provide meals for the families at the Interfaith Shelter. We have supported this program for over 30 years and are excited that it now has a permanent location for the families. Please give generously on Sunday mornings!

We thank the following faithful people who

Lectionary –

Sunday, September 1

Jeremiah 2:4-13

Ps. 81:1

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Luke 14:1, 7-14

are helping behind the scenes today:

Ministers All

Coffee Hour Fellowship Committee

Deacon on CallTony Richter

Worship LeaderPam Sheridan

Welcome GreeterJulianne Stermer

Transport TeamRick Larson

Pastor Rev. Jennifer Martin

Organist Dan Rinnan

Building HostJoe Olney

Sound Technician Steve Stermer

A CARING, INQUIRING, INCLUSIVE

COMMUNITY OF FAITH

August 25, 2019

Christ healing the crippled woman who was bent over

Mid-fourth century, stone carving from the Two Brothers Sarcophagus, collection of J. Patout Burns and Robin M. Jensen.

555 East 15th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401

email:centralpresbyterianeugene@gmail.com

www.centraleugene.church

541- 345-8724

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