Prelude - Holy Manna
Welcome and Call to Worship
Through Moses, God said,
“Let my people go.”
In scripture, the law declares:
“In the seventh year, you must cancel all debts.”
With grace, Jesus said:
“Give one coat away.”
With honesty, Jesus taught:
“Sell what you have, give that money to the poor.”
Faith has always involved letting go, releasing, setting free, dropping our nets, giving to others, and following.
So in this hour of worship, may we release that which binds us. May we worship with open, untamed, and porous hearts, so that we can walk freely with God.
Let us worship God, tender and just.
Opening Hymn No. 35
Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty
Call to Confession
God is gracious and merciful and knows our needs before they even reach our lips. Still, we engage in confession, admitting to God all that rests uneasily in our hearts. Confident of God’s love, let us make our confession together, first in silent prayer.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we admit to holding tight to that which we know and understand. We put you in a box to avoid the shades of gray that come with faith. We put worship in a box to avoid the discomfort of change. We put ourselves in boxes labeled with various expectations and societal norms. We put others in boxes labeled “worthy” and “unworthy.” We put all that we have in a box and pray we won’t run out. So in this moment, we confess to holding tight to fear, greed, and worldly structures. Forgive us for missing the point. Open our eyes to a new way - to a holiness found in open boxes, unclenched fists, shades of gray, and holy release. With gratitude and hope, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
Friends, nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The only thing that can separate you is the thought that you are separate. You are forgiven. You are loved. You are a glorious work in progress. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Our Common Life
Scripture - Deuteronomy 15:1-11 and Matthew 19:16-22
Sermon “Our Money Story - Release ” Rev. Jeff Lehn
Hymn of Response No. 684 , verses 1 & 3 (tune: DIX)
Faith Begins By Letting Go
Affirmation of Faith
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.
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.
Call to Offering
On this day, we are invited to participate in the kingdom emerging all around us. May we offer ourselves to God with glad and generous hearts, freely giving our tithes and offerings to the ministry of this congregation. In lieu of passing the plate, we invite you to give through our church website, our smartphone app, by texting the word “Wilmette” to the number 77977, or by sending a check to the church office. As we gather our gifts together and offer them to God, may we do so in gratitude and praise.
Doxology No. 606
Prayer of Dedication
Sending Hymn No. 450
Be Thou My Vision
Charge and Benediction
Postlude
Grand plein jeu from Suite du primier ton Denis Bedard
Worship Leaders
Rev. Jeff Lehn, preaching
Amy Russell, liturgists
Kent Darbyshire, Guitar/Hymn Soloist
Peggy Massello, Music Director, Organist
Chancel Choir, Hymns and Doxology
First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
600 Ninth Street
Wilmette, IL 60091-2779
847-256-3010
Experience God. Grow Disciples. Transform Lives.
