GATHERING TO PRAISE GOD Sunday, August 21, 2022
Prelude
Praise Song
Welcome
The People Gather
L: Sing to the Lord a new song!
P: We sing a song of transformation and hope!
L: Sing to the Lord a song of strength.
P: Our strength is in the Lord who is always with us!
L: Sing to the Lord a song of joy!
P: Our song is a song of thanks. AMEN.
Hymn
The People Pray
Lord of light and life, you have called us this day to open our hearts, our minds, our spirits to hear your words of encouragement, healing, and hope. Give us patience and willingness to hear your word and to act according to its demands. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN.
Special Music
Children’s Moment
The People Confess Their Sin
God of grace and mercy, we come to you this day as imperfect people. We know that you desire for us hope, happiness, and love, yet we have found so many ways hang on to pain and so define ourselves. We have been given the pathway to peace in the witness of Jesus Christ. He taught us to live as people of compassion and forgiveness. We have been slow to forgive and slow in seeking the transformation you offer. We have failed to be your church, your witnesses on earth. Forgive us, O merciful God. Heal our wounded spirits. Turn us again to you, that we may again learn of your love and mercy. Help us to become partners in peace and hope for others. Amen.
Wo*rds of Assurance*
Turn again, O people, to the Lord who always loves you. Remember God’s loving mercies and faithfulness. AMEN.
The Word of God for the People of God
*Scripture *
Genesis 37:3-4
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he was born when Jacob was old. Jacob had made for him a long[a] robe. 4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of his brothers, they hated him and couldn’t even talk nicely to him.
Genesis 45:1-7
Joseph could no longer control himself in front of all his attendants, so he declared, “Everyone, leave now!” So no one stayed with him when he revealed his identity to his brothers. 2 He wept so loudly that the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s household heard him. 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I’m Joseph! Is my father really still alive?” His brothers couldn’t respond because they were terrified before him.
4 Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me,” and they moved closer. He said, “I’m your brother Joseph! The one you sold to Egypt. 5 Now, don’t be upset and don’t be angry with yourselves that you sold me here. Actually, God sent me before you to save lives. 6 We’ve already had two years of famine in the land, and there are five years left without planting or harvesting.7 God sent me before you to make sure you’d survive[a] and to rescue your lives in this amazing way.
Message In the Pits
The People Pray
Today we have gathered in worship to praise you and to offer our gifts. But it is our commitment and our lives of service that you would appreciate. Witness and service to you are not easy. They may require some sacrifice. We may face some misunderstanding and ridicule from others. But you call us to be faithful, to be steadfast. Help us, O Lord, to make the kinds of commitments which will bring healing and hope in this troubled world in which we live.
Hear our prayers for those in need and enter in situations of pain and hopelessness.
Lord’s Prayer
The People Bring Their Gifts
There are baskets in the back or use your online app
The People Go into The World
Praise Song
Benediction
Organ Postlude
Sermon Notes
- Some translations use the name Israel for Joseph’s father. What is the other name for Joseph’s father?
- Why are there two different names?
- Joseph recieived what gift from his father?
- What was the nature of Joseph’s dream?
- The brothers were being fueled by
- How have jealousy and envy crept up in my life and what does it have to teach us?
- What does it reveal about our current circumstances?
- Is there something in my life that needs to be healed?
- What were the choices Joseph faced?
You planned something
Based on your growing-up years, is it easier for you to identify with young Joseph, enjoying his privileged status as dad’s favorite, or with his brothers, feeling undervalued and ignored?
How have you found that God, the source of what the Bible called “steadfast love,” can be a “fixed point” helping you grow beyond the wounds flawed family dynamics can leave on any of us?
Reuben and Judah had just enough moral courage to stand up to their brothers and say, “No, don’t kill Joseph. We don’t want blood on our hands.” On the other hand, they didn’t have the courage to tell Jacob, “Dad, Joseph isn’t dead. We sold him to traders going to Egypt.” How morally courageous are you? In what areas do you want to become braver?
How did God guide Joseph to turn the pain of his brothers’ betrayal in to lifesaving action?