GATHERING TO PRAISE GOD Sunday, January 1, 2023

Today’s service is taken from The Methodist Worship Book, England. From the earliest days of the Methodist societies, John Wesley invited the Methodist people to renew their covenant relationship with God. This service remains virtually unchanged from that time.

Prelude

Choral Introit

Praise Song

Welcome

The People Gather
L: Glory to the Father, the God of love, who created us; who continually preserves and sustains us; who has loved us with an everlasting love, and given us the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
All: Blessed be God forever.
L: Glory to Jesus Christ our Savior, who, though he was rich, yet for our sake became poor, and was tested in every way as we are, yet without sin; who proclaimed the good news of the kingdom, and was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross; who was raised from the dead and is alive for ever, and has opened the kingdom of heaven to all who trust in him; who is seated at God’s right hand in glory, and will come to be our judge.
All: Blessed be God forever.
L: Glory to the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, by whom we are born into the family of God, and made members of the body of Christ; whose witness confirms us; whose wisdom teaches us; whose power enables us; who will do for us more than we can ask or think.
All: Blessed be God forever.
L: To the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be praise and glory forever. Amen.

Hymn O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing UMH 57 vs. 1,2,7

The People Pray
God of grace, through the mediation of your Son, you call us into a new covenant. Help us therefore to draw near with faith and join ourselves in a perpetual covenant with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Special Music

Children’s Moment

The Covenant
Let us pray
L: … to bear the cross, Lord, have mercy,
All: Lord, forgive.

L: …our hesitating witness for Christ; have mercy.
All: Lord, forgive.

L: …fail to be good stewards of your creation. Lord, have mercy,
All: Lord, forgive.

L: … and selfish in sharing your love with others, Lord, have mercy,
All: Lord, forgive.

Silence

All: Have mercy on me, O God, in your constant love; in the fullness of your mercy blot out my offenses. Wash away all my guilt, and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Give me the joy of your help again and strengthen me with a willing spirit.

L: If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Therefore, to all who truly repent this is his gracious word; Your sins are forgiven.
All: Amen. Thanks be to God.

L: Sisters and brothers in Christ, let us again accept our place within this covenant which God has made with us and with all who are called to be Christ’s disciples…with joy we offer ourselves anew to you.

L: We are no longer our own but yours.
All: I am no longer my own but yours. Your will, not mine, be done in all things, wherever you may place me, in all that I do and in all that I may endure; when there is work for me and when there is none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace. Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfillment and when it is lacking; when I have all; things, and when I have nothing. I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose.

Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. May it be so forever. Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven. Amen.

L: …hear us as we pray for your Church:
All: make us one, that the world may believe.
L: Inspire and lead all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world:
All: establish justice and peace among all people.
L: Have compassion on all who suffer from any sickness, grief or trouble:
All: deliver them from their distress.
L: We praise you for all your saints who have entered your eternal glory:
All: bring us all to share in your heavenly kingdom.

Let us pray in silence for our own needs and for those of others…

The People Bring Their Gifts
There are baskets in the back or use your online app

The People Come to the Table
L: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
L: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
L: Let us give our thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
L: God our Father…we join in their unending hymn of praise:
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who come in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

L: … in remembrance of me.
All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
L: …and the joy of your kingdom.
All: Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we worship you in songs of everlasting praise. Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Following the breaking of the bread
L: The things of God for God’s holy people.
All: Jesus Christ is holy; Jesus Christ is Lord; Glory to God the Father.

Blessing of the Sacraments
*Sharing the meal*

L: Let us pray.
All: Faithful God, with these holy gifts you have fed and strengthened us in Jesus Christ you Son. Guide us on our way, that with all your faithful people we may come to share the feast of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The People Go into The World

Praise Song

Gaelic Benediction
*Benediction*

Postlude

Questions for your consideration
What are the things in your life that will make it hard to be faithful to this covenant?

What can you do to be strong in your committment?