Order of Worship

Opening Voluntary – “Symphony No. 3 in e minor, Op. 13, No. 3 – IV. Adagio” by Charles-Marie Widor

Welcome/Greetings

Choral Introit

*Opening Hymn #3176 – “Come Now Is the Time to Worship” 

(Green Hymnal in Pew)

*Call to Worship

L;  Inhale the bounty of God’s peace.

P:  Splendor is a gift of the presence of God.

L:  Serenity is the treasure that comes from God’s Spirit.

P:  Through the love of God, we find our rest.

L:  Now exhale all that resists the blessings of God.

P:  Justice and kindness ring from the heart of God.

*Opening Prayer

Divine Foundation, even as tumultuous winds shake us and the floor beneath us quakes, you firmly hold us.  As the world around us rattles, you erase fear from our hearts.  Whether on earth or in heaven, your loving Spirit endures.  It pervades the limitless reaches of your creation.  Lift us during times of trembling, enduring Spirit, and still us during moments of uncertainty.  Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Holy God, Sacred Serenity—the vibrations of our worry shake us to the core.  We want answers now, not tomorrow.  Our minds demand proof that all will be well.  We refuse to wait with peace and patience for certainty.  We blame ourselves for calamities, even when they are beyond our control.  We accuse you for mishaps, even when your hand has only loved us.  As the earth’s roads crack below us, your sacred foundation sturdies us.  May your strength embolden us in times of trouble and distress, that we may move forward with hope.  Amen.

Words of Assurance

Whether under moonlight or during the day, the steadfast grace of God delivers us from the shame stirring within us.  May the eternal comfort and hope of our Creator fill our hearts with peace and courage for the road ahead.

Passing of the Peace of Christ

Living in the realm of the just and kind Holy One, may we build one another up, knowing that our strength comes from our Creator.  Let us share these gifts with our siblings near and far.

Children’s Message       Rev. Eumin Kim

Scriptures

Old Testament – Psalm 32:1-7 (NIV)

¹ Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.  ² Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.  ³ When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  ⁴ For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.  ⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”  And you forgave the guilt of my sin.  ⁶ Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.  ⁷ You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

L:  The Word of God, For the People of God.  P:  Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading – Luke 19:1-10 (NIV)

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.  ² A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.  ³ He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.  ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.  ⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately.  I must stay at your house today.”  ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.  ⁷ All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”  ⁸ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord!  Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”  ⁹ Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.  ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

L:  The Word of God, For the People of God.  P:  Thanks be to God.

*Hymn #354 – “I Surrender All”                                                    

Sermon – “Jesus, Friend of Sinners”         Rev. Eumin Kim

Pastoral Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Invitation to Tithes and Offering

Through the work of our hearts and hands, we are called to deliver the justice and kindness of God.  Courage is our guide, as we discern which gifts to share.  May the wisdom of God our Creator shine on our pathways along the way.

Anthem – “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” by Mark Hayes

*Hymn No. 95 – Presentation of the Offering

*Prayer of Dedication

Holy, Steadfast Love, as we abide together in your realm, you bring stillness to our hurried world.  Even as the world quakes and our anxiety builds, your peace blesses our souls.  Help us share this serenity with our companions on the road.  Bless the gifts we return to you this day, that they may bring unity to your realm and hope for a harmonious universe.  Amen.

*Closing Hymn #469 – “Jesus Is All the World to Me”                

*Dismissal with Blessing

Closing Voluntary – “Toccata in g minor” by Johann Pachelbel