Order of Worship August 7, 2022
UJCC Summer Reflection Sunday Worship Service
August 07, 2022 * 9th Sunday After Pentecost
Order of Worship
“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer”
― Jenny Han, Author
We Gather Together
Gathering Music - “Every Move I Make”
You are invited to the spiritual practice of returning thanks to God. You can try our online giving option HERE. Thank you and peace be with you!
Prelude
We recognize that some of you may have had a crazy week and need some space or quiet time. So, 5-10 minutes prior to the service, we will play some music that you can listen to while you meditate. Otherwise, feel free to let us know that you're here by saying hi in the chat!
Words of Welcome
Around 10:30AM, our service will start. During this time, our worship leader will offer a greeting, introduce special guests, or provide important information for the service. Ultimately, we want to show how much we appreciate you joining us today despite your busy schedule.
Passing the Peace
Passing of the peace may merely seem like a time to greet one another. However, it also serves as a reminder of the peace that we have with God and the peace that we have with each other due to Jesus’ sacrifice. Please take this time to greet one another at church and online!
Song of Centering - "Serenity"
In the same way that we get ready for a date, it is important for us to get ready to hear God’s Word. So, during the songs of centering, we intentionally try to lay aside our busy lives, worries, and distractions in order to focus on God. For if we have too much noise in our minds, this can leave little room for God. Please feel free to sit quietly in meditation, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, sing along, or use your body as you are able.
Opening Prayer
We believe that God hears us when we call for help and that God answers our prayers too. So, we use this time to invite God to be present and working among us in our church service. Feel free to read along with this opening prayer:
Lord of all days, we are thankful for the life you give us this day.
For those who rejoice this day, be the music in their hearts.
For those who mourn and grieve this day, be their assurance.
For those who are ill this day, for healing presence.
For those who tend to others in need this day, be their strength and patience.
For those in danger and fear this day, be their sanctuary and grace.
As we venture from this day into the following ones, open our ears to hear your call.
Open our eyes to see the world as you see it. Open our hearts, our minds, and our doors to the flow of your grace.
We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Children's Time
At UJCC, we value young families and children. So, whenever we have family worship, we try to make short, fun, educational videos or skits in order to be more inclusive of our younger audience. Feel free to enjoy this material with your kids and talk about it later too!
Scripture Reading
Romans 5:4-5; 12:12; 15:4,13 & Galatians 2:20
And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in times of trouble and never stop praying.
And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope
I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.
Camp Reflections
We believe God still speaks to us today through the Bible, people, and many other sources as well. As a result, we will listen to our youth and try to discern what God is trying to tell us through their message. Feel free to listen, take notes, or meditate on something that stuck out to you.
VBS Song - "Food Truck Party"
We will listen to the main theme song from this year's vacation Bible school (VBS). Please enjoy this catchy tune and see what our youth have been learning.
VBS Reflections
Not only are we blessed to hear from our campers, but we also have the opportunity to hear from our youth who attended VBS.
Song of Reflection - "Resurrected"
It is our responsibility to respond to God’s message. So, the song after the sermon gives us a little more time to digest God’s message and think about how we can respond appropriately. So, feel free to meditate on the message, pray, or simply enjoy the music.
Holy Communion
We believe that Jesus Christ was born as a human being, lived among us, and died to redeem creation from all sin past, present, and future. As a reminder of Jesus' great love for us, we continue to practice the tradition of breaking bread and wine that Jesus started with the disciples thousands of years ago. At UJCC, we believe that all are welcome. So, if you would like to receive the gift of life that Jesus offers freely to all, feel free to approach the front as the ushers call you and then return to your seat. You are then more than welcome to eat the bread and drink the juice at your pace. You can also meditate or pray as necessary during this time.
Leader: Hear the storytellers of all ages whisper with us. Let us join together:
All: Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed in the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Leader: ...Therefore, in remembrance of the mighty acts and blessed promises of Jesus, we offer ourselves to you in union with his offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
All: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Leader: ...What is our prayer on this day?
All: Shower us with your Spirit, here and now, so this common meal becomes a life-giving celebration. May our eating and drinking this day bind us to Christ, whose body and blood are given for us. May we know that you live in us and that we live in you, so that we live in your world, knowing it is indeed yours.
Leader: Living God, this is our prayer.
All: Amen.
Joys and Concerns
We believe God hears and answers our prayers. Not only that, but we believe in praying together so that we can encourage and support those going through difficult times, or celebrate our many blessings. For we are all God’s family. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. When one of us rejoices, we all rejoice. You are not alone. If you have any prayer requests, feel free to raise your hand until you are called upon. After each prayer request, we will say “O God of mercy” and everyone responds, “This is our prayer.” Finally, once all the prayer requests have been heard, we will close with a final prayer followed by the Lord’s prayer. If you do not know the Lord’s prayer, it will be up on the slideshow for you.
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer
All: 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Announcements
The announcements provide opportunities for us to put our faith into action throughout the week. Please try to see if anything interests you or challenge yourself to try something new. Volunteering is a great way to bless others, but we are often blessed ourselves in the process. You can sign up by clicking on the purple footsteps button in the bottom right corner.
Song of Sending - “Christ In Me"
The song of sending forth prepares our hearts to go back out into the world. You can use this song as a final opportunity to decide how to respond to the message, pray for God’s guidance, sing along, or simply enjoy the music.
Benediction
Benediction is another word for blessing. It is a short prayer said in order to bless everyone as we get ready to go back out into the world. Feel free to close your eyes and receive the blessing so that you may be strengthened and encouraged.
Postlude - “Days of Love"
This is the final ending song for the worship service. Once the song is finished, feel free to check out the church entrance for event information, talk with someone new, or go about the rest of your day!