Beyond our busyness,
above the cold winter floor
there is a glory rising born of heaven
and reaching out to each one of us
a light that shines through the clouds
an invitation seeking all of who we are
that transfigures the world
that transforms darkness into hope
that brings life from a cross
where old life end and new life is born
In glory Jesus meets us here
raising us from depths of valley to the height of the mountain
carrying the weight of our humanity
to the heights of heavens glory.
Let us worship from the mountain and hear again
“This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
Submitted by Rev. Rob Smith, Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church, Apple Valley, MN
Confession: new order
Prayer of Confession
God of grace and mercy,
You create a new order for our lives:
Service before success,
Faith before knowledge,
Partnership over independence,
The cross over the crown.
Forgive us when we fall into the patterns of this world,
Rejecting your call through our action or inaction.
Forgive us, God, and move us to see the world through lens of your great love.
Forgive us, God, and grant us peace.
Assurance of Pardon
God forgives us of our sins,
Not because we are righteous, but because God is good.
God calls us to try again,
Not because we are strong, but because God will help us.
God calls us as disciples,
Not because we are worthy, but because we are loved.
God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom,
and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Through the love of God in Christ Jesus, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Anna George Traynham, Associate Pastor, Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA
CTW: praise the Lord!
We the Church give thanks to the LORD with our whole heart.
Praise the LORD!
When we look at all the works of the LORD, we know they are great.
Praise the LORD!
The LORD is gracious and merciful, faithful and just.
Praise the LORD!
Submitted by Rev. Will Ryan, First Christian Church, Burlington, IA
CTW: Arise and Shine
Arise and awaken, children of God!
For our light has come, and the glory of the Holy One shines out!
Lift up your eyes! Look around you!
The people gather together – the people of all nations come together to worship God
You shall see and shall shine with God’s light
Let us rejoice and praise God, whose love shines forth into the world. Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby, Okla.
Benediction: God’s future
We are God’s beloved,
and we go out into God’s future
to love, to serve, and to be made new.
As we go, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the unity of the Holy Spirit
keep us now and forever.
Alleluia! Amen.
Submitted by Rev. Nathan Williams, Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, IA
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