As you arrive in worship and find a place in a pew, use prayer to center your thoughts and spirit. As the Prelude begins, quiet your voice and soul. With music and prayer let us move from ‘getting to church’ to ‘being the church’ as we worship together.
Prayer of Confession
Though we be restless in heart or troubled in spirit, we come before you, Gracious God, asking for your guidance, your spirit and your forgiveness. For too long we have sought our own good; it is too attractive to place ourselves at the center of life, only to discover that such a center cannot hold. Things easily fall apart. Help us look beyond trivial gain in our life. Help us rejoice in your gifts of grace and blessing. Lead us to finer and fuller faith in the joy of believing in your promises and power. Accept our prayer this day, and hear us as we offer our silent and personal confession to you . . .
Readings
Old Testament Lesson: Joshua 4: 19-24 NRSV
The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they camped in Gilgal on the east border of Jericho. Those twelve stones, which they had taken out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal, saying to the Israelites, “When your children ask their parents in time to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel crossed over the Jordan here on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we crossed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, and so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 5: 14-16 NRSV
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Hymns
- No. 263 – Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
- No. 210 – Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
- No. 561 – My Country, ‘Tis of Thee
Sermon
“Memorial Day—Memorial Moments—Memorial Lives” – Rev. Scott G. Loomer