Liturgy Project for 701

WE GATHER GATHERING MUSIC – Meditative Instrumental CENTERING SCRIPTURE & LITURGICAL DANCE: Ezekiel 37:1-10 *CALL to WORSHIP:1 Holy God, you gather us here to be nourished by your goodness. But when we see who is missing, who has been beaten down and turned away, who has been denigrated and denied, we echo the words of the prophet Ezekiel: “Come from everywhere, O Breath, and breathe life into these corpses, so that they can live again.” We gather and lift our brokenness to you. Into our anger and hurt, into our disappointment, into what looks and feels like death, you sing new life. Into our brokenness, you dance healing and hope. Into our weary bones, you breathe peace. We gather and lift our brokenness to you. Though we are tired and worn, the work of justice continues. The call to minister to your people continues. The work of building the kingdom continues. There are still many broken-hearted ones in need of binding up. We gather and lift our brokenness to you. Baptized by water and Spirit, wash over us again with your merciful grace— the newness of life which can only come from you. Rekindle your Spirit-fire of love that burns within us. In silence, we make a space for you to reclaim us ... revive us ... resurrect us ... (Silence) *HYMN of COMFORT: It Is Well With My Soul AAHH#377 OPENING PRAYER:2 Wise and Loving One, we come as your children to unite our voices in praise and profound thanksgiving, for you are the source of our hope and our strength.

We come as your children to be reminded we are fearfully and wonderfully made. As you call us again and again to be agents of grace, renew us by the fellowship we share with one another and with you. May our hearts be lifted to embrace a life of courage and compassion for the living of these days. May our hearts be comforted, for we are weary from our work. May our hearts be challenged, for there is still much work to be done. May our hearts be broken open by your grace that inspires and transforms. Into the brokenness, breathe your blessing, O Wise and Loving One. And grant us the wisdom to fully receive this gift. Amen. WE HEAR WORDS OF LIFE HYMN of PREPARATION: I Need Thee Every Hour UMH #397 PSALTER: Psalm 121 SUNG RESPONSE: I Need Thee Every Hour (refrain) EPISTLE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (Spanish language) SUNG RESPONSE: I Need Thee Every Hour (refrain in Spanish language) *GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 5:1-12 SUNG RESPONSE: I Need Thee Every Hour (refrain) MEDITATION SILENT REFLECTION TIME WE RESPOND TO WORDS OF LIFE *HYMN: “Blessed Are the Poor In Spirit”3 text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette tune: HYFRYDOL Blessed are the poor in spirit; all God's realm is surely theirs. Those in mourning will find comfort as an answer to their prayers. Meek ones whom this world despises will inherit everything. God, your kingdom still surprises; may we seek the reign you bring.

Blessed, too, are those who hunger and who thirst for what is right. They will not be prone to wander, for your will is their delight. Those who show God's care and mercy will receive that mercy too. God, in Christ you show us clearly of the joy we have in you. Those who share the peace God gives them will find blessings as God's own. Those oppressed for faithful living will call heaven's kingdom Home. When the world's ways seem distressing and we feel life's painful sting, God, remind us of the blessings of the wondrous life you bring. PRAYERS of the PEOPLE: (written by Eric) (after prayers of the people there should be some time and space for those who want to come to the rail to be prayed over individually) ASSURANCE of FORGIVENESS: Hear the good news that brings dry bones back to life: In the name of Love Beyond Measure, we are forgiven and freed to flourish in life abundant. In the name of Love Beyond Measure, we are forgiven and freed to flourish in life abundant. Glory to God! Amen. WE ARE SENT FORTH TO SERVE *HYMN: Blessed Assurance (all verses) UMH#369 *SENDING FORTH & INVITATION to the LOVE FEAST *Stand in body or in Spirit Eric Brewer John Brice Asa Coulson Jenn Pick Stephen Rhoads Mike Russell

PRAYERS of the PEOPLE: Most merciful God, we come to you in this time of anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the global pandemic of COVID-19. As the sorrows of our heart and mind increase, we beseech you to save us from all trouble and fear. Cast away all works of darkness. Be our rock, a castle to keep us safe. For the Lord is our stronghold and sure defense, and he will be our Savior. Your Word promises, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV For all who have died: receive them into the arms of your mercy, grant them eternal peace, and surround those who mourn with your healing grace.  Lord, heal our land.   For those directly infected with the virus: help them recover in good health and restore them in body, mind and spirit.  Lord, heal our land.   For those at high risk of infection, especially the elderly, those with underlying illnesses, the marginalized, and the poor: keep them healthy and free from all sickness.  Lord, heal our land.   For those in quarantine, the shut-in, and the infirmed: help them find peace, keep them in good health, and renew their mind and spirit.  Lord, heal our land.   For the leaders of our church: help them minister to their flock; fortify them to be faithful pastors, to persevere in prayer, and to build up the family of God in new and creative ways. Lord, heal our land. For all hospitals, doctors, nurses, and staff: protect them as they minister to the sick, relieve all stress, and provide the resources and space to meet the needs of all the infirmed.  Lord, heal our land.

For first responders: guard them from all harm, and grant them strength and courage as they respond to all calls for help.  Lord, heal our land.   For service industry workers and those forced to work as their community shuts down: keep them healthy, bestow the resources to best care for themselves and their families, and assure them in times of financial and medical anxiety.  Lord, heal our land.   For those experiencing financial loss and uncertainty of resources: have mercy on them, alleviate any fear, and provide for them daily bread and wage.   Lord, heal our land. For the leaders of this nation and the world: help them make sound and safe decisions to best secure the future of our planet.   Lord, heal our land. For all schools, students, teachers, administrators and school staff: as schools remain open, keep them healthy and in good spirit to learn; as schools close, feed those who will go hungry without guaranteed meals and shelter all students have no place to live.  Lord, heal our land.   For all scientists and those working to find a cure: inspire them towards your truth, and help them discover and disseminate a vaccine and cure.  Lord, heal our land.   For all media and journalists: protect them from all harm in their reporting, and move them to be a vector of truth and certainty, and never fear or panic.  Lord, heal our land.   For all places of worship: embolden them to be beacons of hope and love, and help us to gather however and wherever we can – be it in person or online – to give you praise.  Lord, heal our land.   For the young: spare them from harm and fear, and keep them a joyful sign of your love and light.  Lord, heal our land.

For all parents: build in them strength and fortitude for the time ahead, and give them the words and witness to be wise counselors and compassionate caregivers.  Lord, heal our land. For calm amidst the storm: as the waves toss our boat and we wonder “do you not care?”, remind us to not be afraid, that with you all things are possible, and that even the wind and sea obey you.  Lord, heal our land.   Stir up in us a spirit of compassion and tenacity for the time ahead.  Amen.    Ease our fear and anxiety, that we may share our resources rather than hoard them, and extend a helping hand to those in need.  Amen.   Inspire us to share the Good News of your love and hope.  Amen.    All this we ask through your son Jesus Christ our Lord: healer of the sick, ruler of the tempestuous sea, and Savior of the world.   Amen. 1 Jenn Pick. 2020 2 Jenn Pick 2020 3 Carolyn Winfrey Gille5e, 2009. Used with permission. See: www.carolynshymns.com/blessed_are_the_poor_in_spirit.html