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Cranston Memorial Presbyterian Church Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost. October 11, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENTS, SHARED JOYS AND CONCERNS INTROIT AND REKINDLING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST CALL TO WORSHIP (from Lamentations 3) One: Let us call to mind the reason for our hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. All: They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. One: I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” All: The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. One: Let Us Worship God! Hymn #527 Near to the Heart of God

1 There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God, a place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God. Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God, hold us, who wait before thee, near to the heart of God. 2 There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God, a place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God. [Refrain]

CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of birth, God of joy, God of life, we come to you as a people hungry for good news. We have been so dead to miracles that we have missed the world’s rebirth. We have preoccupied ourselves with pleasures and have overlooked the joy you offer us. We have been so concerned with making a living that we have missed the life you set among us. Forgive us, gracious God. Open our eyes and our hearts to receive your gift; open our lips and hands to share it with all humanity in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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ASSURANCE OF PARDON Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself. Jesus Christ is God with humankind. He is the eternal Son of the Father who became human and lived among us to fulfill the work of reconciliation. He is present in the church by the power of the Holy Spirit to continue and complete his mission. Therefore, the church calls all people to be reconciled to God and to one another. GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning it is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. TIME WITH THE YOUNGEST DISCIPLES PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

EPISTLE READING

Philippians 4:1-9

1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

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SERMON “Rejoice!” The Rev. Chris Torrey

Hymn #394 There Is a Balm in Gilead

Refrain: There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. 1 Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain, but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. Refrain 2 Don’t ever feel discouraged, For Jesus is your friend. And if you lack for knowledge He’ll not refuse to lend.

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE LORD’S PRAYER

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

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OFFERING DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION Hymn # 145 Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!

1 Rejoice, O pure in heart, rejoice, give thanks, and sing; your festal banner wave on high, the cross of Christ your King.

Refrain: Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

2 Still lift your standard high, still chanting as you go, from youth to age, by night and day, in gladness and in woe. [Refrain]

3 Praise God, who reigns on high, the Lord whom we adore: the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one God forevermore. [Refrain]

BENEDICTION

Session Members:

Don Kissinger Building & Grounds 232-1538 Sharon Kidd Mission Committee Liaison 553-7145 Ruth Saylor Treasurer 553-4031 Emilie Donham Congregational Care 232-1538 Music & Worship Jim Gibson Membership 553-4205 Tom Kidd Clerk 553-7145 Christian Education Liaison Karen Roberts Organist 633-1964 Mike Findlan Outreach / Chimes 553-3149 David Annett Minister 477-9723

Prayers and other liturgy this morning are reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, Second Edition, © 2013, Faith Alive Christian Resources.