Sunday that Rocks
Here is an order of worship for a that weaves rock imagery and rock-themed Scripture verses throughout the service. It was created for worship on 9/16/2018 (17th Sunday after Pentecost)
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our Salvation. – Psalm 95
WE GATHER AS GOD’S PEOPLE
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements
Introit: “Jesus is the Rock” (video): find it here
(Jesus is the Rock (Bop shoo bop shoo bop woooo!) HD with lyrics Posted by Andrew Leer, Published on Jul 21, 2013)
Call to Worship (responsively)
One: Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4)
Many: For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? (Psalm 18:31)
One: The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! (Psalm 18:46)
Many: Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our Salvation. (Psalm 95:1)
Opening Hymn: “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” Watts
Centering Prayer (responsively)
One: Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn. (Isaiah 51:1)
Many: To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Be my rock of refuge to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 28:1 & Psalm 71:3)
Moment of Silence
Words of Assurance – Moses and the New Stone Tablets (Exodus 34: 1-7)
Response (unison): Truly God is my rock and my salvation; God is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:2)
Song for All Ages: “I Will Magnify the Lord”
I Will Magnify the Lord; who is Worthy to Be Praised (2x)
Hosanna! Blessed be the rock! Blessed be the rock of my salvation!
Hosanna! Blessed be the rock! May the joy of my salvation be exalted!
Lyrics slightly modified from “I Will Call Upon the Lord,” by Michael O’Shields, 1994
Passing of the Peace
Time for Children
Description: In the summer of 2018, our congregation’s homework was to collect a rock from a sacred place and bring it to church. That sacred place could be somewhere they traveled to, or, their own back yard. During the children’s time, everyone turned in their homework and brought the rocks forward to the front of the church. After the rocks were all assembled, we examined them and learned some of their stories. One rock was from a family trip to Alaska, and it was black and white spotted and seemed to be shaped like an orca whale. Another rock was a heart shaped rock from Maine. Yet another was from traveling in Italy. After learning about the rocks, I asked the kids to make something with the rocks. We decided on an infinity symbol to represent God’s love. After the activity, we had a prayer and the children departed for Sunday School.
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Reading: Stones for the Twelve Tribes of Israel – Joshua 4:4-9
Reflection: “What do these stones mean?”
Hymn: “Rock of Ages, Let Our Song” (Maoz Tsur Y’shuati) Hebrew Traditional
Reading: Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King & Weeps Over Jerusalem, Luke 19: 28-44
Reflection: “The stones cry out & Jesus weeps”
Reading (unison): Matthew 21:42
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
Hymn: “How Firm a Foundation,” American Folk Tune
Reading: Matthew 7:24-27
WE RESPOND BY OFFERING OUR PRAYERS AND GIFTS
Sharing our Joys & Concerns
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Sung Prayer Response: “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me,” Toplady
Invitation to the Offering- Jacob’s Dream at Bethel – Genesis 28:10-18
Offertory
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ and Spirit, One. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication (unison)
God, our rock and our refuge, we place our trust and our hope in you. Please accept these gifts as a sign of our enduring faith. Bless them, multiply them, and utilize them to build the foundation for your reign of justice, peace, and love. Amen.
WE ARE SENT FORTH TO LOVE AND SERVE GOD
Closing Hymn: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Robinson
Benediction
Postlude
© Rev. Katelyn Macrae, 2018
