the official UPCSA Order of Service

https://unitingpresbyterian.org/service-orders/attachment/sunday-worship-without-communion-2004-2/

ORDER FOR WORSHIP ON THE LORD'S DAY WITHOUT HOLY COMMUNION

The Bible is carried into the church.

Call to Worship

A Scripture text calling to worship, such as one of the following, is said.

Grace to you and peace

from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Phm.3

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Jn.1:14

The hour is coming, and now is,

when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth;

for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

God is Spirit,

and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. Jn.4:23f.

Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus

were baptized into His death?

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death,

that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father,

even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom.6:3f.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Let us worship God.

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of Praise

The following or another prayer of the day appropriate to the season may be used:

God of light and truth, you are beyond our grasp or conceiving.

Before the brightness of your presence the angels veil their faces.

With lowly reverence and adoring love we acclaim your glory

and sing your praise,

for you have shown us your truth and love in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.

Or

Lord God, you have appointed in heaven

orders and hosts of angels and archangels for the service of your glory.

Grant that with our entrance into this church

there may be an entrance of holy angels serving with us to glorify your goodness.

For to you is due all glory, honour and worship:

to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Amen.

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments or else the two Great Commandments (Matt.22:35-37) may be read.

Alternatively they may be read after the sermon in place of the Creed.

God spoke these words and said: I am the Lord your God

who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery;

you shall have no other gods but me.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not make for yourself any idol,

whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above,

or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

You shall not bow down to them or worship them.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain

for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.

For six days you shall labour and do all your work.

But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Honour your father and your mother

so that your days may be long in the land

that the Lord your God is giving you.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not murder.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not commit adultery.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not steal.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and incline our hearts to keep this law.

You shall not covet your neighbour’s house;

you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or slaves, or ox, or donkey,

or anything that belongs to your neighbour.

Lord, have mercy upon us,

and write all these your laws in our hearts.

Call to Confession

The minister says one of the following:

‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord,

‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’ Isa.1:18

Repent therefore and be converted,

that your sins may be blotted out,

so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before. Ac.3:19f.

Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you,

Unless one is born of water and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’ Jn.3:5

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,

Jesus, the Son of God,

let us hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a high priest

who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb.4:14-16

If we say that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn.1:8f.

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.

And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ the righteous.

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins,

and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 1 Jn.2:1f.

Prayer of Confession

The minister says:

Let us confess our sin to God.

Comforter, Spirit of Truth, you who are everywhere and fill all things,

the treasury of blessings and giver of life.

Come and abide within us,

cleanse us from all impurity and save our souls.

Or

Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.

Father, cleanse us from our sins.

Lord, pardon our iniquities.

Holy Spirit, visit and heal our sicknesses for your Name's sake.

Lord have mercy.

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is ever before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,

and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones that you have broken rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins,

and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:1-19

Pause.

The minister then says the following sentence and one of the texts that follow:

Hear the word of God’s forgiving grace:

And the Lordpassed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Ex.4:6

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic,

‘Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.’ Matt.9:2

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman,

He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours?

Has no one condemned you?’

She said, ‘No one, Lord.’

And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you;

go and sin no more.’ Jn.8:10f.

Therefore, having been justified by faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand,

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom.5:1f.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,

who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

has made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom.8:1f.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,

He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies

through His Spirit who dwells in you. Rom.8:11

Who is he who condemns?

It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also makes intercession for us. Rom.8:34

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor.5:17

The minister then says:

To all those who truly acknowledge that they are sinners, humble themselves before God, and look to Jesus Christ for their salvation, I declare the forgiveness of their sins, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. John Calvin

Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.

Amen.

(Children’s Talk)

Hymn

Prayer for Illumination

Prepare our hearts, O Lord, to hear your Word.

Quieten in us any voice but your own,

and grant that by the power of your Spirit

we may hear and believe your gospel

and learn to obey your will;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Scripture Readings

One of the following may be said.

Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Matt.4:4

Heaven and earth shall pass away,

but my words shall not pass away. Matt.24:35

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life,

which is in the paradise of God.’ Rev.2:7

Lessons are read from the Old Testament, an Epistle and a Gospel

First Reading Jeremiah 31:7-14

Second Reading Ephesians 1:3-14

Gospel John 1:(1-9) 10-18

Sermon

If no Prayer for Illumination has been said the minister says:

O do well unto your servant : that I may live, and keep your word.

Open my eyes : that I may see the wondrous things of your law.

In the Name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

52 Sermons from the Book of Acts Chapter 1. The Infant Church (Acts 1)

1. THE INFANT CHURCH

Acts 1

ILLUSTRATION:

Since 1995 when Toy Story was released, Pixar has created 11 feature films, all of which have become a huge international success. From its beginnings as a production company, Pixar has focused on the crucial value of teamwork and collaboration. Originally, the company planned to build three separate buildings with separate office spaces for the animators, computer programmers, and management. But Steve Jobs scrapped that plan and instead moved everyone into an old Del Monte canning factory that had one huge room with an atrium in the center. Jobs wanted to create a space where people throughout the company could bump into each other, deepen relationships, and share ideas.

But Jobs took it one step further: he moved everything—including mailboxes, meeting rooms, a coffee bar, and even the bathrooms—into the center of the atrium so people would be forced to interact. Initially, some of the employees complained that it was a waste of time to walk to the atrium every time they had to go to the bathroom or grab a cup of coffee. But Jobs kept telling Pixar employees, “Everybody has to run into each other.” A Pixar producer called it “smooshing,” and he added, “If I don’t see lots of smooshing, I get worried.”

Brad Bird, the director of The Incredibles and Ratatouille, eventually caught the vision for teamwork. Bird said, “The atrium initially might seem like a waste of space … But Steve [Jobs] realized that when people run into each other, when they make eye contact, things happen. So he made it impossible for you not to run into the rest of the company.” It’s no surprise, then, that the Latin motto for Pixar says it all: Alienus Non Diutius, or “alone no longer.”

1. THEY WERE IN FELLOWSHIP WITH THE RISEN LORD

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.—Acts 1:3–4

2. THEY RECEIVED THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.—Acts 1:5

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.—Acts 19:2

3. THEY WERE OBEDIENT TO HIS WORD

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.—Acts 1:12–13

4. THEY WERE UNITED IN SPIRIT

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.—Acts 1:14

5. THEY HONORED THE SCRIPTURES

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.—Acts 1:15–20

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.—2 Timothy 3:16

6. THEY WENT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.—Acts 1:21–24

After the sermon is concluded, the minister says:

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

A time of silent meditation may follow.

The Creed

The Apostle’s Creed or another suitable confession of faith is said.The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible (Apostles’ Creed)

I. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth;

II. And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord;

III. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary;

IV. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell;

V. The third day He rose again from the dead;

VI. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;

VII. From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead;

VIII. I believe in the Holy Ghost;

IX. I believe an holy catholic church; the communion of saints;

X. The forgiveness of sins;

XI. The resurrection of the body;

XII. And the life everlasting. Amen.

Hymn

Intimations by the session clerk Mr. John Oberholzer

The Peace

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jn.14:27

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Peace be with you;

do not fear, you shall not die.’

So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord,

and called it The-Lord-is-Peace. Jdg.6:23-24

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week,

when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews,

Jesus came and stood in the midst,

and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ Jn.20:19

The word which God sent to the children of Israel,

preaching peace through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all. Ac.10:36

For he himself is our peace, who has made both one,

and has broken down the middle wall of separation. Eph.2:14

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way.

The Lord be with you all. 2 Thess.3:16

Brothers and sisters, let us share the peace of Christ with one another.

Peace be with you.

And also with you.

The Offering

The minister says one of the following:

‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matt.6:24

And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them,

‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more

than all those who are contributing to the offering box.

For they all contributed out of their abundance,

but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had,

all she had to live on.’ Mk.12:42-44

The Lord Jesus, said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Ac.20:35

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Each one must give as he has made up his mind,

not reluctantly or under compulsion,

for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor.9:6-7

Thanks are given for the offering:

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 1 Chron.29:11

Or

Blessed are you, God of all creation;

through your goodness we have these gifts to share.

Accept and use our offerings for your glory

and for the service of your gospel.

Blessed be God forever.

The people may be seated.

Prayers of Thanksgiving

The minister says one of the following texts and then leads the congregation in a prayer of thanks.

I will praise you, O Lord, with my whole heart;

I will tell of all your marvellous works.

I will be glad and rejoice in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Ps.9:1-2

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!

Call upon his name;

Make known his deeds among the peoples! 1 Chron.16:8

Let us in silence or aloud give thanks for particular blessings we have received …

The thanksgiving concludes with the words:

Blessing and honour

and thanksgiving and praise

more than we can utter,

more than we can understand

be to you,

O holy and glorious Trinity:

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

from all angels, all people, all creatures

for ever and ever.

Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is sung, or else said in the following form:

Our Father, which art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen. Matt.6:9-13

One of the following Prayers of Intercession and Petition is offered.

First Prayer of Intercession and Petition

O God, the creator and preserver of all, we pray for people in every kind of need; make your ways known on earth, your saving power among all nations. We pray for the good estate of the catholic Church; guide and govern us by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace and in righteousness of life … We commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body or estate; comfort and relieve them in their need, give them patience in their sufferings, and bring good out of all their afflictions … We remember those who have gone before us in the peace of Christ, and we give you praise for all your faithful ones, with whom we rejoice in the communion of saints … All this we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake. God, bless Africa: guard her children, guide her leaders and give her peace, for Jesus Christ's sake.

Amen.

Second Prayer of Intercession and Petition

Remember, Lord,

your one holy catholic and apostolic church,

redeemed by the blood of your Christ.

Reveal its unity, guard its faith,

and preserve it in peace.

Remember our Presbytery and our Session

and all who minister in your church.

Remember all your people,

and those who seek your truth.

Remember…

Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ,

and those whose faith is known to you alone;

bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.

And grant that we may find our inheritance

with the Blessed Virgin Mary,

with the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs,

and all the saints

who have found favour with you in ages past.

We praise you in union with them

and give you glory through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Third Prayer of Intercession

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world,

for the stability of the church of God,

and the unity of all people,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For our church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For our Presbytery and Session,

and for the whole congregation,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For our city, for every city and town,

and for the faithful who live in them,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For good weather, an abundance of crops and a prosperous economy,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For those who travel long distances, by land, sea and air,

for the sick, the suffering, those in prison, and for their salvation,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For deliverance from hardship, danger and distress,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us,

O God by your grace.

Lord, have mercy.

Let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole lives to the Lord,

whose power is beyond compare,

whose glory is beyond our understanding,

whose mercy is boundless,

and whose love for us is impossible to comprehend.

Lord, look on us and on this church in your compassion.

Give us and to those who pray with us your abundant mercy.

For to you belongs all glory, honour, and worship,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

now and forever.

Amen.

The prayers of intercession conclude with:

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word:

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared before the face of all people,

a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2:29-33

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit

as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be; world without end.

Amen.

Hymn

Commission

The minister dismisses the congregation with a charge such as one of the following:

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deut.6:4-5

I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you

that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing;

therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. Deut.30:19

For I am the Lordwho brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God.

You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. Lev.11:45

But I say to you, love your enemies,

bless those who curse you,

do good to those who hate you,

and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven;

for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good,

and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt.5:44-45

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,

do ye even so to them:

for this is the law and the prophets. Matt.7:12

You did not choose me, but I chose you

and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit,

and that your fruit should remain,

that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. Jn.15:16

Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor.15:58

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Cor.16:13

Go out into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold on to what is good; return no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak, help the suffering; honour all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Blessing

The Lord bless you, and keep you:

The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel; and I will bless them. Num.6:24-27

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all. 2 Cor.13:14

Amen.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

the great Shepherd of the sheep,

by the blood of the eternal covenant,

equip you with everything good that you may do his will,

working in us that which is pleasing in his sight,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory forever and ever. Heb.13:20-21

Amen.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling,

and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

to the only wise God our Saviour,

be glory and majesty, dominion and power,

both now and for ever. Jde 24-26

Amen.