the official UPCSA Order of Service 12/1/2025

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 Praise to the Lord

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.

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 Cathy Isaiah 42:1–9 Gospel Lidia Luke 3:15–22

Sermon

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

O do well to 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 2. The Ascended Lord (Acts 1:4–11; Luke 24:50–53))

2. THE ASCENDED LORD

Acts 1:4–11; Luke 24:50–53

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.—Luke 24:50–53

Something very significant is wrapped up in our final words. Consider the night in Jerusalem when the Lord and his disciples gathered for … what we call “The Last Supper.”

Less than twelve hours after [that meal], Jesus was nailed to a cross; a few hours later, he was dead.

Jesus understood the significance of those moments and the importance of his last counsel.

And so he gave them exactly what they would need to carry them through the rest of their days.

1. BROUGHT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:5-8

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.—John 16:7

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.—Acts 2:4

2. ENCOURAGED WITNESSING FOR CHRIST

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —Acts 1:8

28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” —Acts 5:28

3. FOCUSED ON THE HOPE OF HIS COMING AGAIN

16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first—1 Thessalonians 4:16

3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.—1 John 3:3

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,

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.

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.

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.

Now unto Him