"A Strong Determination"

Call to Worship (Psalm 99)

The Lord reigns. Let the nations tremble. The Lord reigns. Let them praise God’s holy name. The Lord reigns. Let the peoples rejoice in awe and wonder. The Lord reigns. Let them shout in exaltation!

Opening Prayer (2 Corinthians 3, Luke 9)

Radiant Lord, you shine with purity, power, and truth. Your mercy reflects your compassion, your care, and your love. Transform us into your image as we seek to follow you. Use us to make your presence known throughout the world. In your strong name we pray. Amen.

Invitation to the Offering (Exodus 34, 2 Corinthians 3)

In days of old, God was seen as far from the people. But we know Christ, and in him we know God. When we share what we have out of love, our hearts grow closer to God, and we shine with Christ’s glory. Let us offer our gifts to God today.

Prayer

Lord, it seems so long ago that we heard your words at Jesus’ baptism. You reminded us that he is your beloved Son with whom you are well pleased. Again today we hear your words that we are to listen to him, to pay attention. Open our hearts this day, Lord, to hear the words of Jesus, to follow in his footsteps, and to serve You. For we ask this in Christ’s Name. AMEN.

Luke 13:31-35 New International Version Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem 31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! 34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’

Benediction (Luke 9)

Led by the Spirit, go forth in God’s love. Illumined by the Spirit, shine with Christ’s light.Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.