Bible Sunday
VISUAL ARTS (PARAMENTS, GENERAL DECORATIONS, SPECIFIC DECORATIONS)
Brim: Creative Overflow in Worship Design
Banner Designs for the Church Year
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CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 119:1-10
Leader: Happy are those whose way is blameless,
People: Who walk in the law of the Lord.
Leader: Happy are those who keep God’s decrees,
People: Who seek God with their whole heart, who also do no wrong.
Leader: You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
People: O that our ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
Leader: Then we shall not be put to shame,
having our eyes fixed on all your commandments.
People: We will praise you with an upright heart,
when we learn your righteous ordinances.
Leader: With our whole heart we will seek you;
People: Do not let us stray from your word.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Psalm 119:9-24
How can we live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
We are single-minded in pursuit of you
Don’t let us miss the road signs you’ve posted.
Be blessed, God; train us in your ways of wise living.
We’ll transfer to our lips all the counsel that comes from your mouth.
We ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
Open our eyes so we can see what you show us of your miracle-wonders.
Your sayings on life are what give us delight;
We listen to them as to good neighbors!
Be blessed, God’ train us in your ways of wise living.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Psalm 119:105
Leader: We gather as people who know both pain and praise.
People: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Leader: We gather with faith, yet burdened by uncertainties.
People: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Leader: We gather to sing, to pray, to listen, to learn.
People: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Leader: We gather seeking insight for the journey of life.
People: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
—Steve Parrish
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Psalm 119
I treasure your word in my heart,
so that I may not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
I will not forget your word.
The Lord exists forever;
your word is firmly fixed in heaven.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
—Cindy Martin
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INVOCATION
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MUSIC (HYMNS, SONGS, ANTHEMS)
- Word of God Incarnate
- Thy Word
- Standing on the Promises
- How Firm a Foundation
- I Love the Bible, the Word of God
I love the Bible, the Word of God,
It is the Word God has given to man,
Telling who God is, all that He’s done,
How much He loved me; He sent His Son.
I love the Bible, the Word of God,
It is the Word God gave unto us,
I love the Bible, the Word of God,
It is the Word God gave unto us.
—Cindy Martin
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CALL TO CONFESSION
When we think of God’s ways, we turn our feet to the way of God. We hurry and do not delay to keep God’s commandments. But we do not always hurry. We do go astray. Let us stand before the Lord, knowing what God’s word says, and yet knowing that we fall short of following it. Let us confess our sins.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Romans 10 says that “Moses wrote that anyone who insists on using the law code to live right before God soon discovers it’s not so easy—every detail of life is regulated by fine print!… [But] the word that saves is right here, as near as the tongue in your mouth, as close as the heart in your chest. It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us.” Let us use our tongues and hearts to confess our wrong-doings to God.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Although we try to be faithful and fruitful believers, more often than not we find ourselves following the advice of the wicked and taking the paths of sinners. Instead of being anchored in God’s nourishing instruction, we find ourselves blown about like restless leaves in the dead of winter. Once again we turn to God and acknowledge that striking out on our own hasn’t worked so well, and we seek divine forgiveness and guidance.
—Steve Parrish
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As your word tells us, we have all sinned and fallen short of your glory. Let us join together now and repent of our sins, both corporate and individual.
—Cindy Martin
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PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, your hands have made and fashioned us, but we don’t remember that. We arrogantly think we are the first and last of everything—the master of all we see. We do not turn our hearts to you, but rather seek selfish gain. We see the vanities of the world and would rather throw ourselves at their feet and worship rather than seek your way as found in your scriptures. But we know that you have made a promise to those who fear you. Turn away the disgrace that we dread. Remember your word to us, which is our only hope, that if we repent and turn back to you, that you will be gracious and wash us clean of our sins. Make our hearts blameless so that we will not be put to shame but will be able to glorify your name in all we do. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Deuteronomy 11:18-21
O God, in the scriptures, you tell us to place your words on our hearts, to keep them deep inside of us and even to tie them onto our hands and foreheads as a reminder, but we don’t do it. We hear the words to love you and one another as we love ourselves and we put ourselves first every time. You tell us to teach your words to our children, but instead they learn from what we do or don’t do, an example that isn’t always the best one to follow. You tell us to talk about your words from the time we get up to the time we go to bed, but we keep silent, afraid that we will be teased or excluded because of our faith. God forgive us our sins against you and others. Make us want to follow the example of your word-made- flesh through Jesus Christ. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Righteous God, it is tempting for us to rush madly along in our daily routines knowing that if we slowed down our failures and inner selves would catch up with us, would haunt and torment us. But here, in this moment of naked encounter, we relent and acknowledge who we are: we have envied the strong and powerful and too often have turned our backs on the weak and needy; instead of caring for the widow, orphan, and foreigner we have followed the populist path of least resistance; we have not visited the sick and the lonely or fed the hungry and clothed the naked. We prefer closed and secure worlds where we see and hear only people just like ourselves. We are inclined to forget that you sent the good news of the gospel to all the world and not simply to us. In this time of honest encounter, we ask for your forgiveness and pray that you would yet again set our feet on the path of righteousness. Hear us, loving God, as we throw ourselves into the arms of your amazing grace. Amen.
—Steve Parrish
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Lord, we fail to keep your word in our mind and heart, which makes us even more vulnerable to sin. We know better. We fail to use the opportunities you give us to tell others about you, when we should be sharing such good news with every breath. Sometimes we try to make your word say what we want it to say rather than looking for your truth. We believe that all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Hold us accountable to your teachings. We beg for your grace and forgiveness. Amen.
—Cindy Martin
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ASSURANCE OF PARDON
As the psalmist says: “Great is your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to your justice.” We ask God to be merciful to us and we know the promise is sure. We know and believe the good news—in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Paul in Romans goes on to say “You’re not ‘doing anything;’ you’re simply calling out to God, trusting God to do it for you…. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: ‘God has set everything right between God and me!” Friends, this is the amazing news, through Christ Jesus, God has set everything right between us. We are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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The gospels tell us that Jesus healed lepers, restored sight to the blind, and forgave sinners. So we have hope! Friends, believe the good news: In Christ Jesus we are forgiven! Thanks be to God!
—Steve Parrish
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and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that God may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for abundant pardon.
based on Isaiah 55:7 (NRSV)
—Cindy Martin
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CHILDREN’S SERMON
Teach children the song “The B-I-B-L-E.”
—Cindy Martin
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PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
O God, the psalmist declared that the unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Unfold your word now that it will shine light in the darkness of our lives and impart understanding to us. We long for your word, O God. Grant us illumination. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Hebrews 4:12-13
God, we know your powerful word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, laying us open to listen and obey. We know that nothing and no one is impervious to your word. No one can get away from it, no matter what. Let it enfold us, challenge us and move us to action. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Great Teacher, as surely as the sun shines in the sky and the rivers flow to the sea, you are here among us—vibrant, pulsating, and holy. Speak to us, instruct us, and stir us to new life through the words of sacred scripture. Open our dim eyes and unstop our dull ears so that we might learn better how to be your faithful followers. Amen.
—Steve Parrish
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God, we truly believe that your word guides us on the paths of our life. Open our hearts and minds to hear your word and the message you have for us. Amen.
—Cindy Martin
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SCRIPTURE TEXTS/SERMON IDEAS
- Psalm 119 (especially verses 97-104)
- 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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- 1 Samuel 3:11-17
- 1 Kings 6:11-13
- Psalm 119:89-96
- Matthew 4:1-4
- Luke 8:11-12
- 2 Timothy 3:14-17
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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- Deuteronomy 17:14-20
- Psalm 1
- Matthew 5:17-20
- James 1:19-27
—Steve Parrish
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- Colossians 3:16-17
- Acts 17:10-13
- 2 Timothy 3:14-17
—Cindy Martin
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SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS (VIDEOS, TAPED SONGS)
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
God of all wisdom and knowledge,
We come to you thanking you for all things,
but especially for your gift of the word through the Bible.
Because we have the Bible, we are able to come to the scriptures ourselves,
being open to your message and to hearing and interpreting it over and over again.
We thank you that we have your word so we can more effectively share the good news with others—sharing what your word teaches them:
how to be saved,
to be nurtured,
to be comforted,
to be taught,
and to follow the example of living through Jesus Christ.
As your word tells us, we pray for others—
for the weak and hurt,
for those who are imprisoned either physically or emotionally,
for those who are alone
for those who are hungry and thirsty
for those who are grieving
We ask that we may be like those written about in the Bible,
who felt your call and put your love into action
as they helped, loved, related, and showed kindness to others.
We ask that you give us the strength and courage to act on your behalf,
that we would be your hands and feet in the world.
We ask that you give us the knowledge and wisdom
to teach others how to walk your path.
We ask that you give us an attitude to treat others
as Jesus did and take up the causes for justice when others cannot.
In all things, let us remember what we have learned from scriptures
and be the living embodiment of all they represent. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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O God, with the psalmist, we shout your praises on the highest hilltops for you are the most holy and mighty God. We cannot help but offer you thanksgiving because of the all the many gifts you give us every day: the gift of life, the gift of shelter, water and food, the gift of family and friends who support us with love that is reflected from your face. We know that there are those who do not have the gift of good health so their lives are hard. We know there are those that do not have shelter or water and food, so they struggle daily. We know there are those who have no family and friends to help them with encouragement and love, so we know they are lonely and overwhelmed. For all of these people, we ask that you would be with them. We ask that you would put us in their paths, so we can be your hands and feet for them.
O God, with Peter and Paul we pray on behalf of those who have not heard your word. Let us be your mouth pieces so your word can be heard throughout the word and your son proclaimed Lord and Savior.
O God, your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Let us look for the answers we seek in your word. Let us pray for discernment through the scriptures so we will know what you would have us do. Let us say and mean the words that your son Jesus Christ taught us to pray:
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 and deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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nourished, comforted, discomfited, challenged, and moved. We thank you for the people who have taught us, through word and deed, the stories of the Bible: our parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, choirs, musicians, artists, and college and seminary professors. We are thankful for their dedication and ongoing efforts.
We also know that to be enlightened by scripture always opens our eyes to the world around us with all of its beauty and despair. In turn, we lift our voices in praise and lament. We rejoice in the life of a new born child; the gift of love; the marriage of two people in love; the gift of meaningful work; the blessing of friends and community; the grace we experience by a forgiving friend we’ve wronged; the beauty of the world around us. There is much that moves us to praise.
But there is much that leads us to lament. We hurt when we see the vigor of youth slowly replaced by painful and debilitating consequences of growing older; we grieve when we see the children savagely wounded and killed in wars created by adults who hate one another; we cry when we see innocent people fleeing the horror of war not of their own making, only to be greeted with suspicion and disdain by people who could offer help; we mourn when people we know lose their parents or children to death; we are pained when we see people whose only home is the streets while surrounded by so much affluence. There is much to lament. So we lift our voices on behalf of these, the least of your children. Move in your gracious and wise ways on their behalf, and instruct us how we might better be your agents of grace in a world filled with so much pain and need. In the name of Jesus, love incarnate, we pray. Amen.
—Steve Parrish
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Lord, we come before you with many different things on our hearts and minds. Help us to be sensitive to others and how we can minister to them. Bring a new awareness to this congregation of how we can minister to people both inside and outside these walls, as your word tells us to do. Amen.
—Cindy Martin
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LITANY
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INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
“My lips will pour forth praise because you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your promise, for all your commandments are right…. Accept my offerings of praise O Lord, and teach me your ordinances.” Just as the Bible calls us to speak words of praise and thanksgiving, it also calls us to act. Let us give of ourselves through our tithes and offerings to recognize the gifts that God has given to us.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Paul said that the church in Macedonia took the word of God to heart, and shared all they had because they believed and had experienced its grace and mercy. Let us learn from their example and bring our gifts that they may be a sign of the abundance of grace and mercy we have received from God.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Upon being gifted by God, Miriam, Hannah, and Mary responded with acts and songs of praise. Along with them, as well as countless other people we meet in the Bible, we too are recipients of God’s grace and love. It is right, then, that we respond with gifts and offerings.
—Steve Parrish
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As we are told throughout scripture, we are to bring our tithes and offerings to God, not reluctantly, but with great joy. I invite you to do so now.
—Cindy Martin
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OFFERTORY PRAYER
The Bible is filled with stories of people giving their lives, giving their money, giving all that they have to you, O God. What we bring now is a portion of the whole of what you have given to us. Use it so others may hear of your mighty acts in the world today. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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God, as we give you back a portion of what you have generously given us, let us always strive to be an example of abundance giving just as those in the Macedonia church were. Bless these gifts and use them to promote your word in the world. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Giving God, in our heart of hearts we know that all we have and all we are come from you. In this moment we cease our grasping, and acknowledge your gifts with our gifts. Bless them; bless us. Through your giving and our receiving, enable us in turn to be a blessing to all we meet. Amen.
—Steve Parrish
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Creator of all, we give you thanks for the many blessings we have received and for the opportunity to give a portion of those blessings back to you so that others may also be blessed. Use our gifts to further the spread of the good news of your abundant grace to all people that is available through belief in Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
—Cindy Martin
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CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
And now as David asked of God, we also ask of God:
May God turn to us and be gracious to us,
as is God’s custom toward those who love God’s name.
May God keep our steps steady according to the promise,
and never let iniquity have dominion over us.
May God’s face shine upon us as servants
and teach us God’s word. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other.
Cultivate thankfulness.
Let the Word of Christ have the run of your house.
Give it plenty of room in your lives.
Instruct and direct one another using good common sense.
And sing, sing your hearts out to God!
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—
Be done in the name of the Master, Jesus,
Thanking God the Father every step of the way
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
—Elinor Swindle Brown
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Today is Bible Sunday. But the Bible isn’t just for Sunday.
Go forth from here to read, study, and live daily the stories in the Bible.
Be nourished by scripture like trees planted beside flowing streams.
Go forth and bear fruit.
And as you go, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
—Steve Parrish
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As you leave this place, commit to increase the time you spend in God’s word in the days and weeks to come so that you may be prepared to stand firm in your faith.
Go with peace, love, and compassion into the world. Amen.
—Cindy Martin