Bulletin: August 6, 2023

18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

August 6 | 10:00am

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

Prelude
In Green Pastures
Harold Darke (1888-1976)

Welcome

*Call to Worship
Leader:  When we pass through the waters, 
People:  God is there with us. 
Leader:  When we suffer and feel hopeless,
People:  God is there with us. 
Leader:  When we are joyful and celebratory, 
People:  God is there with us. 
Leader:  Whether we feel triumphant or defeated, 
People:  God is there with us. 
Leader:  Let us recognize and honor the One who is with us, always. 
All:         Come, let us worship God! 

*Opening Hymn
450  Be Thou My Vision  (Slane)

*Corporate Confession (Unison)
O Christ, if we carry the name Christian,
      we are signs of your presence.
Yet we confess that we sometimes hurt people
      through our pride, rather than showing the way
            to the healing waters of your Spirit.
When we are discouraged ourselves,
      we are unable to be signs of joy or hope 
             or good news.
Forgive us, and give us grace to be 
      earthly reminders of your love. Amen.

*Assurance of God’s Love

*Response  Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove 

*Passing of the Peace

LISTENING FOR GOD’S WORD

Word to the Children . . . . . . . . Sandy Prouty
When the music begins, children are invited to gather on the chancel steps as we sing “This is where children belong, part of our family, part of our song. Be with us, pray with us, help us grow strong: this is where children belong.” Please note that this service is livestreamed and your child’s image may appear on the video.

Anthem
On Wings of Song
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Prayer for Illumination (Unison)
Soften our hearts and open our minds,
      as we turn again to Your Holy Word. Amen.

Scripture Lesson
Genesis 32:22-31 (Pew Bible Page 28)

Response to Reading
Leader: Listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking to the Church.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon
God Means Nothing to Me
Rev. Ian Cummins

Moment for Reflection

Musical Reflection 

RESPONDING TO GOD’S GRACE

Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts
Making a financial gift makes Montview’s programs and ministries possible, including this worship service. You are invited to give generously at www.montview.org/giving or by texting a dollar amount to 720.452.6449. Offering boxes are stationed at the exit for cash and checks. We’re grateful for your support.

All are invited to sign and pass the Friendship Pad and greet each other by name. 

*Prayer of Dedication (Unison)
God, you have so greatly loved us, long sought us, and mercifully redeemed us. Give us grace that in everything, we may yield ourselves, our wills and our works. A continual thank offering to you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Response  
607  Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow  (Doxology)         
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Great Thanksgiving
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Leader: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Gracious God, creator of heaven and earth. You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life. When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You have been faithful to us through all generations and continue to speak to us today. We praise you for this table of love you spread in the world as a sign of your love for all people. And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending song.

Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (Unison)
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, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Words of Institution

Communion of the People
You are invited to come forward, offering your open palms to the communion server. Once you receive a piece of communion bread and juice, please bring them back to your seat in the pews. Bread at every station is gluten-free. The Presbyterian tradition does not include a specific rite for first Communion. Our parents decide when their children are ready to participate.

Communion Music
3’eme Gymnopedie, 3’eme Gnossienne, 1’ere Gymnopedie
Erik Satie (1866-1925)

*Prayer of Thanksgiving (Unison) 
Gracious God, you have made us one with all your people in heaven and earth. You have fed us with the bread of life and renewed us for your service. Help us, who have shared Christ’s body and received his cup, to be faithful disciples, so that our daily living may reflect your presence among us, and our love be your love, reaching out into the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Closing Hymn
286  Breathe on Me, Breath of God  (Trentham)

SENDING IN GOD’S LOVE

*Charge and Benediction

Benediction Response

Postlude
Toccata in E Minor, P. 462
Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706)

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT: LOCALLY HAITI
Locally Haiti has been supporting locally-led community development in their partner community, Petit Trou de Nippes, for over 34 years. They believe in Haitian leadership and Haitian vision, investing in locally led programs and community-based work. Locally Haiti supports efforts in education, agriculture and conservation, community health, and girls’ empowerment. To learn more, visit their table on the South Plaza after today’s service.

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Preacher: Rev. Ian Cummins   
Liturgists: Rev. Clover Reuter Beal and Sophie Beal, M.Div.
Organ: David Plank
Piano: Bob Bassett
Oboe: Jonathan Musser
Reader: Kristin Weber
Sound: Cate Thieme
Video: John Goerner

TODAY AT MONTVIEW

9:30am    
Childcare – Ages Birth-7
Location: Preschool Floor
Enter via the Commons past Heritage Center to the Education wing.

10:00am    
Worship Service

Location: Sanctuary

11:00am
Healing Miracles in Matthew, Mark, and Luke/Acts
Bible study with ministry resident Sophie Beal
Location: McCollum Room

Confirmation Information Meeting
Location: Cellar

Fellowship Time
Location: South Plaza

PARISH NEWS

Prayer Tree
Stephen Ball; Diane Bassett; Jolene Cranston; The Cummins Family; Dave, Laura, and Frances, family of Nancy and John Thompson; Cathy Fanning; Joy Freeman; Jim Getzinger; Cindi Graves; Madie Gustafson; Omar and Tammy Hamdy, friends of Heather Bays; Willis Harder, father of David Harder; Jenni Hatlem; Mark Haynes; Tom Hetzel; Mac Murphy; Margaret Gonder Odell, sister of John Gonder; Corinne Pellish; Bea Romer; Nancy Sycamore, mother of Debby Sycamore; Edith Van Burgel, mother of Nancy Van Burgel; Kathryn Walton; Lee West; Janet Wolfer

Flower Donations
The flowers in the chancel today are given to the glory of God by Ann Epps in memory and celebration of the life of her husband, John.

ABOUT THIS SERVICE
Assistive listening devices are available in the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary.

Restrooms are available in the Commons.

Childcare is available for ages Birth-7 on the Preschool floor.

Please note that this worship service will be livestreamed to several social media platforms and your image may appear on the livestream video.

FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
We are so glad your family is worshiping with us today. We also know that sometimes children tire of being in worship. We have a space for those times directly below the sanctuary. You can follow the service on a large screen there while your children enjoy toys, books and space. The ushers can direct you!

MONTVIEW BOULEVARD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80220
303.355.1651 | www.montview.org

* Those who are able are invited to stand.

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