
Veradale United Church of Christ
An Open & Affirming Congregation
Worshiping God in Christ – Welcoming All – Working for Justice & Peace
“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”
August 20, 2023 • 10:30 a.m.
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10:20 Gathering and Prelude
Wayne Shull, Music Director
Charlie Salt, AV
Diane Smith, Scripture Reader
Mya Hauck, Candle lighter,
Joe McSwain, AV and Usher
Jerry Brines, Usher
Scotty Patton, Zoom Monitor
Rev. Gen Heywood, Pastor
10:30am Land Acknowledgement
We worship on the unceded traditional territory of the Spokane, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Coeur d’Alene, and other tribes. We acknowledge the history of indigenous genocide, removal, and erasure that continues to this day. We recognize the role that Christian communities played in these injustices, and we recommit ourselves to seeking more peaceful, just, and neighborly ways of sharing this land with all who call it home.
Worship begins
God is good. . . all the time!
All the time . . . God is good!
Passing the Peace of Christ and Welcoming the Light Christ
(Candles lit)
*Hymn: “Lord Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary” v. 1, 187 (Sing!)
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
pure and holy, tried and true;
with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
sanctuary for you. (Sung 3 times)
Community Prayer
All: More than we can ask. More than we can ask or imagine.
Prayers of Gratitude
One: Hear, oh hear our prayer.
All: Hear, oh hear our prayer.
All: More than we can ask. More than we can ask or imagine.
Prayers of Concern
One: Hear, oh hear our prayer.
All: Hear, oh hear our prayer.
All: More than we can ask. More than we can ask or imagine.
Prayers in Silence
One: A---men.
All: A---men.
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Sing Amen Led by Diane Smith
(Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God
(Sing Amen) Amen, we praise your name, O, God
(Sing Amen) Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen,
we praise your name, O, God
Lord’s Prayer
Response: Amen, amen, amen
A Time of Offering
An Invitation to Share
Dedication 780 (NCH)
Praise God from whom all blessing flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen
Dedication Prayer
Holy One, bless these offerings of our time, talent, and treasure that we may fulfill your vision for this your church. Bless our lives. Help us be ambassadors of your Good News to all we meet. We ask with love for Jesus. Amen
Listening for God
Message to Young Hearts
Do you know the Story of John Henry?
Genesis 14:17-24 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer (Kee-dor-la-Omar) and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. 19 He blessed him and said,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
maker of heaven and earth;
20 and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
And Abram gave him one-tenth of everything. 21 Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the Lord, God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, 23 that I would not take a thread or a sandal-thong or anything that is yours, so that you might not say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share.”
Psalm 110:1-4
The Lord says to my lord,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
The Lord sends out from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your foes.
Your people will offer themselves willingly
on the day you lead your forces
on the holy mountains.
From the womb of the morning,
like dew, your youth will come to you.
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 5:5-10 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10 having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 7:1-3 This “Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him,” 2 and to him Abraham apportioned “one-tenth of everything.” His name, in the first place, means “king of righteousness”; next, he is also king of Salem, that is, “king of peace.” 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life but resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
Message: “Forever a Priest in the Order of Melchizedek’”
Silent Reflection
Announcements
Our Light moves into the World God Loves
*Hymn: “Guide Me, O My Great Redeemer” 18 (NCH)
1 Guide me, O my great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but you are mighty;hold me with your powerful hand. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,feed me ‘til I want no more,feed me ‘til I want no more.
2 Open now the crystal fountain, where the healing waters flow.Let the fire and cloudy pillarlead me all my journey through.Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,ever be my strength and shield,ever be my strength and shield.
3 When I reach the River Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside.Death of death, and hell's destruction,land me safe on Canaan's side.Songs of praises, songs of praisesI will ever sing to you,I will ever sing to you.
Benediction and Silent Meditation with Postlude
Be Yourself.
Grow in Christ.
Live with Compassion.
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