From Armistice to Shalom: A Service of Worship for the

Unfinished Journey of Peace

Grace Presbyterian Church

November 11, 2018, 11:00 a.m.

 

Chiming of the Hour

Welcome and Introduction

Responsive Call to Worship:

Leader: In a world filled with violence and war,

People: we gather together to celebrate the promise of peace.

Leader: In a world filled with tyranny and oppression,

People: we gather together to celebrate the promise of justice for all.

Leader: In a world filled with hunger and greed,

People: we gather together to celebrate the promise of plenty for all.

Leader: Our hope is in the name of the Almighty God,

People: the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of earth.

All: Let us worship God!

*Hymn #307, God of Grace and God of Glory

 

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-9

Meditation1: The Rush of War

Hymn, O God of Earth and Altar (see insert)

 

Prayer of Confession:

God of peace, forgive us when we have participated in that which turns people against each other, for fueling anger and harboring vengeance, for not heeding your call to love one another. Inspire us never to give up on the hope that your life offers us, and the courage to see past war and desolation and live for the day when it will be peace. (Silent confession) Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:

Amidst the clamor and rancor of conflict, the waters of the font are still filled, reminding us of the unshakeable hope that is ours; in the redeeming love of our Lord Jesus Christ, killed in an act of state violence and yet risen and living, our forgiveness is sure and constant. In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God!

*Gloria Patri, #581:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end; Amen, Amen.

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 53:1-6

Meditation 2: The Disaster of War

Solo: Requiem: Pie Jesu                                                                                              Gabriel Fauré

Julia Freeman, soprano

*Hymn #756, O God of Every Nation

 

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 6:13-16

Meditation 3: The Aftermath of War

*Hymn #752, Dona nobis pacem

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-24

Meditation 4: The Challenge of Peace

*Hymn #378, We Wait the Peaceful Kingdom

Anthem: O Sing of Peace                              Ruth Elaine Schram and Jean Anne Schafferman

 

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Meditation 5: The Meaning of Shalom

*Hymn #373, O Day of Peace

 

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:15-21

Responsorial Prayer of Commemoration (see insert)

Offering

*Doxology, Hymn #606:

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him all creatures here below;

Praise hymn above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

 

*Offering Prayer

*Hymn #103, Come Now, O Prince of Peace (O-So-So)

 

*Charge and Blessing

*Postlude