WELCOME TO A DIFFERENT WAY OF WORSHIPPING
may 3, 2020
weekly liturgy
First, a word on fancy words. In worship we have this phrase we use called liturgy that feels like a formal way of having a worship leader saying stuffy things about God. The word means, “the work of the people” and liturgy is meant to be held, and owned by the worshippers, i.e. you. This service is planned to give you a path, a guide to pray, interact with scripture, wrestle with it – wrestle with God – and in so doing, have a moment of coming face to face with the divine right here, right now.
So, come and lay all the worries of the day aside. Take a deep breath, and we will start with a prayer.
“Community is where humility and glory touch. Community is first of all a quality of the heart. It grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another.” Henri Nouwen
So let us prepare to worship God, knowing we are part of a greater community that is called together to praise our God.
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (arr. Virgil Thompson) sung by Donald Boos
CALL TO WORSHIP
Please read aloud.
Friends, let us worship with thankful hearts.
For many signs and wonders are being done among us.
Let us break bread together and share our lives in common.
Let us give what we can to all who have needs so that all people, no matter who they are, may give you thanks.
Let us devote ourselves to our prayers and to the gospel.
For in this way God will add to our faith community.
Let us worship as your people.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Please read aloud.
God of signs and wonders, open our eyes to the marvelous evidence of your care for us. Open our ears to hear the voice of the Shepherd calling us by name. Join us with one another in a true community of caring, in which the needs of each of us are the concern of all. As we worship may we be equipped to be your church as a body gathered together but also as a body out in the world.
Amen.
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE
Want to share how your family is staying connected?
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Loving God, as we learn to worship you in our own homes, may we hear your voice through the Scripture and preached word. Remove the distractions from our minds so that we can focus on you. Amen.
GOSPEL READING
Acts 2:42-47
SERMON
Community at Its Best - Rev. Cindy Bowman
They (the first converts) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AT HOME
Although we can’t be in the same proximity physically, we can be together in spirit. We are happy to be able to provide to you age appropriate Sunday school lessons each week for you to do with your children. Click the Sunday School button to be directed to our weekly lessons.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY
Click the activities button for family activities to do with your children. You will find this week's Church on Wednesday (C.O.W.) Activity, plus previous activities you can still do!
STAYING CONNECTED FOR ADULTS
Faith Formation is pleased to announce the following adult learning opportunities that are meeting “virtually” while we “shelter in place”. Anyone is welcome to participate. Contact information and more details can be found by clicking the Adult Opportunities button.
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
OFFERING OUR GIFTS
Often the time of the offering is given in terms of what we ‘ought or should’ do in response to all God has done for us. In reality, it is some we are empowered to do, an act we can do; it is an act of rebellion against a world filled with fear. Offering ourselves – our time and talents and the fruits of our labors are a testament of trust in God that we are part of God’s redemption story for this world. I invite you now to consider how you are being called to be a word of good news.
If you have struggled finding a way to help support the work PCW does in our local and broader community in these days of worshipping remotely, remember, you can send checks to 140 Mountain Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090, or email Tina Barulli at tbarulli@westfieldpc.org if you have that ability.
SACRAMENT OF LORD'S SUPPER
Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed be Thy name. They 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.
How can we pray for you?
Click the button to send us your prayer concerns and joys and stay connected.
Let Us Break Bread Together (Spiritual) -- sung by Craig Sanphy
THE SENDING
CHARGE
The early Christians showed us what it meant to be a part of a Christian community. They gathered together for teaching, praying, breaking of bread and true fellowship. May we go from this worship seeking to live out Christian community at its best, whether in our homes or by using our gifts in new ways.
BENEDICTION
And may the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and grant you peace. And peace to those you love and peace to those no one loves. Now and forevermore. Amen.
HYMN
The Lord's My Shepherd I'll Not Want
PASSING THE PEACE
Now take a minute to share the peace with someone in you house, or send a text or call someone to share “The peace of Christ be with you this day.” Amen.
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
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