Lectionary Helps for June 21, 09

CALL TO WORSHIP
O God, the world is so big,
And we feel so small.
There is danger and destruction everywhere.
And we feel weak and vulnerable.
We don’t know where to run.
God, be our safe-house, our sanctuary in times of trouble.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Okay Lord, we confess.
We would rather do it ourselves.
We would rather everyone do it our way.
We would rather take the easy way out.
We would rather win than lose. We don’t like taking risks.
But we know that’s not your way of doing things.
We confess our weakness in trusting you.
Forgive us Lord, and clothe us in your soft armor of Love.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come and worship the God of Creation
Who forms us
Come and worship the God of Life
Who breathes us to Life
Come and worship the God of Love
Who makes all things new Kay Shock 6/09


PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Holy God, hear our confession: We have hoarded the seed you have provided choosing to keep it for emergencies rather than to scatter it broadly. We have regarded others from a human point of view, rather than looking at their hearts, as God does. We walk by sight rather than faith. We have let confidence wane. We have forgotten the promises of God and we have chosen to live by our own strength. We are sorry Lord, and turn from these practices, choosing to live by faith alone, that you may give us the victory. Amen.

PSALM OF ASSURANCE
Psalm 20 NRSV

The Lord answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the god of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion. May he remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. may the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand. Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God. they will collapse and fall, be we shall rise and stand upright. give victory to the king, O Lord, answer us when we call.

A Little Church With a Big Heart!

Jewel Lake Parish is a union church of the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church USA. What a pairing, huh? Maybe it's a good thing Calvin and Wesley are not still living. They would be old, anyway.

The church is located in Anchorage, Ak. We have a small congregation, but my what big hearts they have! Busy with many kinds of mission and outreach, we help where there is need both locally and globally.

I have been serving the congregation as pastor since June of 2001. I have seen them grow in spirit and in the Lord...and I have done a bit of growing myself. Even spiritually.

You are welcome to join us for worship sometime...and drop by this site as often as you can.