Feast of Reconciliation
A Service of Holy Communion for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 17, 2014

Lectionary Texts
Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 and Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28

Solemn Declaration
One:		+In the name of the Creator, the Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Many: 		Amen.

Opening Sentences
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
It is like a summer rain which restores the parched earth.
It is like a cool breeze at the shore of a lake, at the top of a mountain or through a crowded city street.
God meets us here.
We have gathered to worship the Maker of Our Days, the Restorer of Our Souls and the Breath of Our Lives. 

Opening Hymn- There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place                   New Century Hymnal # 293

Opening Prayer
Maker of Our Days, 
you created each of us unique beings with differing strengths and weaknesses.  Help us not only to use our strengths to assist others but also to allow others to use their strengths to meet our weaknesses.
Restorer of Our Souls, 
you have seen the parched places we have made in our lives, along with the devastation thrust upon us by the action or inaction of others.  Meet us in the places of our deepest pain so that our masks of self-sufficiency might fall away and we might be drawn into right relationship with you and one another.
Breath of Our Lives, without you we are but a mound of clay.  Fill us with your 		presence, invigorate our worship, set us on fire so that others might be 	drawn into your light and nurtured by the warmth of your loving care.

Confession of Sin
When we try to go it on our own lacking faith in divine providence,
Lord have mercy.

Time for personal reflection and confession.

When we have not recognized God at work in the faith of others,
Christ have mercy.

Time for personal reflection and confession.

In all that we have done and all that we have left undone,
Lord have mercy.

Time for personal reflection and confession.

Assurance of Pardon
God calls each of us by name and cries out with tears of joy as we recognize God in our admission of need.
Praise be to God who welcomes us as we are, challenges us to let go of our guilt and provides a way for us to walk on together.

Hymn of the Day– Great Is Your Faithfulness, New Century Hymnal # 423 

Offertory Invitation
		In times of plenty and want, God provides for our deepest needs. Give generously 			out of the abundance of God’s blessing in these lean years so that God’s work 			might continue.

Offertory Dedication
Holy God, you are our provider.  We dedicate to your service our lives and these offerings from your blessing and our labor.  Work in us and through us to extend your love and care, here and around the world. Amen.

Offertory Hymn– Blessed Be the Tie That Binds, New Century Hymnal # 393

Communion Prayer
God be with you.				And with your spirit.
	Lift up your hearts				We them up to God.
Give thanks to the God of Reconciliation.	
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

When the first humans found themselves naked and ashamed, you provided clothing so that the dust of their being might not be scattered upon the earth. 
* How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

When there was enmity between Jacob and his brother Esau, you wrestled with Jacob so that they might be reconciled.
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

After Joseph was cast out by his brothers, you worked through him to welcome the children of Israel out of famine into a feast of reconciliation. 
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

When Jesus had been crucified, dead and buried, you lifted Christ from the grave to reconcile the world to yourself.
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

When time shall be no more, and all your children, from every tribe and nation, every kindred and tongue, shall be gathered in peace, your eternal praise shall ring out.
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

And so, even now with all people and all creation you have reconciled, in every time and place, we join in the unending hymn of praise.

*This prayer may also be prayed without continued use of the refrain: “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”

Sanctus
For options please consult the New Century Hymnal # 789-795 

Words of Institution/Remembrance
See Book of Worship p. 47.

Prayer of Consecration
God of Hope and Renewal, 
pour out your Spirit upon these gifts of grain and grape 
that they might be for us the presence of the living Christ 
and upon us so that we might be empowered by and for your ministry of reconciliation.
Through Christ, with Christ and in Christ, 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 
all glory and honor are yours Almighty God, now and forever.  
Amen.

The Blessing
	May the presence of Christ, Body and Spirit, keep and preserve you to everlasting life.

Thanksgiving
		Let us pray.
	Holy God, 
	thank you for your love which unites us, 
	your presence which fills us 
	and your life which empowers us to be your people.  Amen.
	
Sending Hymn– Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ, New Century Hymnal # 347

Sending
You have been reconciled with Christ. 
Do the work of Christ in the world:
extend a hand to those in need,
speak up for those cast aside,
build bridges of reconciliation,
strengthen bonds of community,
knowing that 
+ the Maker of Our Days, 
the Restorer of Our Souls 
and the Breath of Our Lives
will be with you this day and ever more.
Amen. 

+ You may make a sign of the cross in remembrance of baptism.

Written by the Rev. Dr. Bob Gross, OCC, designated minister at First Congregational Church of Akron, OH. Rev. Gross is a member of the Order of Corpus Christi, (OCC), which is an ecumenical covenantal community that seeks to be a contemporary expression of the Mercersburg Tradition.

Copyright 2014 Local Church Ministries, Faith Formation Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.