Call to Worship
Even youth grow tired and weary,
And young men and women stumble and fall.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not be faint.
Almighty God, we place our trust in you today.
Help us adapt during times of crisis.
Fill us with your grace as we worship you so that we might be equipped to do your work.
And young men and women stumble and fall.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not be faint.
Almighty God, we place our trust in you today.
Help us adapt during times of crisis.
Fill us with your grace as we worship you so that we might be equipped to do your work.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, forgive us as we have done wrong by your word. We have failed to remain hopeful in the face of adversity. Overwhelmed by our impatience, we are anxious to return to normalcy and have forgotten your teachings. Forgiving God, we expect a simple solution rather than creating a new path for a more accepting world. We are quick to judge and to blame others for life’s uncontrollables. Forgive us and grant us the opportunity to try again.
Words of Assurance
We are assured by God’s presence in our lives. Despite the tribulations we have faced, God has always been with us and he never left.
First Scripture Reading
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:16
2 CORINTHIANS 4:16
Second Scripture Reading
After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. But the dove could find nowhere to perch because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.
Genesis 8:6-12
Genesis 8:6-12
Third Scripture Reading
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3
Psalm 46:1-3
Sermon
Prayers for the People
During these difficult times, we ask that you will bring hope to those who are struggling, and help them adapt to whatever changes come their way. We pray for healthcare professionals, that they may have the strength and persistence to continue their valuable work. We pray for those who have lost their jobs or are struggling to make ends meet, that they may find a way to get through this difficult time. We pray for teachers and students, that they may continue to adapt and grow despite the challenges they are facing. We pray for our country’s leadership, that they may have the strength to make the right decisions as they face the large task ahead of them. We pray for those who are alone, those who have lost loved ones or are isolated from the world, in the hope that they may soon find peace. We ask you, Lord, to look after those who are sick, grieving, or in pain, and help them maintain hope in a world where so many feel lost. Now, as Christ taught us, we are bold to pray
Charge and Benediction
Go forth in hope, and remember to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
Micah 6:8
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