Scripture
Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17
Call to Worship
Just a note: I used free software to write this out and couldn’t figure out how to assign the chord B-flat-major without spelling it out. Also, no way to remove the meter. This is in plainsong or chant and should be sung at a spoken pace. Ignore the meter. Feel free to use it giving credit to the composer.
Response
Psalm 29 Leader (Cantor), page 1
Psalm 29 Leader (Cantor), page 2
Opening Prayer
Holy One,
Every morning the sun rises on Your love. Our hearts skip when you call our name and our wilderness shakes with wonder. Give us strength today, blessing us with peace, love, wisdom, and grace so that we may believe. And by believing, hear your Word and feel your Spirit bring the light of love to a world that dwells in darkness. In the name of Creator, Christ, and Spirit, Amen.
Prayer for Illumination
Lord, open our hearts and minds
by the power of your Holy Spirit,
that, as the Scriptures are read
and your Word proclaimed,
we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
Amen.
Scripture Reading: John 3:1-17
3 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
11 “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Response
Let us pray.
O Lord,
You love us so much that you gave us
the gift of yourself, your Son, and your Spirit
so that in the three-in-one,
we may find completion.
In a world that seems so incomplete and so wanting,
challenge us to fill the world with your
love, peace, grace, and all that is born from above
so that we may lead your people out of the wilderness
into the light of your Loving Kindness.
In the name of God who calls us,
Christ who walks with us,
and Spirit who transforms us,
Amen.
And now we bring to you, O God, Creator, Christ, and Spirit, the needs of each other and the needs of the world.
Prayers of the People
Mighty God of light and love, we praise and thank you for the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. Especially we thank you for
the sun that shines and the rains that fall…
the promise of renewal…
the gift of diversity in your church…
the Church of Christ in all nations and in all forms…
Loving God, we give you thanks.
Gracious God, we are a hurting community. Heal the pain of all your children and bring about your saving grace for all through the living Word. Especially we pray for
leaders in the community…
police and agencies of justice…
families and loved ones of those who are hurt…
our violent world in need of redemption…
Merciful God, hear our prayer.
For what else do we pray?
…Loving God …Merciful God
We Give you thanks Hear our prayer
Concluding Collect
Comforting God,
You give us your Spirit to comfort us. You give us your Son to show us Wisdom. You give us yourself as the Holy Three-In-One to hold our hearts in loving community. Help us to listen and understand. To see and comprehend. Make our minds sharp and our eyes tuned to the cry of your people so that we may bring your love to life. In your Holy Name-YHWH, Yeshua, Paracletos, Amen.
Ecumenical Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
Pass the Peace
Please receive the peace that is both witness and life.
Benediction
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus saying,
you must be born from above,
the Wind blows,
the Water flows,
the Word speaks.
Know that Jesus also speaks to you in
the light of the Holy Word,
the wind of the Spirit,
and the healing water of YHWH.
And that you are held in the palm of God’s hand.
Go forth in the name of the One who is All-in-All,
Creator,
Christ,
Spirit,
Amen.
