September 11, 2022.
Prelude
Announcements
Welcome to a Moravian Lovefeast!
What is a Lovefeast? It is as simple as its name, but as ancient as the time of the first gatherings of Jesus’s followers. It is a gathering to celebrate the love bringing people together and the love inviting others to be a part of our welcoming community. It is not a sacrament and there are no requirements to a Lovefeast, rather it is a time to be together in community and as it has evolved, it often involves enjoying singing or listening to special music. We hope that this Lovefeast can bring us together into the fall season at Calvary, to join in community, engage in education, and if possible, rejoin our in-person worship gatherings. From the reintroduction of Lovefeast by the 18th century Moravian benefactor Count Zinzendorf to today, Moravian Lovefeasts have also been an important part of our emphasis on gathering diverse (and sometimes divisive) people into community.
Important information on Today’s Lovefeast: As you take your seat, please first pick up your Lovefeast meal in the back of the sanctuary; Moravian Sugarcake and Coffee (or chocolate milk). We’ll wait until Pastor Janel prays to enjoy the love feast meal together with special music.
Moravian Blessing
Special Music “Find my Way”, “Shine” Scott Marshall
Liturgy for the Installation of a Student Pastor
We gather together to worship God and to dedicate ourselves to the work of this church. The life to which we are called is a life in Christ, a life that is fully alive in every sense.
We claim that life and enter into a covenant relationship with God and with each other, pledging to live, not for ourselves, but for the glory of God.
It is good to take the time to renew our pledge – to renew the covenant which binds us to God and to each other. In this way we uphold all those who accept the call to God’s service each in his or her own unique way. Today we reorganize and dedicate our student pastor as he begins his journey with us.
We offer him our support in the form of prayers and actions. We will encourage him as he takes on the responsibility of making the message and practice of the Christian faith a reality in the lives he touches.
We recognize that through the examples of our words and actions, each of us has the chance to be a witness to our faith and to affirm the Gospel message.
We are thankful that our covenant with God gives each of us the ability to do our part to bring about God’s kingdom, through the power of the Holy Spirit which strengthens us.
(As the student pastor comes forward the following hymn may be sung.)
Hymn #636 Tune: Service (56A)
Ye who called, ye who called to Christ’s service are
Join together, join together both in work and prayer;
Venture all on him, our Lord, who assures us in his word,
We are always, we are always, objects of his care.
Lord, have mercy, Lord, have mercy on each land and place
Where your servants, where your servants preach the word of grace;
Life and pow’r on them bestow, them with needful strength endowed,
That with boldness, that with boldness they may you confess.
(The minister addresses the student pastor.)
Josh, you have been called to serve on behalf of this congregation in all its diverse ministries. Through this call you have been chosen to teach the people the good news of God’s redeeming love in Christ Jesus, to enable them to respond to Christ’s call to discipleship, and to lead them and care for them in ways of faithfulness, service, and worship. Do you accept these responsibilities?
I do.
To fulfill these responsibilities, you have been gifted by the Holy Spirit with the various gifts of grace which qualify you in this ministry. Will you be led by the Spirit, that your service may be to God’s glory?
I will.
Will you challenge us to grow in our faith and trust in God? Will you learn with us as you serve? Will you share your journey in faith and help us to affirm our own journeys?
I will.
(The minister addresses the congregation.)
People of God, you have heard the promises of our brother as he has dedicated himself to serve with us in our mutual ministry. Do you accept and affirm him in his calling?
We do.
Will you support her/him with your prayers, encouragement and your readiness to help as you are called?
We will.
Hymn # Tune: Hus (22F)
Here in the name of Christ our Lord
The church’s head by all adored
With Christian love and purpose true
This church in faith embraces you.
We welcome you among us here
With joy that God has brought you near.
With heart and hand we pledge our love,
And pray Christ’s blessing from above.
Let us pray: O God of generations, in every age you have called out persons to tell of your power, love and justice, and to shepherd your people. We thank you that you have called brother Josh in Christ to serve among us this year. Through your spirit, bestow on him the gifts necessary to his calling, bless, guide, inspire and strengthen him for the work he will undertake here. Confirm the work that he does and claim it as your own, to your glory. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Prayers of the People
Pastoral Prayer/Lord’s Prayer
Moment of Gratitude: Youth Mission Camp
September Joyful Noise: Helping the Hungry through the Crop Walk (Oct. 2)
Offerings our Gifts/Remembering God’s Gifts.
Hymn 819. “For the Life that You Have Given”
Scripture Luke 15:1-10. Elissa Waldron.
Reflection Josh Follweiler
Special Music “Searching for Simple” Scott Marshall
Benediction
Calvary Moravian Church 