In Spirit and TruthAugust 22, 2021

Thirteenth Sunday of Trinitytide

"What people don't realize is how much religion costs. They think faith is a big electric blanket, when of course it is the cross. It is much harder to believe than not to believe. If you feel you can't believe, you must at least do this: keep an open mind. Keep it open toward faith, keep wanting it, keep asking for it, and leave the rest to God.”

– Flannery O’ Connor, Letter to Louise Abbot, 1959

If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.

– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“Liturgy,” as I’m using the word, is a shorthand term for those rituals that are loaded with an ultimate Story about who we are and what we’re for. They carry within them a kind of ultimate orientation. To return to our metaphor above, think of these liturgies as calibration technologies: they bend the needle of our hearts.

- James K. A. Smith, You Are What You Love

Readings for the coming weekThese readings are provided as a personal, family, or group worship resource. Use them along with your worship guide as resources for readings, prayers and hymns. Set in the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), a schedule of daily Bible readings in accord with the Church year, these scripture readings are designed around a three-year cycle that will take you through the Old Testament once, the New Testament twice, and the Psalms frequently.

Lectionary selections are reprinted from Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings copyright © 2005. Consultation on Common Texts, Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Reproduced by permission.

Psalm Old Testament New Testament

Monday the 23rd Psalm 11 1 Kings 5:13-18 Ephesians 5:21-6:9

Tuesday, the 24th Psalm 11 1 Kings 6:1-14 Ephesians 6:21-24

Wednesday the 25th Psalm 11 1 Kings 6:15-38 John 15:16-25

Thursday the 26th Psalm 45:1-2 Song of Solomon 1:1-17

James 1:1-8

Friday the 27th Psalm 45:1-2 Song of Solomon 2:1-7

James 1:9-16

Saturday the 28th Psalm 45:1-2 Hosea 3:1-5 John 18:28-32

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MEDITATIONS

Second City Church is a community that exists to worship the Triune God

and to celebrate, in word and deed, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Harrisburg.

WHO we are? Second City Church is a community that exists to worship the Triune God and to celebrate, in word and deed, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Harrisburg.

WHAT is the Gospel? It is the announcement (literally “good news”) that Jesus’ cross and resurrection were the beginning of salvation for the entire cosmos and will be completed when he returns. God is restoring the peace (shalom) of his creation through the work of Christ and is renewing people, families, neighborhoods, cities and nations, as people trust and follow him.

HOW do we celebrate the Gospel? Through faithful proclamation and obedient demonstration. Weekly worship services are the core opportunity for everyone to know how God is setting things right and to thank him publicly for it. This public celebration spills over to the rest of our lives where we serve our neighbors as Christ has served us.

Thank you for joining us in worship today. We hope this guide will help you participate in our service. If you have any questions about our worship, faith, or how you can be a part of our mission to serve God and neighbor in Harrisburg, be sure to talk to our pastor. If you would like to indicate your presence to us or include a prayer request, please fill out the form on the back page of this bulletin and place it in one of the slotted boxes in the back of the Social Hall.

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WELCOME

�Words of Welcome

Call to Worship

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

Psalm 105:1-6

LITURGY OF PREPARATION

Gathering Hymn - Lord Prepare Me To Be A Sanctuary

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuaryPure and holy, tried and trueWith thanksgiving, I'll be a livingSanctuary for You

It is you, Lord who came to saveThe heart and soul of every man.It is you Lord who knows my weakness,Who gives me strength, with thine own hand. Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuaryPure and holy, tried and trueWith thanksgiving, I'll be a livingSanctuary for You

Lead Me on Lord from temptation,Purify me from within.Fill my heart with Your holy spirit,Take away all my sin.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuaryPure and holy, tried and trueWith thanksgiving, I'll be a livingSanctuary for You

Greeting

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Pslam 107:31-32The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Confession of Sin

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Confession Hymn - Trisagion

Words of Forgiveness & Peace

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus our sins are forgivenThanks be to God!

Passing of the Peace

[Invitation for congregation to share a sign of peace with one another]

Hymns of Praise and Adoration

Bless The Lord My Soul

Bless the Lord, my soulAnd bless God's Holy nameBless the Lord, my soulWho leads me into life

Bless the Lord, my soulAnd bless God's Holy nameBless the Lord, my soulWho leads me into lifeWho leads me into lifeWho leads me into life

Only A Holy God

Who else commands all the hosts of heavenWho else could make every king bow down Who else can whisper and darkness tremblesOnly a Holy God

What other beauty demands such praises What other splendor outshines the sun What other majesty rules with justice Only a Holy God

Come and behold HimThe One and the OnlyCry out, sing holyForever a Holy GodCome and worship the Holy God

What other glory consumes like fire What other power can raise the dead What other name remains undefeated Only a Holy God

Come and behold HimThe One and the OnlyCry out, sing holyForever a Holy GodCome and worship the Holy God

Come and behold HimThe One and the OnlyCry out, sing holyForever a Holy GodCome and worship the Holy God

Who else could rescue me from my failing Who else would offer His only SonWho else invites me to call Him Father Only a Holy GodOnly my Holy God

Come and behold HimThe One and the OnlyCry out, sing holyForever a Holy GodCome and worship the Holy God

Come and behold HimThe One and the OnlyCry out, sing holyForever a Holy GodCome and worship the Holy God

Take My Life And Let It Be

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to TheeTake my moments and my daysLet them flow in ceaseless praiseLet them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of Thy loveTake my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for TheeSwift and beautiful for Thee

Take my voice, and let me singAlways, only, for my KingTake my lips, and let them beFilled with messages from TheeFilled with messages from Thee

Take my love; my Lord, I pourAt Thy feet its treasure-storeTake myself, and I will beEver, only, all for TheeEver, only, all for Thee

Living Our Faith

Psalm Reading

Psalm 50

1 The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

2  Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.

3  Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.

4  He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:

5  “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”

6  The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah

7  “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.

8  Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.

9  I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.

10  For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.

11  I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.

12  “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.

13  Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?

14  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,

15  and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

LITURGY OF THE WORD

16  But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips?

17  For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.

18  If you see a thief, you are pleased with him, and you keep company with adulterers.

19  “You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit.

20  You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.

21  These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself.

But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

22  “Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!

23  The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”

Gloria Patri

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen. Amen.

Old Testament ReadingIsaiah 58:6-8

6 “Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke,

to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

7  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house;

when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

8  Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily;

your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

New Testament ReadingRomans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Word of the Lord: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John: Glory to you, O Lord!

John 4:23-24

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

The Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, O Christ!

Sermon - Rev. Peter Rowan - In Spirit and Truth

Confession of Faith

Let us affirm the faith of the Church:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended to heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

The Apostles’ Creed

Offering of Prayers of the PeopleIn peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

For all people in their daily life and work; For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world; For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God; For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, we pray especially for [...]

Hear us, Lord;For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

The People may add their own thanksgivings

We will exalt you, O God our King; And praise your Name for ever and ever.

Offering of Gifts

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

Friends and members of Second City Church support the extension of God’s Kingdom with gifts of bread, wine, talents and resources. Guests are not expected to contribute. Tithes and offerings may be placed in the offering plates, boxes on the wall as you leave, or can be made electronically. Instructions for setting up online giving are available at the donation boxes.

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise him all creatures here belowPraise him above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen

The Prayer of Great Thanksgiving

InvitationThe Lord be with you. And also with you.Lift up your hearts.

LITURGY OF THE TABLE

We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right for us to give thanks and praise.

Praise God for His Mighty ActsIt is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks, for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and forever. Fountain of all life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day,and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we glorify your name and lift our voices in joyful praise:

Sanctus

Praise for Christ’s SacrificeLet us proclaim the mystery of our faith.`Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.

Calling on the Holy Spirit and Lord’s PrayerAll this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying;

Our Father, who art in heaven:

hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Invitation to the TableCome, then, for all is ready. Christ was raised to life, death is swallowed up, victory is won. Alleluia! Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

Sharing Holy CommunionSecond City Church welcomes all baptized Christians who have made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ in a Christian church to join us in this sacrament. Non-communicants can come forward and ask for a blessing. If you need to receive communion in your seat, ask a fellow worshiper to let the communion

servers know. If you are unable to receive wine, you will find a chalice containing non-alcoholic grape juice at the station the pastor is serving. The communion bread is gluten-free.

Closing PrayerAlmighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

BenedictionThe peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Closing Hymn - Your Labor Is Not In Vain

Your labor is not in vain Though the ground underneath you is cursed and stained Your planting and reaping are never the same But your labor is not in vain

Your labor is not unknown Though the rocks they cry out and the sea it may groan

The place of your toil may not seem like a home

But your labor is not unknown

For I am with you, I am with you I am with you, I am with you For I have called you Called you by name Your labor is not in vain

The vineyards you plant will bear fruit The fields will sing out and rejoice with the truth

For all that is old will at last be made newThe vineyards you plant will bear fruit

For I am with you, I am with you I am with you, I am with you For I have called youCalled you by name Your labor is not in vain

The houses you labored to build Will finally with laughter and joy be filledThe serpent that hurts and destroys shall be killed And all that is broken be healed

For I am with you, I am with you I am with you, I am with you For I have called you Called you by name Your labor is not in vain

DismissalLet us go forth in the Name of Christ. Thanks be to God.

ATTRIBUTIONS

MUSIC:

Lord Prepare MeWords and Music by John W. Thompson & Randy Scruggs© 1982 Full Armor Publishing Co. , Whole Armor Publishing Co., Peermusic lll, Ltd.Used by Permission

TrisagionArmenian; English; SpanishUsed by Permission

Bless the Lord My SoulWords from Psalm 103Music by Jacques Berthier© 1991, 1998 Ateliers et Presses de TaizeTaize Community, FranceGIA Publications, Inc. exclusive N. American agentUsed by Permission

Only A Holy GodDustin R. Smith, Johnny Robinson, Michael Farren & Rich Thompson© 2016 Farren Love & War PublishingAdmin. by capitol CMG PublishingIntegrity Music - David C. CookUsed by Permission

Take My Life and Let it Be

Author: Frances Ridley Havergal (1874)Used by Permission

Gloria PatriLesser Doxology

DoxologyThomas Ken (1674)

Sanctus - Holy, Most Holy LordWords, paraphrase of the sanctus, Greg Sheer, © 2008Music, South African, composer unknown;arr. Greg Sheer ©2008 Gret SheerUsed by Permission

Your Labor is Not in Vainby Wendell Kimbrough, Paul Zach and Isaac Wardell© 2017 Porter’s Gate Publishing (BMI)Hymns from the Porter’s Gate (ASCAP)Porter’s Gate Publications (SESAC)Used by Permission

I Don’t Have Muchby Missions House © 2019 Black MTN MusicIntegrity Worship MusicUsed by Permission

All music used under CCLI License #11245570

Today’s Altar Flowers are placed as a reminder to pray for persecuted Christians all over the world.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Your contact informationIf you are our guest and would like to indicate

your presence with us, or if you’d like to make

us aware of a change in your contact

information, fill out this form and place it in the

offering plate.

___ Visitor

___ Regular Attendee

___ Member

Name(s):

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________Address (please include city and zip):

_____________________ _____________________ _____________________

Phone:

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