Scripture Ecclesiastes 4:1-8 Judy
Sermon: “It’s Lonely At the Top” by Jeff Pierpont

*Hymn: #12 (Songs of Spirit) Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise
*Hymn: #399 (Songs of Spirit) From the Crush of Wealth and Power
*Hymn: #218 (Songs of Spirit) Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us

Prelude: solo piano

Welcome & Announcements

Call to worship:
Leader: Come, all who are weary of the race to keep up, all who are tired of the endless
comparisons, and all who long for something deeper than achievement.

People: We come to rest in God’s presence — to be reminded that we are enough, that life is
more than getting ahead.

Leader: Let us gather not to compete, but to connect. Not to impress, but to be transformed.
Not to chase vapors, but to seek wisdom.

People: For where two or three are gathered, Christ is among us. Together, we find joy
— not in comparison, but in communion.

All: Let us worship the God who gives us each other.

Opening Prayer

*Gloria Patri   #36
Glory be to the Creator, and to the Christ and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the
beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen. Amen.

*Hymn: #12 (Songs of Spirit) Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise

Unison prayer of confession:
Holy God, we thank you for the freedom you have given us through the resurrection
of your Son. We confess this morning that we often live like slaves. Instead of living
like you delight in us, we avoid you in shame and guilt. Instead of receiving your
grace as a gift, we try to earn it with our efforts. Instead of accepting your freedom,
we prefer our bonds. Instead of pursuing your purposes, we cling to our personal
agendas. Forgive us. Embrace us. Heal us. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Assurance of pardon

Scripture Ecclesiastes 4:1-8 Judy

Anthem: “In Remembrance of Me” by Ragan Courtney and Buryl Red,1972

Sermon: “It’s Lonely At the Top” by Jeff Pierpont

A Time of Silence

Offertory

*Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise
God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen.

*Unison Prayer of Dedication
Holy One, bless these gifts and our lives, that we and our offerings may serve your purposes. Amen.

Communion:

Invitation to the table
Prayer
One: The Lord be with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
Many: We lift them up to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Many: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
One: It is right and a joyful thing. And so, with your people
on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your
name and join their unending hymn:
Everyone: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in
the highest!
We remember on the night when Jesus and the disciples had
their last meal together, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and
gave it to the disciples, saying:
“This is my body, which is broken for you. Take and eat, and as
often as you do, remember me.”

In the symbol of the broken bread, we participate in the life of
Christ and dedicate ourselves to being his followers.
In the same way he took the cup, and after giving thanks he gave
it to the disciples, saying:
“Drink this, all of you. This cup is the new covenant, poured out
for you and for many. As often as you drink it, do this in
remembrance of me.”
In the symbol of the cup, we participate in the new life Jesus
brings to us.
Blessing of The Bread and Cup
Come take…
After everyone has taken…
Prayer

*Hymn: #399 (Songs of Spirit) From the Crush of Wealth and Power

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Our God, 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,
and the power, and the glory,
forever.

*Hymn: #218 (Songs of Spirit) Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us

*Benediction

Songs of Spirit: #349 Go in Peace
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you this day.
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you al-ways.
Cel-e-brate and share the joy! Cel-e-brate new life!
Go in peace and the peace of God be with you always.

Postlude: solo organ