Prelude I 2 I
“If we listen to each other’s hearts We’ll find we’re never too far apart And maybe love is the reason why For the first time ever we’re seeing it eye to eye”
Welcome
Opening Hymn There is Room in God’s Great Welcome Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Please rise. (tune: HOLY MANNA)
There is room in God's great welcome; See! The doors are open wide! Here on earth as in God's heaven, hear the call to come inside! There is so much room for difference — a place to belong, whatever you believe In God's love, the rooms are countless, but there is no room for hate.
There is room in our good nation if we stand on justice ground. God has made a good creation; colors, cultures all abound. Welcome, sister! Welcome, brother! All those yearning to breathe free! There is room for one another but no room for bigotry.
There is room for understanding, for the outcast and the poor; For the Christian, Jew and Muslim — there is room for these and more. For the people on the fringes, for the ones with long career, There is room for building bridges, but there is no room for fear.
There is room in faithful churches for the wounded and oppressed: Women who've been told they're worthless, refugees who feel distressed, Immigrants who fear the future, people scorned and pushed and shoved. God, may we seek what you treasure: may we all make room for love.
Collect of the Day
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Let us pray.
(Inspired by Sir Francis Drake, 1596)
Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well-pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we dreamed too small, when we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of the things we possess, we have lost our thirst for the water of life.
Stir us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery, where in losing sight of land we shall find the stars. We ask you to push back the horizons of our hope, and to push us into the future in strength, courage, hope and love. Amen.
Please be seated.
The First Reading Isaiah 1:10-18
Reader: A reading from Isaiah
Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
The Psalm Psalm 32: 1 8
The cantor will offer the first line and the congregation is invited to join on the second.
Psalms for Praying
Blessed are you whose wrongdoings have been forgiven, whose shame has been forgotten. Blessed are you in whom Love Divine finds a home, and whose spirit radiates truth.
When I acknowledged not my shortcomings, I became ill through all my defenses. And day and night, guilt weighed heavy constricting my heart; My spirit became dry as desert bones.
I admitted my faults to the Most High, and I made known my regret; I cried out, “Forgive me, O Comforter, for those times I have sinned in my thoughts, my words, and my deeds”; And the Beloved created within me a clean and open heart.
Therefore, let everyone who is sincere give thanks to the Beloved; For whenever we feel paralyzed by fear we shall be embraced by Love. Dwelling in the Heart of the Beloved, we are free from distress, free to live more creatively.
O my Beloved, You are my guide, You teach me to walk in the Light. Be watchful of me, counsel me as I listen to You in the Silence. I pray for the gifts of inner peace and wisdom, for the grace to reverence all of Creation.
The SECOND READING
Reader: A reading from Thessalonians.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of everyone of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith during all your persecutions and the afflictions that you are enduring.
To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.
Gradual Imagine John Lennon Please rise.
1. Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us, only sky Imagine all the people Living for today
2. Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world You
3. You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one
4. You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one
The Gospel Luke 19:1-10
Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Luke. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Sermon
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray
Affirmation of Faith
Please rise as you are able We believe in the God of Jesus of Nazareth, who blesses the meek, the poor and the persecuted, exalts the least and saves the lost.
(version by Bruce D. Prewer)We believe in the Holy One whose beloved Child, Jesus the Christ, pleased God far more than tongue or pen can ever tell.
We believe in the baptized Christ, and the community of love and hope which grew around his word and witness.
We believe that he is the first citizen of a new race, where the entry fee is Divine grace, and the ground rules are shaped by love.
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, By whom old things find new birth, and new things grow on to maturity, and the dead receive regeneration.
We believe in one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and in the limitless life which flows for the healing of the nations. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
Leader: Recognizing our gifts as miracles enabling our ministry, serve our neighbors, and strengthen our community, we gather to offer our prayers with gratitude.
Leader: We pray for the Church, the inspiration and inheritance of our gifts of wealth, works, and wisdom. We offer prayers for all the leaders known and unknown who work tirelessly to make your love visible in the world. When we give out of our abundance, People: there is always more than enough.
Leader: We pray for the world, your greatest miracle. May we who inherit this earth be wise stewards of Creation and kind caretakers of all your creatures. We pray for those who lead our nations. May they use the plentiful resources they steward to care for the people of the world. When we give out of our abundance, People: there is always more than enough.
Leader: We pray for our neighbors and all who need our love and care. For those who are marginalized and oppressed; those who are sick and those who are dying; for the lonely and isolated; for those who are suffering; and for those who sleep on our streets. We pray for all on our Trinity prayer list, and those we name now. When we give out of our abundance, People: there is always more than enough.
Leader: We pray for those who have died. May they forever gather at your table of plenty, sharing their gifts with love and joy. We remember those whose gifts, bequests, and intentions provide inspiration and abundance beyond their lifetimes.
When we give out of our abundance, People: there is always more than enough.
Leader: As the crowd gathered to hear Jesus preach shared two fish and five loaves, they discovered when their gifts were blessed, they increased and became a blessing to others. May the depth of our gratitude increase every day for the uncountable miracles and blessings in our lives.
When we give out of our abundance, People: there is always more than enough.
Leader: May we, too, reach within ourselves to share our gifts with the world so that our love overflows in a need filled world. For these and all things we ask in the name of Your Son, our liberator and friend. Amen.
The Confession of Sin & Absolution
Celebrant: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Silence may be kept.
Celebrant and People: God of all mercy, we confess that we have sinned against you, opposing your will in our lives. We have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. Forgive, restore, and strengthen us through our Savior Jesus Christ, that we may abide in your love and serve only your will. Amen.
Enriching Our Worship
Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
THE PEACE
Deacon: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.
Announcements
Annual Pledge Drive
Update from co chair Kim Buehler. A Trinity impact story, shared by Bradley Baker.
Prayer of Gratitude
Offertory Invitation
Loose offerings (cash or checks) can be placed in the Offertory Plate as it is passed during the Offertory or deposited in our Giving Box stationed at the back of the sanctuary. To give Online, use the attached QR code or visit www.trinitytoledo.org/online giving/ choose GIVE NOW and today’s date. You can also text the word “Give” to 419 OMG LOVE (419 664 5683) to make your weekly offering.
Offertory More Than Enough
John Rutter (Trinity Choir, Will Schneider and Brandon Benson)
The Liturgy of the Table
(Enriching Our Worship) People: And also with you.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
All thanks and praise are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind.
Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; and so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:
Glory and honor are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise.
Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.
We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: “Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed, and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:
Celebrant and People
Dying, you destroyed our death. Rising, you restored our life. Christ Jesus, come in glory!
Send you Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
(version by Parker Palmer)
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we pray this version of the Lord’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father, heavenly Mother, Holy and blessed is your true name. We pray for your reign of peace to come, We pray that your good will be done, Let heaven and earth become one.
Give us this day the bread we need, Give it to those who have none. Let forgiveness flow like a river between us, From each one to each one.
Lead us to holy innocence Beyond the evil of our days Come swiftly Mother, Father, come. For yours is the power and the glory and the mercy: Forever your name is All in One. Amen.
The Fraction: Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant: We break this bread to share in the Body of Christ. People: We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread. Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the people of God; holy food for holy people.
Invitation to Communion
Please be seated until you are invited to come forward to receive communion. Please let us know if you would like the bread brought to you or if you would like a gluten free option.
Communion Music
The Post Communion Prayer (Please rise.)
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Please see insert.
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker Gray
Jesus, we have feasted on the bread of life. Together we have tasted the love of your kin-dom here on earth. In your risen power you have united us with all of those who have come before, with those gathered today, and with those yet to find their way to this table of love set and ready to welcome all. May the sense of a new heaven and a new earth strengthen and renew us today and in the days to come. Now, send us out into the world to do the work you have given us to do offering your fearless love and priceless peace to all we meet in the name of our loving, liberating life giving God. Amen
Blessing
May the rain fall off your shoulders when you’re caught in a storm.
When the frost comes a callin’ may it find you safe and warm. May your place be set, and may your promises be kept. And may you never forget that you are loved.
Sending Hymn Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit LEVAS #114 Repeat twice.
1. Up on that mountain, my Lord spoke, out of his mouth came fire and smoke. All around me looked so fine, I asked my lord if all was mine.
2. Jordan River, chilly and cold, heals the body but not the soul. There ain’t but one train on this track, runs to heaven and runs right back.
Dismissal
Deacon: Go in peace to love and serve our loving, liberating, life giving God! People: Thanks be to God!
Trinity’s Daily Bread- As a community of faith, we are called to love and be loved; to serve and be served, to give and to receive. In short, we don’t want anyone to “fall behind or drop out.” In this season of connecting in new ways, we are introducing Trinity’s Daily Bread. Please let us know if you need prayer, assistance, or connection by filling out our Daily Bread form on our website, www.trinitytoledo.org!
