November 4, 2012

Theme: All Saint's Day--The Rutter Requiem 

Order of Service for November 4, 2012

Words of Preparation                                                                             Rev. Lisa CR

On this All Saints' Day, we remember those of our friends and family who have died this year. And we honor their memory, their lives of faith and God's faithfulness in their earthly lives. We do this today with a Requiem, a service of music which focuses our hearts and our worship on the reality of death, grief and God's healing presence throughout as we journey on to new life in Christ. The composer, John Rutter, wrote this Requiem after the death of his father. He wrote it to express his grief, to respond to it from a deep personal place and to express his faith through music. Our readings use scriptures to walk through the stages of grief. Today, Rutter's work, the scriptures and the work of our choir and musicians will lead us as we take a moment to slow down and be mindful of all who mourn.

"Requiem Aeternam" from Requiem

First Reading                                                                                           Denny Chandler, Narrator 

“Introduction: When We Walk with Grief” by Andy Raine of the Northumbria Community

“Do not hurry as you walk through grief; it does not help the journey. Walk slowly pausing often: do not hurry as you walk with grief. Be not disturbed by memories that come unbidden. Swiftly forgive; and let Christ speak for you unspoken words. Unfinished conversations will be resolved in [God's heart]. Be not disturbed. Be gentle with the one who walks with grief. If it is you, be gentle with yourself. Swiftly forgive; walk slowly, pausing often. Take time, be gentle as you walk with grief.”

Invocation                                                                                                 Don Sorrell, Liturgist

Lord's Prayer

Second Reading                                                                                        Denny Chandler, Narrator

"Shock/Denial: Locked Out in the Cold—I Kings 19:3-6, 9-10"

 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Elijah replied, “I am the only one left...

“Out of the Deep” from Requiem

Third Reading                                                                                 Denny Chandler, Narrator

"Anger: Raging against the Storm—Psalm 22: 1-2"

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.”

Fourth Reading                                                                                Denny Chandler, Narrator

 “Bargaining: Trying to Change the Weather”—Psalm 40:6-8

“Doing something for you, God, bringing something to you— that’s not what you’re after.
Being religious, acting pious— that’s not what you’re asking for.
You’ve opened my ears so I can listen.”

Prayer of Intercession                                                                       Rev. Lisa CR

Call to Communion/Fifth Reading                                                   Denny Chandler, Narrator

"Sadness: From the Valley of Death to the Table of Life--Psalm 23:4-6"

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me  in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

                                                                                                           

Transitional Music

Elder's Prayer                                                                                    Elder

Words of Institution                                                                          Rev. Lisa CR

Partaking of the Lord's Supper

"Pie Jesu" from Requiem

Sixth Reading                                                                                    Denny Chandler, Narrator

"Acceptance: Wakening to the Dawn of a New Normal—Psalm 40:1-5"

“I waited and waited and waited for God. At last he looked; finally he listened.
He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud.
He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip.
He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God.
More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to God.

Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God, turn your backs on the world’s “sure thing,” ignore what the world worships;
The world’s a huge stockpile of God-wonders and God-thoughts.
Nothing and no one comes close to you!
I start talking about you, telling what I know,
 and quickly run out of words.
Neither numbers nor words account for you.”

“Sanctus” from Requiem

Roll Call of Saints                                                                                 Don Sorrell, Liturgist

“Agnus Dei” from Requiem

[hold last note of Agnus day while "Call to Offering" and/or "Narration" are spoken so that we can go right into "The Lord is My Shepherd."]

Call to Offering                                                                                      Don Sorrell, Liturgist

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths  for his name’s sake." All that we need is provided for along the way that God leads. Let the gifts and offerings we bring today reflect the abundance with which God has supplied our path in the past and our confidence of God's blessing in the future. 

 “The Lord Is My Shepherd” from Requiem

Doxology or Hymn

Seventh Reading                                                                                      Denny Chandler, Narrator

"Conclusion: When We Can Run Again, and Fly—Isaiah 40:27-31"

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
 saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
 they walk and don’t lag behind.

“Lux Aeterna” from Requiem

Benediction                                                                                            Don Sorrell, Liturgist
"Light eternal shine upon them, Lord we pray: with saints and angels ever dwelling, for they mercy's sake, may they rest in peace. Grant them rest eternal, Lord our God, we pray to thee: and light perpetual shine on them for ever. Amen." --Lux Aeterna