HYMN FESTIVAL OF THE LAND

This worship service takes the form of a hymn festival, alternating the singing of hymns with scripture readings and prayers. The hymns are taken from the many voices of those who live on this land, both hymns brought with them and those written on this land. This land of God's creation, never empty, is becoming fuller of more and more voices and cultures. Let us work in the Spirit that all voices be raised to God in praise. (As is tradition, each hymn is identified by the name of its tune).

(Stand)

Call to Worship:

Come, O Holy Spirit Come WOV #681 Wa Emimimo
(This hymn can be line out: after the song leader sings each line, it is repeated by the congregation.)

Apostolic Greeting:
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you.
L: We gather from east and west, north and south, the corners of the Great Plains.
C: Let us raise our voices together in prayer and praise of God.
L: Let those who have ears to hear, hear the Word of God.
C: May our hearts and lives be opened to the will of God.
L: We give thanks to God for lives and witness of our ancestors.
C: Even as we care for the land for future generations.

Hymn: Built on a Rock LBW #365 Kirken den er get gammeit Hus

Litany (taken from Oration of Chief Seattle)
L: Every part of this earth is sacred:
C: Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy.
L: The rocky crest, the meadow, the beasts and all the people, all belong to the same family.
C: Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. We are part of the earth, and the earth is part of us.
L: The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst.
C: The perfumed flowers are our sisters, the air is precious, for all of us share the same breath.
L: The wind that gave our grandparents breath also receives their last sigh.
C: The wind gave our children the spirit of life.
L: This we know, all things are connected.
C: Like the blood which unites one family, all things are connected.
L: Our God is the same God, whose compassion is equal for all.
C: For we did not weave the web of life. We are merely a strand in it.
L: Whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves.
C: Let us give thanks for the web and the circle that connects us. Thanks be to God, the God of all.

A Reading Psalm 65

Hymn: All Earth is Hopeful WOV #629 Toda la tierra

L: Let us pray:
C: You have shown us that it is your will that all people would be free from oppression and fear. You have given us all that the world needs for abundant life for all people. You have asked us to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly in your presence. Help us to be stewards of all that you have put into our care, to honor the earth and live in faith. Amen.

A Reading Isaiah 35:1-10

(stand)
Gospel Hymn: Precious Lord WOV #731 Precious Lord

A Reading from the Gospel Luke 8: 1-15
(sit)
Hymn of the Day: On What has now been sown LBW #261 (Darwall's 148th)

Prayers for the People of God
L: Let us pray for the people of God and for all those in need of God's help and comfort.

Holy and mighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit blowing across the dark waters of chaos and brought forth light, dry land and life. We pray for the care and preservation of your creation.
Creator God:
C: Strengthen us for service.
L: You call us to be stewards of the earth and all it contains, and yet forests shrink, deserts grow and people die for lack of clean water and food. People who care for the land are not honored and we grow weary of seeking justice and healing. Creator God:
C: Strengthen us for service.
L: Many peoples have brought us to this land. We do not treat one another as we ought; fear and hatred divide us; we listen to myths and lies and not to one another. Give us the freedom of the Gospel and teach us to live as your children. Creator God:
C: Strengthen us for service.
L: We pray for those whose lives have suffered through storms of snow, ice, wind, rain; for those affected by drought and floods; for uncounted livestock lost, crops ruined, and fields unplanted; and for those whose lives depend on the soil. Creator God:
C: Comfort your people.
(Other petitions may be added)
L; We put these needs and all others into your hands, O God, trusting in your grace and mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.

Hymn: Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth WOV #769 Norwich

The Peace
L: The peace of the Lord be with you all.
C: And also with you.
(A sign of Christ's peace is shared with one another.)

Offering (hymn is sung during the offering)
Offering Hymn: The Earth May Move Elwood
(This hymn was written in 1995 for Lutheran Disaster Response)

The Lord's Prayer
L: Let us pray together the prayer our Lord Jesus taught us.
C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name…Amen

Benediction
L: Like a rock, C: God is under our feet.
L: Like a roof, C: God is over our heads.
L: Like the horizon, C: God is beyond us.
L: Like water in a pitcher;
C: God is within us and in the pouring out of us.
L: Like a pebble in the sea,
C: We are in God.
L: God hold you fast, bless you for service, and strengthen your witness.
C: Amen

Hymn: I Love to Tell the Story LBW #390 Hankey