We gather for Pastor Peter’s last Sunday with us at St. Croix Reformed Church to remember that Christ is king. All the words that we’ll be using in worship are below. Or, you can download a copy to print here.

PRELUDE                          Romans 5:7-8   

CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 145

I will extol you, my God and King,
   and bless your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will bless you,
   and praise your name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
   his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall laud your works to another,
   and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendour of your majesty,
   and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed,
   and I will declare your greatness.
They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness,
   and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
   slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
   and his compassion is over all that he has made.

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
   and all flesh will bless his holy name for ever and ever.

*HYMN #578     Forever

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most High and holy God, you are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. You have called us to be the same. But, we respond to offence with might rather than mercy. We seek glory rather than give grace. We long for power rather than turn to patience. We seek your salvation, but our love for others is not yet

steadfast. We fall short. Share your Spirit with us so that we might continue to be transformed. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

HYMN #360        You Are My King

please remain seated

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – from Psalm 103

The Lord works vindication
   and justice for all who are oppressed.
God made known his ways to Moses,
   his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
   slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord will not always accuse,
   nor will he keep his anger for ever.
God does not deal with us according to our sins,
   nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
   so great is God’s steadfast love towards those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
   so far he removes our transgressions from us.

ANTHEM            I Thessalonians 5:18

SCRIPTURE                        Isaiah 9:1-7

But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
   on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
   as with joy at the harvest,
   as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
   and the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor,
   you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
   and all the garments rolled in blood
   shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
   a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
   and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
   and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
   He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
   from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

SERMON             “Thank You”     

*HYMN #562                    We Will Extol You, God and King

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION & THE LORD’S PRAYER

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.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

OFFERTORY                      Psalm 36:5        

*DOXOLOGY #965

Inclusive lyrics:  Praise God, from whom all blessings flow

              Praise God, all creatures here below

              Praise God, above ye heavenly host

              Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost

*BENEDICTION

*SENDING SONG #950

This week in worship, we move from the history texts to the prophetic texts. We start with Amos who introduces us to God’s roar against the greedy injustice among God’s own people. All the words that we’ll be using in worship are below. Or, you can download a copy to print here.

PRELUDE                          Keep Your Lamps

CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 146

For I am about to create new heavens
   and a new earth;
the former things shall not be remembered
   or come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice for ever
   in what I am creating;
for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy,
   and its people as a delight.
I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
   and delight in my people;
no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it,
   or the cry of distress.
No more shall there be in it
   an infant that lives but a few days,
   or an old person who does not live out a lifetime;
for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth,
   and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
They shall build houses and inhabit them;
   they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
They shall not build and another inhabit;
   they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
   and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labour in vain,
   or bear children for calamity;
for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord—
   and their descendants as well.
Before they call I will answer,
   while they are yet speaking I will hear.

*HYMN #302     Hear Our Praises

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most High and holy God, sometimes we care too much about things that don’t matter to you. Sometimes we don’t care enough about the things that matter most to you. And, sometimes we just don’t care. We confess the fault and fickleness in our hearts and we recognize your willingness to sacrifice so that suffering can end. So, bless us with your Holy Spirit so that our minds can focus on justice and our hearts share your passion for the oppressed. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

ANTHEM            I Speak Jesus

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – from Isaiah 58

Is not this the fast that I choose:
   to loose the bonds of injustice,
   to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
   and to break every yoke?
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 them,
   and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then our light shall break forth like the dawn,
   and our healing shall spring up quickly;
our vindicator shall go before us,
   the glory of the Lord shall be our rearguard.
Then we shall call, and the Lord will answer;
   we shall cry for help, and God will say, “Here I am.”

*HYMN #53        Song of the Prophets

SCRIPTURE                        Amos 1:1-2, 5:14-24

The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of King Uzziah of Judah and in the days of King Jeroboam son of Joash of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

And he said:
The Lord roars from Zion,
   and utters his voice from Jerusalem;
the pastures of the shepherds wither,
   and the top of Carmel dries up.

Seek good and not evil,
   that you may live;
and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you,
   just as you have said.
Hate evil and love good,
   and establish justice in the gate;
it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts,
   will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord:
In all the squares there shall be wailing;
   and in all the streets they shall say, ‘Alas! alas!’
They shall call the farmers to mourning,
   and those skilled in lamentation, to wailing;
in all the vineyards there shall be wailing,
   for I will pass through the midst of you,

says the Lord.

Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord!
   Why do you want the day of the Lord?
It is darkness, not light;
   as if someone fled from a lion,
   and was met by a bear;
or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,
   and was bitten by a snake.
Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light,
   and gloom with no brightness in it?

I hate, I despise your festivals,
   and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings,
   I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
   I will not look upon.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
   I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
But let justice roll down like waters,
   and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

SERMON             “Roar!”

*HYMN #295                    Let Justice Flow

(over)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION & THE LORD’S PRAYER

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.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

OFFERTORY                      All The Days

*DOXOLOGY #965

Inclusive lyrics:  Praise God, from whom all blessings flow

              Praise God, all creatures here below

              Praise God, above ye heavenly host

              Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost

*BENEDICTION

*SENDING SONG #950  

The TeWinkle family arrived on St. Croix in the fall of 2017. It’s been four years together of working through struggles and overcoming obstacles, but we’ve also been digging deeper and growing and learning together. We made it through a hurricane and recovery and we’ve transitioned through a global pandemic. It’s only been four years, but what a four years it’s been! Saying good-bye is hard, but it’s also a time to express gratitude and remember together.

This Sunday, November 14, we’ll have a small reception following worship that will be our opportunity to thank Pastor Peter and his family for the time that they’ve spent here, for the gifts that they brought, and to share the memories that will stick with us as they go. If you’re comfortable joining us in-person this Sunday, we’d be grateful to have you.

When you have to keep going, but you feel like you can’t take another step remember two things: you are not alone and it’s ok to rest.

On the second Saturday of every month we gather up on the hill so that we can grill and enjoy some fun together. We also take the time to meet in our Prism groups to talk about ways that we can grow with each other and reach out together. This will be Pastor Peter’s final picnic with us. So, mark your calendars, bring a dish to share, and join in the fun!

When you feel worn out, get up and eat. When you feel like you’re the only one, get up and eat. We gather to celebrate our communion with Jesus and with one another this week. All the words that we’ll be using in worship are below. Or, you can download a copy to print here.

PRELUDE                          Wayfaring Stranger

CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 42

As a deer longs for flowing streams,
   so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
   for the living God.
When shall I come and behold
   the face of God?
My tears have been my food
   day and night,
while people say to me continually,
   ‘Where is your God?’
These things I remember,
   as I pour out my soul:
how I went with the throng,
   and led them in procession to the house of God,
with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,
   a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
   and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
   my help and my God.

*HYMN #755     Speak, O Lord

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most High and holy God, we have been walking through a long wilderness of isolation and uncertainty. We want to be free. We are entering a season of transition and uncertainty. It feels like almost too much for some of us. The Bible says that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.” We need your help to understand it. We need your Spirit to experience it. Restore to us the joy of your salvation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

ANTHEM            Your Labor Is Not In Vain

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – from Hebrews 12

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,

 and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,

who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame,

and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

*HYMN #574     How Great Is Our God

SCRIPTURE                        I Kings 19:1-18

At the third new moon after the Israelites had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain. Then Moses went up to God; the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites.’

So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. The people all answered as one: ‘Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.’ Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after.’

When Moses had told the words of the people to the Lord, the Lord said to Moses: ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and prepare for the third day, because on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. You shall set limits for the people all around, saying, “Be careful not to go up the mountain or to touch the edge of it. Any who touch the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch them, but they shall be stoned or shot with arrows; whether animal or human being, they shall not live.” When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they may go up on the mountain.’ So Moses went down from the mountain to the people. He consecrated the people, and they washed their clothes. And he said to the people, ‘Prepare for the third day; do not go near a woman.’

On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, as well as a thick cloud on the mountain, and a blast of a trumpet so loud that all the people who were in the camp trembled. Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the Lord had descended upon it in fire; the smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, while the whole mountain shook violently.

SERMON             Get Up & Eat    

*HYMN #572                    Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above

GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.

AND ALSO WITH YOU.

Lift up your hearts.

WE LIFT THEM TO THE LORD.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE OUR THANKS AND PRAISE.

O Holy God… we lift our hearts in joyful praise:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY LORD, GOD OF POWER AND MIGHT, HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF YOUR GLORY. HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST. BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST.

(over)

We praise you… until we feast together in your eternal Kingdom

THROUGH CHRIST, WITH CHRIST, IN CHRIST, IN THE UNITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ALL GLORY AND HONOR ARE YOURS, ALMIGHTY GOD, NOW AND FOREVER.  AMEN

COMMUNION   All Who Are Thirsty

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION & THE LORD’S PRAYER

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.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

OFFERTORY                      Days of Elijah

*DOXOLOGY #965

Inclusive lyrics:  Praise God, from whom all blessings flow

              Praise God, all creatures here below

              Praise God, above ye heavenly host

              Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost

*BENEDICTION

*SENDING SONG #950

Last week we heard that David would succeed Saul as king of Israel. This week we follow along as Solomon succeeds David and builds God a house. What has he learned? How have the people grown? All the words that we’ll be using in worship are below. Or, you can download a copy to print here.

PRELUDE                          David Crowther

CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 31

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;
   do not let me ever be put to shame;
   in your righteousness deliver me.
Incline your ear to me;
   rescue me speedily.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
   a strong fortress to save me.
You are indeed my rock and my fortress;
   for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,
take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
   for you are my refuge.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
   you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols,
   but I trust in the Lord.
I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love,
   because you have seen my affliction;
   you have taken heed of my adversities,

Love the Lord, all you his saints.
   The Lord preserves the faithful,
   but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
   all you who wait for the Lord.

*HYMN #776     A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most High and holy God, you hear our prayers and promise to be a place of rest for us. You have invited us to commit our lives to you and trust you as a strong fortress to protect us. But, when the pains of grief and sadness settle on us we are tempted to seek safety in our own ways. And, we can do so at the expense of others. Bless us with your Spirit so that we can find a deeper trust and a greater courage to trust in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

ANTHEM            Be Alright

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – from Ephesians 2

So Jesus came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 

for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God,

 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 

in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.

SPECIAL MUSIC David Crowther

SCRIPTURE                        I Kings 8:1-13

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. All the people of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the festival in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests carried the ark. So they brought up the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. 

Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the most holy place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim made a covering above the ark and its poles. The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place in front of the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside; they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses had placed there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites, when they came out of the land of Egypt. And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

Then Solomon said,
‘The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness.
I have built you an exalted house,
   a place for you to dwell in for ever.’

SERMON                           What Kind of Life Are You Building?

*HYMN #578                    Forever

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION & THE LORD’S PRAYER

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.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

OFFERTORY                      David Crowther

*DOXOLOGY #964

Inclusive lyrics:  Praise God, from whom all blessings flow

              Praise God, all creatures here below

              Praise God, above ye heavenly host

              Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost

*BENEDICTION