TONIGHT'S MOVIE:

Rabbit-Proof Fence

Rabbit-Proof Fence - featuring the Golden Globe-nominated score by Peter Gabriel - is the powerful true story of hope and survival, and has been met with international acclaim! At a time when it was Australian governmental policy to train aboriginal children as domestic workers and integrate them into white society, young Molly Craig decides to lead her little sister and cousin in a daring escape from their internment camp! Molly and the girls, part of what would become known as Australia's "Stolen Generation," must then elude the authorities on a dangerous 1,500 mile adventure along the rabbit-proof fence that bisects the continent and will lead them home! As shown by this outstanding motion picture, their universally touching plight and unparalleled courage are a beautiful testament to the undying strength of the human spirit!

94 Minutes Rated PG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP


L: O Lord our God,

in this act of worship,

we glory in your light and love

made known to us in Jesus Christ.

  1. Come, O light divine,

and dispel our human darkness!

  1. Come, O love divine,

and melt our hard and loveless hearts!

  1. Make us mirrors of light

and models of love;

Make us partners

in your creative acts for all people.

Reconcile us to ourselves, to others,

and to yourself,

as we glory in your light and life.

AMEN.

SONG Sanctuary 2164

READER ONE

Peacemaking is not optional for the church. The separation between "preaching the Gospel" and "working for peace and justice" is a perversion of biblical truth. Jesus prayed: "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). We lie if we say we love God yet fail to assist neighbors in need (I John 4:20). Loving enemies -- whether close at hand or far away --- is the way to become children of God (Matthew 5:44-45).

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A Litany of Confession and Assurance

  1. Let us make confession to God the Lord,

each of us acknowledging our sins

and wrongdoings.

Let us pray:

  1. Almighty God,

We confess that we are inclined

to do evil

and slow to do good,

and that we more and more

separate ourselves from you.

We have not believed your Word

Nor followed your holy commandments.

Be gracious unto us, we beseech you,

and forgive our iniquity.

(Silence while each person presents petitions

and requests to God)

  1. Hear the word of assurance given to all

who turn in faith to Christ our Savior:

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,

so that every one who believes in him

may not perish but may have eternal live.

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance,

That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

READER TWO

Peacemaking is not optional for the church if we truly are followers of Jesus. Jesus went willingly to the cross to show us a new way…. A way which in which truth is not Lorded over the weak…. But a way in which truth is found through weakness and obedience. In Jesus is our salvation and our power to bring peace and justice to those around us.

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READER THREE

Peacemaking is not optional for the church but it is difficult... because it is more than the absence of war. Peace -- shalom -- occurs when captives are released (Luke 4:18); when outcasts are gathered (Zephaniah 3:19) when the hungry have plenty to eat (Joel 2:19-26; Luke 1:53; I Samuel 2:1-8) and when we are in harmony with each other and with God.

LITANY OF RECONCILIATION

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

  1. The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class:

P: Father forgive.

  1. The greed which exploits the work of human hands

and lays waste the earth:

P: Father forgive.

L: Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others:

P: Father forgive.

L: Our indifference to the plight or the imprisoned,

the homeless and the refugee:

P: Father forgive.

  1. The lust which dishonors the bodies of men, women

and children:

P: Father forgive.

  1. The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves

and not in God:

P: Father forgive.

ALL: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

as God in Christ forgave you.

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READER FOUR

Peacemaking is not optional for the church… but Peacemakers sometimes cause trouble. We must first count the cost. It was Jesus' peacemaking mission which landed him on the cross (Colossians 1:20). As we follow in implementing his peacemaking mission, we must be willing to "take up our cross also."

PRAYERS

  1. Another week…. More violence… More distrust…

More Americans and Iraqis killed. The Spiral of

violence continues to spin further

and further out of control.

Today we say:

It's time to stop the violence. It's time for peace.

Let us pray:

READER FIVE
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. ALL: Amen.

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READER SIX
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ALL: Amen.

READER SEVEN
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen.

READER EIGHT
Almighty God, who has given us the USA for our heritage: We ask that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Please bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here from the ends of the earth. Let your spirit of wisdom permeate our country so that the will of the people truly is that justice and peace may prevail both at home, in Iraq… in every corner of the earth. In this day of trouble we ask that you will bring peace and justice. ALL: Amen.

 

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Song Living For Jesus 2149

LEADER

The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very things it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already void of stars. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

HAVE WE NOT SEEN THESE VERY WORDS COME TRUE BEFORE OUR EYES

ON OUR OWN TVS

OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS?

Brother and Sisters:

Peace plans its strategy and encircles the enemy. Peace marshals its forces and storms the gates. Peace gathers its weapons

and pierces the defense.

Peace, like war, is waged.

But Christ has turned it all around:

the weapons of peace

are love, joy, goodness, longsuffering;

the arms of peace

are justice, truth, patience, prayer;

the strategy of peace

brings safety, welfare, happiness;

the forces of peace

are the sons and daughters of God.

(Walter Knight, Baptist editor)

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READER NINE
O Lord, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to your merciful care, that, being guided by your Providence, we may dwell secure in your peace. Grant to President Bush and all of the those in Governmental Authority wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in your fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

ALL: Amen.

READER TEN:

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them 24/7 with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be. We especially think of Victor Cotto who is now serving in IRAQ… and also of Cody, Kevin and Kyle Brown who shortly will be entering the Armed Forces. Please keep them safe… and draw them close to you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen.

SONG Lord, Be Glorified 2150

 

 

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BENEDICTION -

please respond

WITH VIGOR

each line to the leader

God sends us into the world,

To accept the cost

and to discover the joy

of discipleship.

Therefore go ----

Carrying with you

The peace of Christ,

The love of God,

And the encouragement of the Holy Spirit,

In trial and rejoicing. AMEN.

 

 

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