Scout Sunday Service 2004

by

Rev. Rusty Cowden , National Chaplain

Prelude

Call to Worship

L: The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

P: He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

L: He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. 

P: Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted.

L: but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

P: they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Hymn Presbyterian Hymnal # 487 “When Morning Gilds the Skies”

Prayer of Confession

Lord, we have been about the daily business of our lives, and have failed to notice the many ways in which you bless us. We have taken credit for the gifts you give us, as if they were by our own efforts. We have ignored the miracles in our midst. Help us, dear Lord, to be a people with eyes to see and ears to hear you at work, in our own hearts, and in your world. Amen

Assurance of Pardon

Our hope is in the name of the Lord. Thanks be for the love of our savior, Jesus, the Christ, in whose name we find forgiveness.

Scripture (lectionary for 2-8-04 )

Isaiah 6:1-8 Vision of God, Who shall I send?

Psalm 138 A psalm of praise

1 Corinthians 15:12-20 the resurrection of the dead

Luke 6:17-26 Calling of the first disciples

Sermon thoughts

From Isaiah, the idea of sending adult scouters out into the world to work with youth, or sending scouts out into the world as the next generation of leaders could be developed

From Luke, the theme of God’s unexpected bounty (the fish) could be compared to the bountiful possibilities of the youth who are here today

Hymn Presbyterian Hymnal #525 “Here I Am Lord”

Presentation of Religious Awards (available through P.R.A.Y.)

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer

Dearest Lord, we come before you this morning, in this time of corporate quiet and corporate prayer, to give you thanks. We thank you Lord, for the incomparable way in which you have shown your love to us. You have given us food and raiment (you can say clothing or even shelter here if you want. I used raiment because I am quoting the Philmont grace) and life and opportunity. You have led us into green pastures and beside still waters.

Help us Lord, to be a people who are prepared to be your disciples. Help us to be a people who are prepared to hear your voice, to listen to your call, and to follow in your way.

Lord we lift up to you those for whom we should pray this day: The sick, the lonely, the fearful, and the estranged. Be with them Lord. Show your love and your grace to them. Lead us to them, that we might share your love as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Lord, all of these prayers we lift up to you both humbly and boldly, for we pray them in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray, Our Father…

Prayer of Dedication

Gracious God, may that which is given here, and that which remains with us, be used to further your Good News. Amen.

Hymn Presbyterian Hymnal #339 “Be Thou My Vision”

Benediction (2 Peter 3:18 )

So grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.