The Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

The Worship of God

The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

10 November 2019 | 11:00a

Country in the Round | Heaton Hall GATHERING

Inspired by the bold and boundless hospitality of Jesus, we are “open to all,” which means we welcome and accept all people into the life of our Church without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, economic status, political affiliation, physical or mental capacity, or religious belief. We believe that God’s call is given to all people, and we embrace the Spirit that continues to cross boundaries in order to unite the world. Childcare is available for children ages birth to four years. Please meet our childcare staff at the rugs.

Silent Meditation “Country music is a very big, wide, diverse, complicated story. You can’t proclaim an orthodoxy, or say it is only one thing. It coexists adjacent to all the other American music: the blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, folk, rock, and pop. There are no borders. I think that’s a good story. We are never just one thing. Because we tend to get back into our tribal stances, country [music] gives us a chance to remind ourselves what we share in common. I think particularly today we sort of need the universal truths that remind us everybody’s in the same boat.” ---Ken Burns

“I believe one of the reasons Hank Williams could not get Saturday night and Sunday morning to come together was because he did not see the spiritual—and I would say the theological—significance of Saturday night. A basic part of the problem of contemporary Christianity is the failure of the church to deal with this same issue.” ---Tex Sample, White Soul: Country Music, the Church, and Working Americans

“Country music embodies a form of protest against the contradictions of working-class life. In the joyful abandon and moral defiance of the honky-tonk, and in the cheatin’ songs’ sense of irony about love, country music takes a stance of resistance against a dominant socioeconomic and moral/cultural order that dehumanizes working people. But it is a resistance of escape rather than engagement. If all suffering is simply unavoidable, then resignation and escape are the appropriate responses. But if at least some of the suffering that results from unjust social structures can be prevented, a stance of engagement in the struggle for justice is a better response.” ---David Fillingim, Redneck Liberation: Country Music as Theology

“It’s three chords and the truth.” ---Harlan Howard

Gathering Music “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” Carter Family I was standing by my window on one cold and cloudy day when I saw the hearse come rolling for to carry my mother away.

Refrain: Will the circle be unbroken by and by Lord, by and by. There’s a better home awaiting in the sky Lord, in the sky.

I said to the undertaker, “Undertaker please drive slow for this lady you are carrying, Lord, I hate to see her go.” Refrain.

Oh, I followed close behind her, tried to hold up and be brave’ but I could not hide my sorrow when they laid her in the grave. Refrain.

I went back home, my home was lonesome since my mother, she was gone. All my brothers and sisters crying what a home so sad and alone. Refrain.

We sang songs of childhood, hymns of faith that made us strong, ones that Mother Maybelle taught us: hear the angels sing along. Refrain.

2 Call to Worship Mia M. McClain

*Opening Sentences Leader: God is making a new earth and new heavens; People: Rejoice in the promise of new creation. Leader: Sounds of weeping and cries of distress will one day end; People: Rejoice in God’s compassionate care for all. Leader: All creatures one day will live together in peace: the wolf and the lamb, and people of all nations. People: Rejoice in the hope of true peace on earth. Glory to God!

*Opening Song “I Saw the Light” Hank Williams I wandered so aimless, life filled with sin. I wouldn’t let my dear saviour in. Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night. Praise the Lord I saw the light.

Refrain: I saw the light I saw the light, no more darkness no more night. Now I’m so happy no sorrow in sight. Praise the Lord I saw the light.

Just like a blind man I wandered along, worries and fears I claimed for my own. Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight, praise the Lord I saw the light. Refrain.

I was a fool to wander and astray, straight is the gate and narrow the way. Now I have traded the wrong for the right; praise the Lord I saw the light. Refrain.

The Invitation to Silent Confession Rev. Carrie Veal

Prayer of Confession Holy God, too often we speak, act, and think in ways that are not what you desire. We are not putting our sisters and brothers first, instead only focusing on our on needs. We have treated creation as if it has no purpose except to fulfill our cravings. Our lives are full of violence and malice, even if we never raise a hand at another. Forgive us for our selfishness, our greed, and our intentions that are unjust, unkind and unloving. Remind us of the world you want us to live in, and guide us on the path that leads to peace. Allow us to bring others with us so they, too, may experience all that you have for your children. Amen.

The Assurance of Pardon Leader: Let us live in the good news – there is nothing in all creation that can separate us from the love of God! People: Thanks be to God.

3 *Congregational Song “Why Me, Lord?” Kris Kristopherson Why me Lord? What have I ever done to deserve even one of the pleasures I’ve known? Tell me, Lord, what did I ever do that was worth lovin’ you or the kindness you’ve shown?

Refrain: Lord help me, Jesus, I’ve wasted it so. Help me Jesus, I know what I am. Now that I know that I’ve needed you so, help me, Jesus, my soul’s in your hand.

Try me, Lord, if you think there’s a way I can try to repay all I’ve taken from you. Maybe Lord I can show someone else what I’ve been through myself, on my way back to you. Refrain.

*Passing of the Peace At this time, children ages 3 and 4 and 5 will leave with childcare staff and may be picked up in Room 108 following worship. Children in 1st - 5th grades will be in Berry Hall and can be picked up in the back of Heaton Hall. Welcome of Our Guests If you are our guest today, please text “guest” to 474747 or fill out a guest card located in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate during worship as your gift to us.

HEARING AND PROCLAIMING THE WORD

The Hebrew Scripture - Isaiah 65:17-25 (NRSV) Rev. Deborah Moore Clark 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 forever 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 labor 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. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

Leader: For the Word of God in scripture, for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us. People: Thanks be to God.

4 *Congregational Song “Go Rest High on That Mountain” Vince Gill I know your life on earth was troubled and only you could know the pain. You weren’t afraid to face the devil; you were no stranger to the rain.

Go rest high on that mountain son, your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.

Oh, how we cried the day you left us; we gathered round your grave to grieve. I wish I could see the angels’ faces when they hear your sweet voice sing.

Sermon Rev. W. Benjamin Boswell “Embodying New Creation”

Musical Meditation “Redemption Day” Johnny Cash I’ve wept for those who suffer long but how I weep for those who’ve gone into rooms of grief and questioned wrong but keep on killing. It’s in the soul to feel such things, but weak to watch without speaking. Oh what mercy sadness brings if God be willing.

Refrain: There is a train that’s heading straight to heaven’s gate, to heaven’s gate. And on the way, child and man, and woman wait, watch and wait for redemption day.

Fire rages in the streets and swallows everything it meets; it’s just an image often seen on television. Come leaders, come you men of great let us hear you pontificate. Your many virtues laid to waste and we aren’t listening. Refrain.

What do you have for us today? Throw us a bone but save the plate on why we waited til so late. Was there no oil to excavate, no riches in trade for the fate of every person who died in hate? Throw us a bone, you men of great. Refrain.

It’s buried in the countryside; it’s exploding in the shells at night; it’s everywhere a baby cries. Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Prayers for the People Mia M. McClain

The Lord’s Prayer Our God in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive our debtors. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

5 Sharing of Gifts Please place gifts and member/guest cards in the basket as it is passed. Mobile giving is available – see page 9. Gifts of loose cash in November will benefit these three agencies: Baptist Peace Fellowship, MeckMin (Mecklenburg Ministries), and Room in the Inn.

Offertory Music “Angel Band” Emmylou Harris My latest sun is sinking fast, my race is nearly run; my strongest trials now are past, my triumph has begun. Oh, come Angel Band come and around me stand; oh bear me away on your snow white wings to my immortal home, oh bear me away on your snow white wings to my immortal home.

Oh bear my longing heart to him who bled and died for me, whose blood now cleanses from all sin and gives me victory. Oh, come Angel Band come and around me stand; oh bear me away on your snow white wings to my immortal home, oh bear me away on your snow white wings to my immortal home, oh bear me away on your snow white wings to my immortal home.

*Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures, here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer of Dedication Rev. Carrie Veal

SENDING

*Closing Song “I’ll Fly Away” Albert E. Brumley Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away to a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away.

I’ll fly away, O Glory, I’ll fly away. (In the morning) When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I’ll fly away.

When the shadows of this life are gone, I’ll fly away. Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away.

I’ll fly away, O Glory, I’ll fly away. (In the morning) When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I’ll fly away.

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away to a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away.

I’ll fly away, O Glory, I’ll fly away. (In the morning) When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I’ll fly away.

The Benediction Rev. W. Benjamin Boswell

6 Sending Reprise of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” Carter Family

Following worship, 3s and 4s and 5s may be picked up in Room 107. Children in 1st - 5th grades may be picked up in the back of Heaton Hall.

7 Leading worship this morning with Rev. W. Benjamin Boswell, Senior Minister, are Mia M. McClain, Associate Minister, Rev. Carrie Veal, Minister of Children and Community Life, and Rev. Deborah Moore Clark, member of the congregation.

Leading worship through music are Randy Franklin, guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica and vocals, Jim Garrett, guitar and vocals, Gregg Simmons, drums, Rob McWilliams, bass, and Geoff White, fiddle.

The audio technician is Bob Jennings.

The opening sentences were written by Paula M. Testerman.

Flowers in the foyer of Heaton Hall are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Frank Dowd, Jr. by his wife and children.

We give God thanks for the ministry of Judy Freeman, Finance Manager, who joined our staff on November 15, 2011.

8 THEOLOGY OF WORSHIP

Why do we worship? Worship at Myers Park Baptist is the gathering of a diverse, intergenerational, ecumenical community of faith, celebrating God’s active and timeless presence in the world. In worship, God re-forms our hearts, minds and bodies, and ignites our imaginations with sacred stories—stories that invite us to question, explore mystery, express joy and grief, and deepen our faith. We worship to learn how to develop caring, empowering relationships with each other, and to stay centered in God as the world swirls around us. We worship to be inspired and prepared to exemplify the compassion and justice of Jesus in our Church family and in the world. Through worship, God frees and transforms us in heart, mind and body, so we can make a difference within ourselves, in our relationships and in our community.

How do we worship? Focusing on God, worship at Myers Park Baptist unfolds consistently with the Isaiah 6 scriptural model: praise, confession, pardon, calling to respond, commitment and sending out. All our worship services are built on this ancient structural form, regardless of worship style, venue or theme. Communal practices within worship — radical hospitality, confession and assurance of pardon, passing the peace, silence and listening, spirited hymn singing, presentations of gifts, and active participation in Communion—transform worshipers into newness with God and one another. Themes for services, based on lectionary scriptures, annually portray the narrative arc of God’s redeeming love for humankind.

HOW TO JOIN MYERS PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

Becoming a member of Myers Park Baptist is as easy as filling out a Joining Card. To receive a card or learn more, stop by the Welcome Table in Heaton Hall Foyer.

MOBILE GIVING

You can now text your contributions and offerings to MPBC! It’s secure, simple, and efficient: C Start a new text message to: 73256 C In the message area of the text, enter: 1900Q, a space, and the amount you want to give; for example, if you want to give $100 enter: 1900Q 100 and then send the text message. C The system will return a message to you: click on the link provided and follow instructions C You will receive a receipt to confirm your gift was received. Questions? Contact Rev. Leigh Anne Hagerman, Church Administrator, at 704.334.7232 x116 or [email protected]

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 OUR COVENANT

We, the members of the Myers Park Baptist Church, are a people on a journey of faith. By God’s grace we are experiencing God’s love through Jesus Christ and in the community of the faithful. We are discovering in this experience our freedom to become new creatures and our responsibility to be faithful stewards of our lives and of this world.

We will be open to all new light, strengthened by God and each other in our faith. We will sustain a critical examination of Scripture, belief and ritual as interpreters of God’s active presence in the world. We will accept controversy as a reality of life together and an opportunity for growth toward maturity. We covenant to be a community of God’s new creation and affirm that we are open to all and closed to none.

We covenant to nurture this Church as a community of faith and as an instrument for reconciliation in this world: by worship, by Christian education, by the dedication of our personal and material resources and by all the other ways we express the significance of our lives with God and one another.

We covenant together to be priests celebrating God’s presence in community and in the world, believing we are participants in God’s kingdom on earth.

OUR MINISTERS

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