Reformation Day

Morning Worship

San Francisco Theological Seminary

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Montgomery Chapel

Reformation Day

Welcome

Opening Sentences

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed by faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. –Hebrews 11:1-3

*Song VU # 705 vs. 1 and 2 For All The Saints

Prayer Of Confession

O Gracious and Sovereign God, though we have confessed you to be a sovereign God, who knows and sees all in our lives, we have at times faltered in our faith and not entrusted every part of our lives to you.

And though we have proclaimed that we are saved by grace alone, we have sometimes taken matters into our own hands and tried in vain to please you with our own human efforts.

And though we believe in the priesthood of all believers, we have at times failed to encourage and exhort all members of the Body of Christ to develop their spiritual gifts to fully serve you.

And though we as a church have been called by you to be a covenant community, our commitment and charity toward our neighbors have often lacked authenticity and depth. In your grace, reform us by helping us to renew our dedication to the vows we took at our baptism in Jesus Christ. By the loving guidance of our helper, the Holy Spirit, give us a new sense of calling, a new passion for serving you, and a new realization of your great love through Jesus Christ.

Assurance Of Pardon

By God’s great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I declare that we are forgiven.

*Passing of the Peace

Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

Scripture Reading Hebrews 12:1-4

Celebration Of Modern Reformers

Margaret Towner:

Margaret Towner was the first woman to be ordained as a minister of Word and Sacrament by PCUSA in 1956. She was ordained at First Presbyterian Church in Allentown, PA. She had originally planned to go to medical school after college, but while working as a photographer immediately after graduation, she worked with a Presbyterian pastor who asked her to help with the youth program at his church. She did and following this experience she enrolled in Union Theological Seminary in New York City to explore her opportunities in ministry for one year. However, while at Union she discovered that ministry was where she belonged. Rev. Towner served the Presbyterian Church in ministry for 50 years and inspired generations of women to become pastors.

Sung Response VU 706, vs, 2 For All the Saints

Eugene Carson Blake:

Eugene Carson Blake was educated at Princeton University, was a professor at Forman Christian College, and was Presbyterian minister from 1935-1951. He served as the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church from 1951-1958; and he later became the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland. In 1960 Dr. Blake preached a bold and pivotal sermon at the Grace Cathedral in San Francisco that laid out a plan calling for the merger of several American denominations into one church. This led to the organization of the Consultation on Church Union (or COCU). This ecumenical group continues even today to work for church unity. Dr. Blake also played a key role in the writing of the Confession of 1967. In 1961 Dr. Blake appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in recognition of his bold leadership and advocacy of church unity.

Sung Response VU 706 vs 4 For All the Saints

Prayers Of The People

Please end your prayer with the words, "God in your grace" or "God in your

mercy," and the community will respond, "Hear our prayers."

The Lord’s Prayer

Please pray in the language and style in which you are most comfortable.

*Song VU 705, vs. 5, 6 For All The Saints

*Benediction

Participants In Worship:

Ms. Shelley Calkins, Coordinator of Faculty Services, Liturgist

Rev. Dr. Charles Marks, Chaplain

Rev. Stephanie Croom, Musician

Ms. Kitty Lum, Senior, Chaplain’s Assistant

Readers:

Ms. Donna Shepherd, Executive Assistant to the Vice President

Mr. Andrew Hoeksema, Junior

Rev. Mira Chai, DMin

Mr. Peter Barnes-Davies, Senior