The Gathering
Tolling of the Hour
Welcome and Announcements ** Indicates, please stand.
Whether we are old or young, whether we are first-time or longtime worshipers, whether we come full of doubts or confidence, joy or sorrow, in this place we are all family, because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Welcome to all of you today!
Prelude
Prayer of Invocation
Almighty God, we pray for your blessing on the church in this place. Here may the faithful find salvation, and the careless be awakened. Here may the doubting find faith, and the anxious be encouraged. Here may the tempted find help, and the sorrowful find comfort. Here may the weary find rest, and the strong be renewed. Here may the aged find consolation and the young be inspired; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
**Responsive Call to Worship Please stand in body or spirit as you are able.
Show us the way to fullness of life, Lord Jesus; that our hearts might be filled with joy, hope, and peace,
we pray;
that we might respond to opportunities,
we pray;
that we might be strengthened to face challenges,
we pray;
that we might become the persons we are called to be,
we pray;
that we might learn to respect our sisters and brothers,
we pray;
that we might see the needs of others and give help,
we pray. Amen.
**Opening Hymn Praise the Lord! God’s Glories Show #481
Call to Confession and Silent Prayer
When we gather to praise God, we remember that we are people who have preferred our wills to his. Accepting his power to become new persons in Christ, let us in silence confess our sin before God and one another.
Unison Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, you have called us to be a new community in Christ, and yet we remain divided. Forgive us our fear, anxiety, prejudice, and misunderstandings. Strengthen our common bonds and deepen our resolve to promote the unity of your church. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
People of God, all of us together have received God’s mercy in Christ. In Christ we are forgiven, redeemed, and made to be a community united in faith. Thanks be to God.
** Passing the Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you…
And also with you.
**Gloria Patri #579
Hearing the Word
Prayer of Illumination
God our helper, show us your holy ways and teach us your paths. By your Holy Spirit open our minds that we may be led in your truth and taught your will. Then may we praise you by listening to your Word and by obeying it. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Old Testament Reading Psalm 150
Instrumental Anthem
New Testament Reading Revelation 1:1-8
Sermon We Have a Role to Fulfill Rev. Morris
**Hymn The Church of Christ in Every Age #421
**Affirmation of Faith Based on Belgic Confession, Art. 27
What do you believe about the church of Christ?
We believe and confess one single catholic or universal church— a holy congregation and gathering of true Christian believers.
How big is this church?
This holy church is not confined, bound, or limited to a certain place or certain persons. But it is spread and dispersed throughout the entire world, though still joined and united in heart and will, in one and the same Spirit, by the power of faith.
Invitation to Offering
With thankfulness we give in gratitude and joy. With prayerfulness we give in sacrifice and love. With hopefulness we give in commitment to God. With gladness, let us present the offerings of our life and labor to the Lord.
Offertory
**Doxology #592
**Unison Prayer of Dedication
Lord of life, you promise abundant life to all who live together in Christ. We offer these gifts as a sign of our desire to share our resources for the common good and building of your kingdom. We humbly ask that you use them to strengthen our unity and deepen our witness and healing presence in this needy world. Amen.
We Go Out to Serve
**Hymn We All Are One in Mission #435
**Charge and Blessing Let us say together God’s invitation to a life of Christian discipleship.
Church of Jesus Christ, go into the world: dance, laugh, sing, and create.
We go with the assurance of God’s blessing.
Church of Jesus Christ, go into the world: risk, explore, discover, and love.
We go with the assurance of God’s grace.
Church of Jesus Christ, go into the world: believe, hope, struggle, and remember.
We go with the assurance of God’s love.
Thanks be to God!
**Blessing
Postlude