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
In you, eternal God, and through your Son, Jesus Christ, we find the beginning and end of all things. In him we find hope, forgiveness, and courage for new beginnings. Let then, O God, the fresh winds of your Spirit sweep into our lives this day, so that this act of worship and the week to follow may become a time of renewal and rededication to your service. Amen.
**Responsive Call to Worship Please stand in body or spirit as you are able.
In the midst of the congregation I will praise you. Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to God’s holy name!
I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; God’s greatness is unsearchable.
**Opening Hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name #142
Call to Confession and Silent Prayer
The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners, Christ died for us. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Trusting in God’s faithfulness and compassion, let us in silence confess our sin before God and one another.
Unison Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us your peace. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of the lamb Jesus the Christ, you are forgiven!
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen.
** Passing the Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you…
And also with you.
**Gloria Patri #579
Hearing the Word
Prayer of Illumination
Blessed you are, Lord, great God, for the testimonies of the prophets we bless you. For the statutes of the law we bless you. For the gospel of Christ and the witness of the apostles we bless you, O glorious God. Grant to us the Spirit of your glory and the brightness of your presence that we might read your Word and understand. Through Jesus Christ, our gracious Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Old Testament Reading Psalm 23
Instrumental Anthem
New Testament Reading Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Words of Praise Rev. Morris
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
...using the prayer Your Son taught us to pray, Our Father...
**Hymn From All That Dwell Below the Skies #229
**Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
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
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty. All that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours, and you rule over all. Therefore, Lord, receive these offerings, our tangible expressions of love and gratitude. Transform them into a source of life for many, so that your kingdom may grow in the hearts of all. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
We Go Out to Serve
**Hymn Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine! #341
**Charge and Blessing
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!
Postlude