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, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
**Responsive Call to Worship Please stand in body or spirit as you are able.
Let us join our voices to praise the spotless Lamb, Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us from sin and death.
We, whom he has redeemed, will sing praises and shout for joy this hour;
because in Christ the Lamb we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins in accordance with the riches of his grace.
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.
Let us praise him by saying:
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb we give worship this hour and forever and ever. Amen.
**Opening Hymn Come Sing to God #181
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
Almighty God, you have spoken to us through your Son. Let your written Word now be spoken and heard by each of us. Give us ears to hear and hearts to understand, that we may not refuse your calling or ignore your voice. May we all be taught by you through your powerful Word. Bring our every thought captive to obeying Christ, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Scripture
Old Testament Reading Psalm 30
Instrumental Anthem
New Testament Reading Revelation 5:11-14
Sermon Everything Praises Rev. Morris
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
...using the prayer Your Son taught us to pray, Our Father...
**Hymn Crown Him with Many Crowns #151
**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
Generous God, we marvel at your lavish gifts to us: life and breath, food and shelter, opportunities for work and play, and, most especially, hope and peace in Christ. We now pledge ourselves to mirror and reflect the glory of your self-giving love, to continue in the pattern of generosity we see perfectly revealed in Christ, through whom we pray. Amen.
We Go Out to Serve
**Hymn Come, Christians, Join to Sing #150
**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