Welcome to Worship
We gather to worship, we go out to serve.
GATHERING AROUND THE WORD
* Please rise in body or spirit
Tolling of the Bell
Welcome and Announcements
Visitors, fill out the connection card in the pew so we can send you a note
Opening Prayer Linda Thompson
Creator God, in Christ you have shown us the way, revealed to us your truth that love is deepest within us. Open our senses that we may see your path more clearly, know your truth more fully, and receive your life more abundantly; through Christ who dwells with you and the Holy Spirit in eternal glory. Amen.
Prelude Christopher Bunch
*Call to Worship (Responsive) Linda Thompson
As the faithful gather to re-sound the echoes of the eternal in all of God’s glorious creation, Alleluia! Thanks be to God!
*Hymn Holy God, We Praise Your Name #4
Prayer for New Beginnings (Unison) Linda Thompson
Lord Jesus, as we serve you this day, let not our hearts be troubled. Help us to believe with conviction that you are with us, and that your presence walks with us in our ongoing journey of faith. Amen.
*Passing of the Peace (Responsive)
The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
*Congregational Response In My Life #468 v.1,4
In my life, Lord, be glorified; be glorified.
In my life, Lord, be glorified today,
In your world, Lord, be glorified; be glorified.
In your world, Lord, be glorified today.
HEARING THE WORD
Prayer for Illumination Linda Thompson
Loving God, we pray that your Holy Spirit will strengthen us to be devoted to the way of love that resonates with all that you have created. May we be aware of your presence in all that has life and follow the way of love as we seek your presence. Amen.
1st Reading Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16 Linda Thompson
In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Word in Music Christopher Bunch
2nd Reading Acts 7: 55-60
But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon Rev. Jeff Sockwell
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*Hymn Just As I Am, Without One Plea #442
*Affirmation of Faith (Unison) from a Brief Statement of Faith
We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God's image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still.
Prayers of the People / Lord’s Prayer (Responsive)
…Through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who taught us this prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory Christopher Bunch
*Doxology #606
*Prayer of Dedication
WE GO OUT TO SERVE
*Hymn For All the Saints (verses 1, 2, 5) #326
*Blessing
May God, who creates, redeems, and sustains, keep you steadfast in faith, buoyant in hope, and abounding in love. And the blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Postlude Christopher Bunch