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
Lord, open to us the sea of your mercy, and water us with full streams from the riches of your grace and the springs of your kindness. Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace; kindle in us the fire of your love, and strengthen our weakness by your power as we become close to you and to each other. Amen.
**Responsive Call to Worship Please stand in body or spirit as you are able.
O God, your constant love reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness extends to the skies.
Your righteousness towers like the mountains, your justice is deeper than the sea.
All find protection under the shadow of your wings. We feast on the abundance you provide.
You are the source of all life, and in your light, we see light.
**Opening Hymn Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers #15
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 24:1-6
Instrumental Anthem
New Testament Reading Revelation 21:1-6
Sermon A New Thing Rev. Morris
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
...using the prayer Your Son taught us to pray, Our Father...
**Hymn Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us #387
**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
O Mighty One, you have done great things for us, and holy is your name. Bless all we offer you— our selves, our time, and our possessions— that through us your grace and favor may be made known to all the world, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
We Go Out to Serve
**Hymn Fairest Lord Jesus #306
**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