GATHERING
GREETING
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE Patty Bell
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross” UMH 301
LITANY
Call: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.
Response: May Christ shine on us.
Call: He redeemed our souls from going down to the pit, and we will live to enjoy the light.
Response: May Christ shine on us.
Call: For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.
Response: May Christ shine on us.
—Based on Isaiah 9:2: Job 33:28; Matthew 5:14; Ephesians 5:8,14.
OPENING PRAYER
Leader: Dear heavenly Father, our hearts ache. We are weary and worn. So, as
we gather together today, we are reminded of the sweet words of the psalmist.
And we pray together:
All: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all he days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.
—based on Psalm 23
HYMN: “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service” UMH 581
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit,
that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed,
we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
EPISTLE LESSON: Ephesians 5:8-14 PB, pg. 183NT
THE MESSAGE: Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
*HYMN RESPONSE: “Just As I Am” UMH 357
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“Open Our Eyes, Lord” Renew 91
COMMUNION AND SENDING FORTH
COFESSION AND PARDON UMH 12
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING UMH 13
THE LORD’S PRAYER UMH 14
*CIRCLE SONG: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” UMH 349
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
*BLESSING
———————————————————————————————–
Bulletin and sermon used by permission from Homiletics.