GATHERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE Patty Bell
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Lamb Of God” Renew 214
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts to the Lord.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
OPENING PRAYER
O great and glorious ruler of the universe and ruler of our hearts, each and every day, we, your people, are judged. We are judged by others, and we are judged by ourselves. But what are we measuring ourselves against? Are we just trying to keep up with society? Are we seeking approval of our teachers, our bosses, our neighbors or our friends—more than we seek your approval, God? Help us sense again that still, soft voice that beckons us to a new reality, a new way of measuring ourselves. Not by the car we drive or our zip code but by the condition of our souls and by how we treat others. God, speak to us again your high callings and remind us who our judge really is. We pray that you will walk with us each and every step, as we work to live up to your heavenly standards. Amen.
HYMN: “Hosanna To The Living King” Renew 72
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON: Luke 12:13-21 PB, pg. 70NT
EPISTLE LESSON: Colossians 3:1-11 PB, pg. 189NT
THE MESSAGE
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
CALL TO CONFESSION
The God who created us and knows our every weakness is also the God who redeems us. With confidence, let us confess the sins that separate us from God and one another.
Please be in silence before God for moment.
CONFESSION AND PARDON
Mighty and merciful God, forgive us. We are so easily swayed by advertisements, magazine articles and TV shows that tell us “me” is important. We eagerly look for ways to improve what the media says, and what we believe, are our external flaws—failing to remember that we’re part of your creation and that all you created is good. Our focus is on appearance, whether it’s how we look or what we own. We go into debt trying to fulfill our material desires and to impress others, forgetting what is truly of value. In the process, we judge others for what they have or don’t have, failing to see them as your children. Help us turn our attention away from ourselves and toward others. Guide us in using our talents and money wisely and in ways that honor you. May we live our lives in a way that demonstrates that you are our hearts desire. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
The psalmist reminds us that the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. God’s anger does not last forever, nor does God deal with us according to our sins. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is God’s steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far God removes our transgressions from us. Thanks be to God!
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand hath provided; great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
COMMUNION
THANKSGIVING
For the Bread and the Cup
COMMUNION MUSIC
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “Earth This Bread” Renew 228
Eat this bread, drink this cup, come to me and never be hungry. Eat this bread, drink this cup, trust in Me and you will not thirst.
*BLESSING
Thursday, August 5th, the Pink Heals Tour will be at the Big Steps on Main Street in Jerome to launch their nationwide tour in support of Women and the fight against Cancer. These fire fighters and supporters are traveling on pink Fire Engines to raise awareness and money for the fight against cancer. From 4 to 7 pm. there will be a $5 dinner sponsored by the Town of Jerome. Donations of desert items are requested. See Vicki.
HAVEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
597 Main St., P. O. Box 186, Jerome, AZ 86331
Office 928-639-3871, Thurs. 9-1.
August 1, 2010
Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
The mission of Haven United Methodist Church:
Reaching out in specific acts of love;
Encouraging spiritual growth—finding a close,
joyous relationship with God.