GATHERING
GREETING
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
PRELUDE Patty Bell
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Oh For A Thousand Tongues To Sing” UMH 57
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
Leader: Our God is blessed and is a blessing to all peoples!
People: God lavishes spiritual blessings upon us.
Leader: What are these spiritual blessings?
People: The Lord chose us for his own even before the world came into being.
Leader: Through Jesus Christ, we are adopted into God’s family.
People: Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are redeemed and forgiven people!
Leader: God’s grace sets us free to live abundant, whole lives.
People: God even opens to us the mysteries of his will.
Leader: We are heirs of Christ and will receive an inheritance with him.
People: We are part of God’s eternal plan and purposes.
Leader: Our hope is in the saving work and person of Christ.
People: The Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation.
Leader: Glory to God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
People: Our God is blessed and is a blessing to all peoples!
HYMN: “Spirit Of God Descend Upon My Heart” UMH 500
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: John 1:1-9, 10-18 PB, pg. 221
EPISTLE LESSON: Ephesians 3:1-12 PB, pg. 181
THE MESSAGE: Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
*HYMN RESPONSE: “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” UMH 514
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
Holy God, we are awed and humbled that Jesus Christ left the throne room of heaven, became flesh and lived among us. Thank you for demonstrating who you are and what it means that we’re created in your divine image. Our understanding is still partial and imperfect, and our expressions of divine purpose and grace are far from being fully authentic and whole. Yet, Christ’s presence among us is an example that continues to inspire us, compel us and move us to be manifestations of your love and mercy. By your Spirit, empower us to be children of the light, radiant with the spirit of Christ shining through us. Amen.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
COMMUNION AND SENDING FORTH
CONFESSION AND PARDON UMH 12
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING UMH 13
*CIRCLE SONG: “Through It All” UMH 507
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God; through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon God’s word.
*BLESSING
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