GATHERING
GREETINGAND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Christ the King Sunday
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The risen Christ is with us.
Praise the Lord!
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Let the trumpet blast! Let the ram’s horn sound!
People: Christ the King reigns over all.
Leader: Let the earth shout and the heavens declare:
People: Christ the King reigns over all.
Leader: Let the mountains and rivers and seas proclaim:
People: Christ the King reigns over all.
Leader: Let the angels and the archangels, cherubim and seraphim announce the news:
People: Christ the King reigns over all.
Leader: Let the people of God join the everlasting refrain:
People: Christ the King reigns over all.
*PRAISE MUSIC: “We Gather Together” UMH 131
INVOCATION
Holy Shepherd, we gather to worship you as grateful members of your flock. We are secure in the knowledge that each one of us is precious in your sight; trusting in the understanding that you will never stop searching for any who are lost. We praise you with unbounding joy, knowing there is truly no God but you. Amen.
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
PSALM 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
HYMN: “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service” UMH 581
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 PB, pg. 761
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 25:31-46 PB, pg. 27
THE MESSAGE: Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
*HYMN RESPONSE: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” UMH 196
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
CONFESSION
Mighty and merciful God, in our minds, we believe we are attentive to those who are hungry and thirsty, welcoming to strangers we encounter, caregivers for those who are ill and friend to those who are imprisoned. But in our hearts, we know that we more often avert our eyes, pretending not to see the homeless person, avoiding anyone who is different, and staying away from those who are suffering because we don’t know what to say. Forgive us for when we did not recognize you in the face of a stranger and failed to care for those in need. Open our hearts so that we might see the stranger with your eyes and strive to be your hands and feet in the world. Amen
PARDON
Friends, do not be held captive by your sin! God sent Jesus to free us, not to condemn us. Believe in the Good News of the gospel! In Christ, the King of Kings, you are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“Glory Be to The Father” UMH 70
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “Shalom To You” UMH 666
Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends. My God’s full mercies bless you, my friends. In all your living and through your loving, Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
*BLESSING