GATHERING
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Love is the key that can open another’s heart.
Our goal is to love one another as Christ has loved us.
Therefore, be assured that all are lovingly welcomed to God’s house.
Let us rejoice together now!
PRELUDE Patty Bell
LITANY
One: We are called to be faithful followers of the living God
All: God’s faithfulness to us calls for a faithful response!
One: Even when we cannot see where we are going, God is faithfully
leading us.
All: We trust in God, and God will not disappoint us.
One: Our trials and difficulties do not diminish our hope.
All: Faith is believing in what we do not see.
One: Our faith stands firm. We are confident in God’s love.
All: Like Moses, let us be found faithful, holding fast to God’s promises and mercy. (Based on Deuteronomy 34:1-12)
OPENING HYMN : “Pass It On” UMH 572
INVOCATION
Holy God we receive your invitation to worship you with joy and thanks. We enter your presence to acknowledge you as our Creator, redeemer, rock and guide. You alone are holy and worthy of the devotion and adoration of our hearts. We thank you for your presence which is constant, your grace which is limitless, your love which is unending. We praise you for your mighty acts, your faithful word and your ageless wisdom. Prepare our hearts that in this hour all that we do may honor you as Lord. Amen.
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
PSALM 90:1-6, 13-17 PB, pg. 525
HYMN: “Jesu, Jesu” UMH 432
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERING PRAYER
God of miracles, multiply these gifts in ways that we cannot fathom.
Make them be for the world the very blessing that it needs. Amen.
*RECEIVING OUR OFFERING: Renew 26
Jesus, name above all names, beautiful Savior, glorious Lord. Emmanuel, God is with us, blessed Redeemer, Living Word.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMUNATION
Merciful Savior, as Simon Peter recognized, you alone have the words of eternal life. As the word is spoken before us, we ask that it would penetrate our hearts, enliven our minds, infuse our spirits and encourage our souls. We thank you that it continues to speak to us in the joys and struggles of our 21st century lives, and we open ourselves now to receive the truth you would have us hear. Amen.
EPISTLE LESSON: 1Thessalonians 2:1-8 PB, pg. 190
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 22:34-46 PB, pg. 23
THE MESSAGE: District Superintendent Rev. Gary Kennedy
SENDING FORTH
*CLOSING HYMN: “The Gift Of Love” UMH 408
*CIRCLE SONG: “Blest Be The Tie” UMH 557
Blest be the tie that finds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
*BLESSING