GATHERING
GREETING
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The risen Christ is with us.
Praise the Lord!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PRELUDE Patty Bell
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” UMH 103
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in Jesus Christ, our Savior and the foundation of our faith.
We believe that we are the temple of God and that God’s Spirit lives in us.
We believe that God’s temple is sacred, and we are the temple.
We believe we are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
—based on 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
PSALM 119:33-40 PB, pg. 543OT
Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain. Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways. Confirm to your
servant your promise, which is for those who fear you. Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good. See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.
HYMN: “Be Thou My Vision” UMH 451
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, you ask us to forgive—as you so generously forgive us.
Instead we hold on to our anger, slights and grudges. If we don’t let them
go, we can focus on the anger instead of the pain. Holding on to them also
gives us a sense of power; so we let those feelings—instead of joy—rule
our lives. We choose not to share the grace we have experienced or follow
the example we’ve been taught. Change our hearts so we aren’t consumed
by animosity and pain. Forgive us the harm we cause when we are
unrepentant and unforgiving. May our lives reflect the forgiveness we
have received from you. Amen.
PARDON
In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“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.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Father, as we come to your Word today, give us a fresh insight. We invite your Holy Spirit to come guide us as we read, listen and respond to your truths. The Word of God is a gift and we thank you for revealing yourself to us through it. May we leave here changed because we have experienced the power of your Word today. Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 5:38-48 PB, pg. 4NT
EPISTLE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 PB, pg. 157NT
THE MESSAGE Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
*RESPONSE HYMN: “Jesu, Jesu” UMH 432
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “Sanctuary” Renew 185
Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tired and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.