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: Human Relations Day
PRELUDE Patty Bell
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Just As I Am” UMH 357 v. 1,3,5,6
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Blessed are those who give themselves over to God,
Women: Who turn their backs on the world’s “sure thing,”
Men: Who ignore what the world worships.
Leader: Nothing and no one comes close to you.
Women: I start talking about you, telling what I know, and quickly run out of words.
Men: Neither numbers nor words account for you.
Leader: You are not impressed by what I do for you or what I can bring to you.
Women: You are not interested in religious and pious platitudes.
Men: A listening ear and an open heart are the offerings you seek.
Leader: I have proclaimed you to everyone I know.
Women: I have not kept the news of your faithfulness a secret.
Men: I share the truth of your love and grace.
All: Now, Lord, pour out your mercy upon us; we are in your hands.
Based on Psalm 40, the Message.
HYMN : “Here I Am, Lord” UMH 593
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, one by one the disciples left all they had to follow the long
awaited Messiah. You promised them hardship, rejection, loss of comfort,
hostility, suffering and, finally, a cross to carry. We give lip service to
following you but complain when it is difficult; worry when we cannot see
where you are leading, question “why” when suffering inevitably comes; and
choose to ignore the parts of the gospel that disrupt our sense of security.
Forgive us, Lord. Forgive our selfish desire to have it both ways—to follow
but not at a cost; to claim you but not risk anything on your behalf; to embrace
new life without experiencing the garden of Gethsemane. Remind us that we
live not for ourselves but for the world, in your stead. We are entitled to share
in your joy only as we share also in your suffering. Give us boldness and
courage, by the power of your Spirit, to be your disciples in truth and deed, not
just in word. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The Lord is slow to anger and quick to forgive. Friends, hear the good news
and receive it with joy; In Jesus Christ we receive pardon from sin and
freedom to live as new creations. Alleluia! Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“Doxology” UMH 70
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Isaiah 49:1-7 PB, pg. 644OT
GOSPEL LESSON: John 1:29-42 PB, pg. 87NT
THE MESSAGE: Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
HYMN RESPONSE: “Lamb Of God” Renew 214
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” UMH 672
God be with you till we meet again; by His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.
*BLESSING
———————————————————————————————–