GATHERING
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The risen Christ is with us.
Praise the Lord!
PRELUDE Patty Bell
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us enter God’s presence for worship!
Many: We gather for praise, prayer and communion with the Holy One.
One: Let us proclaim this God whom we worship.
Many: God is the mighty One, our Protector and Shield, our Redeemer and Friend.
One: The Lord is sovereign, the Prince of Peace, the Bread of life.
Many: God is full of majesty; he deserves all honor; he is ruler over all.
One: He is creator and sustainer, ever present, all-powerful.
Many: The Lord is our hope, the giver of life, the judge of all ages.
One: God is the Great I Am, the first and the last, the Good Shepherd.
Many: He is everlasting Father, the living water; counselor and comforter.
One: Great is the Lord and greatly to be praise!
Many: Let us worship the Lord our God!
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Wonderful Words Of Life” UMH 600
INVOCATION
We gather together with grateful hearts in this sacred space, O God, Awaken us to hear your call for our lives and help us listen with our hearts as well as our minds. Instill in us a desire to follow you with determination and purpose through Christ our Lord.
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
HYMN: “Thy Word Is A Lamp” UMH 601
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
CALL TO CONFESSION
Like Esau, at times we, too, are caught up in the pressures and stresses of the moment. We act hastily, rashly and thoughtlessly, saying and doing things we later regret. Let us come before God to confess these sins.
CONFESSION
Merciful Savior, we confess that in the heat of the moment we allow our
tempers. Our impatience and our selfishness to overcome the heart of
goodness and compassion you have created with us. We respond in ways
that hurt one another and do not honor you. We confess that though we
long to have a mind of Christ and respond in all situations as he has
modeled for u, we sometimes fail. We are short-sighted, forgetful and
fearful. We ask for your forgiveness, Lord. Restore to us the joy of your
salvation and the love of all humankind. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE: Friends, we have the assurance that Jesus Christ came into the world to forgive sinners. Hear the good news and rejoice: You are forgiven! Hallelujah! Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERTORY PRAYER
We offer our gifts with gratitude that we are able to give. As dedicate our gifts to you, gracious God, let us also dedicate our lives to making the kingdom come in all that we do. Amen.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING UMH 420 v.1
Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Genesis 25:19-34 PB, pg. 21
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Romans 8:1-11 PB, pg. 148
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
THE MESSAGE Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
*HYMN RESPONSE: “Spirit Song” UMH 347
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “Surely The Presence” UMH 328
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place; I can feel his mighty power and His grace. I can hear the brush of angels’ wings. I see glory on each face; surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
*BLESSING