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: Give praise to the LORD, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done.
Many: Praise the LORD!
One: Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.
Many: Praise the LORD!
One: Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Many: Praise the LORD!
One: Look to the LORD and his strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced.
Many: Praise the LORD!
–Based on Psalm 105:1-5, 45b
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Christ For The World We Sing” UMH 568
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: “Come, Christians, Join To Sing” UMH 158
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
CONFESSION
Gracious God, we confess our greed to you. We spend our days striving
and working toward wealth that is temporal, wealth that does not bring
eternal joy. We are more concerned with the condition of the souls who do
not know you. We confess that we forget just how good the Good News of
the gospel really is. Give us hearts for the kingdom. Let us seek only the
treasure that comes from knowing you. Thank you for your forgiveness.
We are not worthy, but you are merciful and we are so grateful. 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
THE LORD’S PRAYER
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“Spirit Of The Living God” UMH 393
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Lord, open our hearts and minds, that by the power of your Holy Spirit, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed we may hear what have to say to us this day. Amen
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Romans 8:26-39 PB, pg. 148
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 PB, pg. 13
THE MESSAGE Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
*HYMN RESPONSE: “Just As I Am, Without One Plea” UMH 357
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “Into My Heart”
Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus. Come in today, come in to stay, come into my heart Lord Jesus.
*BLESSING