GATHERING
GREETING and ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE Patty Bell
*PRAISE MUSIC: “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” UMH 298
LITANY
Leader: Let us praise the Lord for the love that he has shown us in Jesus Christ.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Let all that is within me praise his holy name.
Leader: Let us bless the Lord for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to cleanse and empower us.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Let all that is within me praise his holy name.
Leader: Let us bless the Lord for his victory over sin and death.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Let all that is within me praise his holy name.
Leader: Let us praise the Lord for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Let all that is within me praise his holy name.
Leader: Let us bless the Lord for the resurrection of the dead.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Let all that is within me praise his holy name.
Leader: Let us praise the Lord for the community of the faithful.
People: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Let all that is within me praise his holy name.
Leader: Let us praise the Lord for his call to serve the world in his mission.
People; Bless the Lord, O my soul. Let all that is within me praise his holy name.
INVOCATION
Risen Savior, we gather in your name with songs of thanksgiving. While all once seemed lost, we now know that what you told us is the truth. The words you said about dying in order to rise again have come true. As we gather to hear the story that is central to our faith, we pray that you would come amongst us in such a way so that when we leave this place, you and this story might also be central to our lives.Amen.
PSALM 66:8-20 PB, pg. 508
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
HYMN: “How Can We Name A Love” UMH 111
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
CONFESSION and PARDON UMH 12
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
Holy God, you have called us not only to be disciples but to make disciples. Help us to be grounded in your Word and recognize where you are at work in each of our lives. Let your light and love shine through us so our lives are witness to your glory. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We are thankful for the men and women who serve in our armed forces. This weekend, we especially remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. May we never forget the sacrifice they made on our behalf. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Grant wisdom and discernment to those who face difficult decisions. Enable them to think clearly and have confidence in the process. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Comfort all who grieve: those who mourn the loss of a loved one, as well as those who mourn changes in life circumstances. May they find hope in the promise of the resurrection. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Bring healing and grace to those who are recovering from surgery or illness, those who are exhausted and worn down, and into all the broken places in our lives. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, giver of light and life, we give you thanks for the joys in our lives: for this community, for our families and friends, for the pleasure of an early summer day and the blessing of being Easter people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
OFFERING RESPONSE 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
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Acts 17:22-31 PB, pg. 130
GOSPEL LESSON: John 14:15-21 PB, pg. 104
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