GATHERING

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE Patty Bell

*PRAISE MUSIC: “How Great Thou Art” UMH 77

INVOCATION:

God of grace and power, your people have gathered here to be close to you, to hear again the words of faith and hope, to sing again the words of praise and to be challenged to serve. We are people who like the routines, who like our comfortable ruts. Many people today around the globe risk their lives for the gospel. And here we sit, many of us more worried about the clothes we’re wearing or what we’re going to eat for lunch, than our worship of you. Challenge our faith, God. Rekindle in us the passion of your word. Help us see again your vision for us and your church as we together worship you. Amen.

LITANY

Leader: Amid the worst of situations,

People: God speaks to us.

Leader: The Word of God commands us to live a life of boldness with faith,

People: Not a life of shame out of fear.

Leader: For even in the midst of the worst situation,

People: God still has a plan for us.

Leader: Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

TIME WITH THE YOUTH

PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD

GOSPEL LESSON: Luke 17:5-10 PB, pg. 76

EPISTLE LESSON: 2Timothy 1:1-14 PB, pg. 198

THE MESSAGE: Why Church? Reason four: Mentors

HYMN RESPONSE: “One Bread, One Body” UMH 620

PRAYERS AND OFFERING

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns

PASTORAL PRAYER

RECEIVING OUR OFFERING

* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING

“Glory Be To The Father” UMH 70

SENDING FORTH

*BENEDICTION:

Our mission, if we choose to accept it, is to live a life of complete commitment to the way and the leading of Jesus. It’s a life that will lead us to places we never would’ve chosen for ourselves. It’s a life that will lead us to do things in Christ’s name that we never would’ve chosen for ourselves. If you can say, “I am where I am today only because of the leading of God,” then you, too, have chosen to live a life committed to the way of Christ. Go forth as people who live the dangerous calling of Christ. Amen.

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BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

A Reading: Genesis 1: 20-25

Prayer for Pets:

Leader: Almighty and everlasting God, Creator of all things and giver of all life, let your blessing be upon all these animals. May our relationships with them mirror your love, and our care for them be an example of your bountiful mercy. Grant the animals’ health and peace. Strengthen us to love and care for them as we strive to imitate the love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You are welcome to bring your pet forward for an individual blessing.

MUSIC: “The Friendly Beasts” UMH 227

The Dismissal

Leader: Go in Peace to love and serve the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God

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Companionship following blessing: please stay and enjoy

(Treats for animals and humans have been prepared with great love for all)