GATHERING
GREETINGAND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The risen Christ is with us.
Praise the Lord!
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH UMH 888
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Praise To The Lord, The Almighty” UMH 139
PSALM 147 Responsive UMH 859-860
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
HYMN: “Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross” UMH 301
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” UMH 349
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Isaiah 40:21-31 PB, pg. 634
SCRIPTURE MESSAGE Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
RESPONSE: “Take Our Bread” UMH 640
COMMUNION
INVITATION
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
Holy One, we are weary, we often believe we are alone, and we feel caught on a treadmill we can’t get off. We’re running a race—but we don’t know where the finish line is, or have any idea what the prize is for completing the race. We have taken our eyes off of you, the one who designed the course and sets the pace. Rather than setting our sights on you, rather than determining our priorities through our faith, we have allowed ourselves to be led by the values of the society, and whatever new shiny thing grabs our attention. Forgive us for our lack of faith. Help us to turn back to you—the source of our existence and our strength. Trusting in your providence, confident you will carry us in times of sorrow, assured you will provide all the strength we need. Amen.
Beloved, Isaiah says, “Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” The God who created you and knows you by name sent his Son to redeem you, and not to condemn. In Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Alleluia! Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING UMH 9-10
THE LORD’S PRAYER UMH 10-11
RECEIVING THE BREAD AND CUP
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
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*Stand as you are able. The quiet room is available in the back of the sanctuary if needed.
Bulletin/ sermon used by permission from Homiletics.