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!
HYMN: “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” UMH 526
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER UMH 894
As we walk into this place of prayer, O God, help us to still our minds and
open our hearts. In these times when we have doled out judgment rather than
justice, righteousness instead of compassion and bigotry instead of
benevolence.
Let us breathe in your forgiveness and show mercy to those who have treated
us less than mercifully. Enable us to extend forgiveness to those who seem
undeserving in our sight. Help us to give of ourselves without counting the
cost as we love people into life. Grant us the grace to see others as you do and
to follow Jesus, who came that we might know what a life of love looks like. It
is in his name that we pray the perfect prayer: Our Father…
PSALM 111: Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of honor and majesty is his work, and all righteousness endures forever. He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
HYMN: “To God Be The Glory” Renew 258
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Lord of our lives, we know you are always present to us. Help us be present to you as we prepare to hear your word as revealed in the Scriptures. Keep us alert that we might hear, and hearing, respond. Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON: Mark 1: 21-28 PB, pg. 33
EPISTLE LESSON: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 PB, pg. 161
THE MESSAGE: Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
RESPONSE TO THE WORD: AFFIRMATION OF FAITH UMH 886
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
CONFESSION AND PARDON: Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelledagainst your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have notheard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
In the name in Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
OFFERING PRAYER
We offer our gifts in gratitude for all you have given us, loving God. We are amazed at your wondrous love which includes instead of excludes and tempers justice with mercy. How grateful we are for your unconditional acceptance. With our gifts we give our lives, that we might go and do likewise in the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“Through It All” UMH 507
Through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God; through it all, through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon God’s word.
CLOSING HYMN: “Be Thou My Vision” UMH 451
SENDING FORTH
CIRCLE SONG: “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” UMH 557
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
*BLESSING
Bulletin/ sermon used by permission from Homiletics.