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 Rev. Gene Risch
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: The warmth of the shining sun…
People: Reflects the warmth of God’s love for us.
Leader: The refreshing water of the gently flowing stream…
People: Reflects God’s cleansing and renewing grace.
Leader: The rush of a mighty wind…
People: Reflects God’s powerful Spirit, present in each of us.
All: Let us worship God, who nurtures and sustains us!
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” UMH 140
OPENING PRAYER
Holy God, you are God alone. Creator of the universe and all that is in it, you have blessed us with everything we need. You have given us a gift of grace we don’t deserve. Our hearts filled with joy! We worship you and sing your praise, remembering your mighty deeds throughout history. All glory and honor are yours. Amen.
PSALM 138 PB, pg. 552
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
HYMN: “My Hope Is Built” UMH 368
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.
GOSPEL LESSON: Mark 3:20-35 PB, pg. 35
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 PB, pg. 170
THE MESSAGE
HYMN RESPONSE: “Christ Loves The church” UMH 590
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
OFFERTORY PRAYER: Father, you have blessed us beyond measure, and you have called us to worship. May our gifts flow from hearts of worship to the One who provides all we need. May we never forget that all we have is yours. Take it and use it according to your will. Amen.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING UMH 71
“Glory Be to the Father”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Call
If the Lord should mark our iniquities, then, who could stand before the Lord? Instead, the Lord offers forgiveness to us so that God may be revered. Trusting in that forgiveness, let us confess our sins.
Prayer
Gracious God, forgive us. We place our trust in things that are fleeting, rather than in you and the sure promises you offer. We focus on the things that are before us, getting bogged down in the mundane and the trials of the moment. We fail to remember to set our sights on you. Forgive our doubt, our lack of hope, our fear. Restore our hearts that we might worship you fully. Redeem us so we can be a sign of your love to others who doubt. Amen.
Response
Beloved, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. It is he who will redeem us from all iniquities. Thanks be to God! Amen. (based on Psalm 130)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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
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*Stand as able. The quiet room is available in the back of the sanctuary if needed..