GATHERING
Laity Sunday
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
PRELUDE Patty Bell
*PRAISE MUSIC “For the Beauty of the Earth”” UMH 92
CALL TO WORSHIP: Liturgist
Leader: “How lovely are Thy dwelling places, Oh Lord of hosts!
People: My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;
Leader: My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
People: The Bird has also found a house and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine altars,
Leader: O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God.
People: How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
Leader: They are ever praising Thee.
All: How blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Psalm 84:1-5
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
SONG OF PRAISE “Hymn of Promise” UMH 707
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY
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Meditation
“A society where people do not feel that they benefit from sharing with each other has already begun to break down.” (1)
“The average man does not know what to do with his life, yet wants another one that will last forever.” (2)
“There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.” (3)
***
Pastoral Prayer
The Lords Prayer
CALL TO CONFESSION ? Silence
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
God’s mercy and grace are sure. Believe the good news. In the name Jesus Christ (God’s love made human) you are forgiven! Alleluia! Amen
.RECEIVING OUR OFFERING:
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
Musical Response:
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
GOSPEL LESSON: Luke 18:1-8 PB, pg. 77
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Isaiah 42:1-4 PB, pg. 636
THE MESSAGE: “Don’t Ever Give Up!”
Guest minister, John Jenkins
*HYMN RESPONSE: “Seek Ye First” UMH 405
SENDING FORTH CIRCLE
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS SONG: 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 (holding hands)
POSTLUDE: Patty Bell
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Prayer for Compassion
May I become at all times, both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those who have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need.
The Dalai Lama
*Please stand as you are able.
Meditation sources: (1) David R. Loy; (2) Anatole French; (3) Henry David Thoreau
The window on the front of the bulletin is in Honor of Laura Williams and Thelma K. Ferrel, who in 1953 refused to see the doors of Haven closed. The window was donated by Jim and Carolyn McQuary.
