GATHERING
GREETINGAND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.
PRELUDE Kathy Nash
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Gather together to worship God!
People: We gather to reunite with God’s purposes.
Leader: Gather together to walk with Christ!
People: We gather to make our way to the cross.
Leader: Gather together as disciples committed to holy life!
People: We gather to live the faith fully in our lives.
INVOCATION
The church opens wide its doors and bids you welcome. In this time of worship, may you find solace for your sadness, hope for your brokenness and the courage to continue on your journey of faith. Amen.
*PRAISE MUSIC “Amazing Grace” UMH 378
PSALM 107 responsive UMH 830
HYMN: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” UMH 365
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
OFFERING PRAYER
Help us give and count not the cost, and love without boundaries and stipulations. As we are transformed by your love, Lord, so may our gifts and our lives transform our world. Amen.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“Glory Be To The Father” UMH 71
CONFESSION AND PARDON
Forgiving God, we come before you as sinners who hate to admit our sin. We are aware that we participate in small crucifixions in our lives, sometimes by remaining silent in the face of injustice. We are quick to point fingers at other’s offenses, and we are quick to take offense. We show little grace and yet hope for your grace to be bestowed upon us. This season, may we change our ways as we walk the path of repentance. Amen.
In the name of Christ, against whom the greatest offense was given in the midst of innocence, we are forgiven.
PASTORAL PRAYER
God of great love, take hold of our hearts and let us sit here in the stillness of your presence as we turn our souls to you. Help us to be still…and discover the mystery of the living Christ within us. Inspire us to turn ourselves inside out in service to you. As we clean our homes, commute to our offices, work in our gardens, sit at our desks and answer our e-mails, may we honor you. As we read to our children, greet our neighbors, walk in the park and shop in the mall, may we honor you. At work or at play, take hold of our hearts, O God, and awaken us to the presence of your love. May your love spill over into our lives in such a way that it lightens the path and eases the burdens of each person we meet. We pray in the name of the one who came as the light of the world, as love incarnate, Jesus the Christ who taught us to say when we pray…(The Lord’s Prayer) Our Father who art in heaven
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Merciful Savior, you spoke a word and light appeared in the darkness. We pray that you would speak to us now, that your word may again illuminate our lives and our world. May the same power that separated day from night and flung billions of stars into place, ignite within us a desire to hear, know and obey your word.
GOSPEL LESSON: John 3:14-21 PB, pg. 89
THE MESSAGE: Rev. John Jenkins
*HYMN: “To God Be The Glory” UMH 98
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG
Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom,
Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.
*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.