Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude & Gathering
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Almighty Father, whose sacred Word brought this universe into being, and whose divine Will sustains all life, we approach You as humble servants and children, as disciples and followers of Christ. Everlasting God, Your ways are never thwarted, and Your works signify Your immortal greatness; we applaud Your plan of salvation, and we exalt You above all others.
People: Gracious Father, before we knew You, we were enemies of Your kingdom, and even rebelled against Your Son. We have been reckless with our faith, and wasteful with our lives. We constantly surrender to temptation and give way to our fears. Merciful Lord, save us from our sinful and selfish ways. Keep us from damaging our souls and blemishing our spirits. We ask for forgiveness and seek Your grace. Hear us now as we silently confess to You.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Heavenly Father, without Jesus as our Savior, we would be cast away from Your loving presence forever. Without His sacrifice, we would have no opportunity to be forgiven, nor would we ever be restored to Your everlasting kingdom. Thank You for giving Jesus to us, in whose words we continue to pray, saying, "Our Father, …:THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus challenged the people, rulers, and leaders of His day, asking them to repent of their sins and be restored to God. Today, we face the same challenges from Christ. We have humbly confessed our sins and sought His mercy. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our Savior and through Him we are totally accepted by God.
Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
Family Sermon (parents and all children, including Elementary school students come forward)
Encountering God
Choir Anthem
Minute for Mission; VBS
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We revere the Lord and seek His blessings; we come into His presence and abide in Him. May the Lord grant us health and healing, strength and support. May the fruits of our prayers enhance our faith and increase our devotion to Him.
People: May our loved ones and siblings, our families and friends receive help and power, energy and determination to overcome their illnesses and anxieties, their troubles and worries. O Lord, we seek peace for our souls, health for our hearts, and strength for our minds.
Pastor: Gracious God, have mercy upon us as we ask for healing. May we experience Your Holy Spirit within us and let us be restored physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Hear us now as we silently pray, for our loved ones and neighbors, our families and ourselves.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
All: May the LORD favor us with His blessings of health and strength. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 128)
Singing of “Jesus Draw me Close”
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, You inspired Christ’s first to spread the Good News and to proclaim the victory of God's Kingdom over all the earth. Lift up our spirits in the same ways, and rekindle our faith through the lessons that we read, hear, and accept. In Christ's Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings, Sermon, & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication: (unison)
Lord Jesus, we have sang Your praises and received Your message. We have been empowered by Your Spirit and embraced by God. Take these gifts and tokens, tithes and offerings as our cheerful response to Your Word and our grateful thanks for Your Love. Bless them for the continuing work of the Gospel, the glorifying of God's kingdom, and the praising of Your Holy Name. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: (unison) May Christ continue to welcome us into His flock; may the Father enhance our faith and friendships in Him; and may the Holy Spirit challenge and convert our ways, so that we may glorify, worship and serve the One, Triune, and Living God forevermore. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
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