Approaching God
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude
Call to Worship
Pastor: This is the Day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
People: We will praise the Lord with all of our hearts; we will humbly serve Him with our lives.
Pastor: The Lord will always be with us; He will lead us throughout our days and years on Earth. Amen.
First Hymn
Prayers of Adoration and Confession
Guide: Almighty God, we gather together in Your Holy house to celebrate the beginning of a New Year. We thank You for sustaining our lives and granting us the constant blessings of Your love, mercy, and grace. Be near to us each day and enable us to serve You faithfully throughout this year.
People: Gracious Father, we are sometimes fearful of the future and worry about things that have yet to occur. When our faith is weak or challenged, be our strength and guide. Forgive us when we falter and help us when we stumble. Pardon our foolish notions and forgive our selfish ways. Hear us now as we inwardly confess our sins to You.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Loving Lord, even though we are unworthy, You have allowed Your Son to forgive our sins, restart our lives, and restore us to Your favor. We are thankful for His sacrifice and will be eternally grateful for Your love. In Christ’s Name, we make these confessions and continue to pray in His words saying, “Our Father...THE LORD'S PRAYER” (debts/debtors).
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus invites us to come to Him, to receive the blessings of grace, so we can be reclaimed for the kingdom of God. By His invitation, we can be with Him eternally. Through His everlasting mercy, we can come into the holy presence of God. So let us gladly rejoice and be truly thankful that Christ is our Lord and immortal King. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung unison): 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)
Choir Anthem
Encountering God
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: Heavenly Father, You know the burdens we carry in our hearts and the worries that trouble our minds. We pray for Your peace to settle our spirits and calm our souls. We pray for strength and healing to overcome the brokenness in our lives. We ask for mercy and grace to allow us the opportunity to begin again.
People: Gracious God, we also pray for our families and friends. You know that some of them are troubled or ill, in need of guidance and longing for help. Bless them with Your power and love. Permit them renewal and restoration, healing and strength. Hear us now as we silently pray in our hearts for Your help.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: We will confidently praise the Lord and proclaim all the great things He has done in each of our lives. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Singing of “Sanctuary.”
Prayer of Illumination
Reader: Holy Spirit, may these sacred words penetrate our hearts and minds. May we receive the goodness and guidance that God’s Word offers to us on this holy day. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings
The Message
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication (unison – led by the pastor): Lord Jesus, we gladly bring our tithes and offerings to You. We pray that You will bless them for the continuing work of this church, the sharing of Your Gospel, and the proclaiming of God’s Kingdom through our ministries and missions, programs and projects. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ's hope fill each day of our lives; may the Father continue to share His blessings amongst us; and may the Holy Spirit increase our faith in the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
Doxology & Postlude
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