Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 6)
Pastor: Be merciful to us, O Lord. In our weakness, become our strength.
People: Turn, O Lord, and deliver us. Hear our prayers and praises.
Pastor: May the Lord be pleased with our worship. May we delight in His bountiful favor. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Almighty God, whose sacred words are life to the believing soul, and whose eternal ways impact our world; we gather together to praise Your Holy Name and to exalt Your everlasting power.
People: Lord of the Universe, whose infinite strength gives hope to billions of people throughout the earth, we cheerfully lift up our hearts to worship and glorify Your boundless sovereignty.
Guide: Merciful Majesty, despite seeking to faithfully serve You, we still yield to temptation and surrender our lives to selfish acts and sinful ways.
People: Gracious God, we appeal to Your grace and seek Your pardon. We confess our faults and regret our mistakes. Hear us now as we quietly bring our admissions of guilt to You alone.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Heavenly Father, without the love of Your Son Jesus Christ, our hopes would be vanquished and our confessions made in vain.
People: Christ alone is the One who saves us from our sins and restores us to God’s favor. In His everlasting words, we continue to lift up our prayers, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:10)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: How does Christ return us to the blessing of God’s pleasure? By sacrificing Himself in our place and fully atoning for all of our sins. Let us rejoice and be glad of His mercy, which endures for ever. Amen. (John 9:26)
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)
Commissioning of Enrichment Graduates
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We are called to be God’s people, to listen to His words, and to apply His teaching.
People: For generations, our people have known the bounty of hope and the blessing of healing from the LORD.
Pastor: O LORD, we seek to experience Your Holy touch; we pray for recovery, renewal and restoration.
People: We call upon You, O Living God, to show us Your wonders by healing our hearts, mending our minds, and strengthening our spirits
Pastor: Eternal Lord, let miracles of hope and health, of blessing and healing be granted to us and all whom we pray for, on this holy day.
People: May all our loved ones and neighbors, our friends and colleagues trust in Your word and experience deliverance from pain, discomfort, suffering and disease. Hear us now as we quietly pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May the Lord shepherd us to salvation and lead us towards an abundance of health, wholeness and healing. In Jesus’ Name, we ask and pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 78)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, as we read and hear the good news of the Kingdom of God, open our hearts and minds to the living presence of Christ. Enable us to seek His truth and to apply His ways in our daily lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:12)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, You help us wherever we go through life and in times of trouble, You tarry with us. In return, we offer You our lives for service in God’s Kingdom and the spreading of the Gospel. Take our tithes and gifts from our resources; use and bless them for Your continuing work in this congregation and community. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:6)
Communion
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus protect us from all that would persecute our faith and diminish our beliefs; may the Father refresh and strengthen our souls; and may the Holy Spirit continue to keep us in the loving service of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:9)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Monday, August 27, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Sunday prayer - August 26, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude,
Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 5)
Pastor: As we take refuge in You, O Lord, let us be glad; let us ever sing for joy.
People: May You love and embrace us, O Lord, as we rejoice in Your Name.
Pastor: O Lord, bless us and surround us with Your favor throughout this sacred time. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Life Giver and Law Maker of the universe, we come to You with our praise and prayers.
People: Creator and Sustainer of love and life, we bless You with our worship; we exalt You above all else.
Guide: Gracious God, You grieve our sinful ways and are displeased with our selfish deeds.
People: Merciful Father, You mourn our wasted moments and shameful experiences. We silently come to You with our confessions and humbly ask for grace.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, our faith withers and diminishes when we are weak and deceitful. Our hearts and souls are restored to You through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
People: Through Christ alone, we have forgiveness; with Him, we are saved from sin. In His holy words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:9)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Christ makes us see the error of our ways and reveals to us God’s mercy and grace. He alone has the power to cleanse our tarnished souls, and He sanctifies us as God’s children. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our King and everlasting Savior, for ever and ever. Amen. (John 9:25)
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)
Commissioning of Sunday School teachers
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We cry out to God for help; we call upon Him to hear us and help us.
People: In the midst of our distress, we seek the Lord; when we experience anxiety and discomfort, we look for the Lord to heal us.
Pastor: O God, we remember You and recall Your great works. When we are weak and faint, be our strength and salvation.
People: When we are too troubled to speak, let us hear Your peaceful voice; when we are tired and exhausted, bring rest to our bodies and comfort for our souls.
Pastor: Almighty Father, fill us with Your love and heal us by Your grace. Rescue and restore our loved ones from all that harms them in body, mind, heart and spirit.
People: May Your healing mercy and loving compassion touch all those in need of freedom from pain and recovery from illness. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 77)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, enable us to follow Christ through these scriptures. Reveal to us the lessons of faith that we must learn, and the sacred things that we can apply in our every day lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:11)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we go through our lives with Your presence among us each day. In times of trial and trouble, You carry us. In moments of joy and celebration, You bless us. We gladly gather our tithes and gifts before You. Take and bless them for the life, work, and ministry of this church that You have called us to accept and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:5)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus be our Strength when we are weak; may the Father shield us from sin and protect us from despair; and may the Holy Spirit be our Guide and Comforter throughout our days, leading us to that moment in everlasting glory when we will truly worship the One, Triune, and Living God both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:8)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude,
Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 5)
Pastor: As we take refuge in You, O Lord, let us be glad; let us ever sing for joy.
People: May You love and embrace us, O Lord, as we rejoice in Your Name.
Pastor: O Lord, bless us and surround us with Your favor throughout this sacred time. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Life Giver and Law Maker of the universe, we come to You with our praise and prayers.
People: Creator and Sustainer of love and life, we bless You with our worship; we exalt You above all else.
Guide: Gracious God, You grieve our sinful ways and are displeased with our selfish deeds.
People: Merciful Father, You mourn our wasted moments and shameful experiences. We silently come to You with our confessions and humbly ask for grace.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Loving Lord, our faith withers and diminishes when we are weak and deceitful. Our hearts and souls are restored to You through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
People: Through Christ alone, we have forgiveness; with Him, we are saved from sin. In His holy words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:9)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Christ makes us see the error of our ways and reveals to us God’s mercy and grace. He alone has the power to cleanse our tarnished souls, and He sanctifies us as God’s children. Let us rejoice and be glad, for Christ is our King and everlasting Savior, for ever and ever. Amen. (John 9:25)
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)
Commissioning of Sunday School teachers
Encountering God
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We cry out to God for help; we call upon Him to hear us and help us.
People: In the midst of our distress, we seek the Lord; when we experience anxiety and discomfort, we look for the Lord to heal us.
Pastor: O God, we remember You and recall Your great works. When we are weak and faint, be our strength and salvation.
People: When we are too troubled to speak, let us hear Your peaceful voice; when we are tired and exhausted, bring rest to our bodies and comfort for our souls.
Pastor: Almighty Father, fill us with Your love and heal us by Your grace. Rescue and restore our loved ones from all that harms them in body, mind, heart and spirit.
People: May Your healing mercy and loving compassion touch all those in need of freedom from pain and recovery from illness. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 77)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, enable us to follow Christ through these scriptures. Reveal to us the lessons of faith that we must learn, and the sacred things that we can apply in our every day lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:11)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, we go through our lives with Your presence among us each day. In times of trial and trouble, You carry us. In moments of joy and celebration, You bless us. We gladly gather our tithes and gifts before You. Take and bless them for the life, work, and ministry of this church that You have called us to accept and accomplish. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:5)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus be our Strength when we are weak; may the Father shield us from sin and protect us from despair; and may the Holy Spirit be our Guide and Comforter throughout our days, leading us to that moment in everlasting glory when we will truly worship the One, Triune, and Living God both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:8)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday prayers - Aug 19, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 4)
Pastor: May the Lord answer us when we call to Him in our need. May His righteousness be our strength.
People: May the Lord be merciful to us; may He bless our prayers and praise.
Pastor: Let the light of the Lord shine upon us; let us glorify and worship His Name. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Eternal King of the Universe, whose guidance enriches our lives and whose benevolence enhances our spirits, we offer our hearts and love, our devotion and worship to You alone.
People: Almighty Lord of Life, whose ways are mysterious, and yet whose love is evident through creation, we bless You with our praises and exalt Your Holy Name.
Guide: Heavenly Father, when we desert Your commands, You are disappointed with us; when break Your laws, You are hurt with our dishonesty.
People: Gracious Lord, forgive us for despising Your words; pardon us for disrespecting Your sacred scriptures. Hear us now, as we confess our selfish faults and sinful deeds.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Immortal God, only Christ can restore Your covenant with us. Only He has the power to set us on the right path to Your Kingdom.
People: Jesus redeems our sinful souls and reunites us to God’s everlasting love. By His grace, we are no longer enemies of God. In Christ’s words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:8)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus gives glory to God and returns to His favor. In Christ alone, we have the divine opportunity to be forgiven of the past, to be guided at present, and to be welcomed into God’s eternal realm. Let us rejoice and be glad, for in Jesus, Christ, God’s Only Son, we are saved and forgiven, both now and forevermore. Amen. (John 9:24)
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
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In this holy place, God is known. His Name is great among His gathered people.
People: The Lord dwells within our hearts and calls us to this house of prayer and healing.
Pastor: God is our light and salvation. He is majestic and almighty, compassionate and caring.
People: In the midst of our fears, He stands beside us. In times of anger and frustration, He is our strength and peace.
Pastor: Heavenly Lord, heal us and all our loved ones; free us from pain and suffering; restore us to health and strength.
People: Rise up, O Living God, and save us from all of our afflictions. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May the LORD God hear our prayers and fulfill them; may He send us the gift of healing, and release us from our fears. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 76)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, help us to be attentive to the lessons of faith that we are about to read and hear. Reveal to us the teachings of Christ, so that by His great power, we may live our lives in ways that please and honor Him. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:10)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, You have called us to this holy place, to hear the Gospel, and to apply it in our lives. We bring before You our tithes and gifts, our loyalty and devotion. We pray that You will take them for the service of Your Kingdom, the preaching of Your word, and the edifying of Your Church. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:4)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus be the everlasting treasure of our eternal lives; may the Father’s power be evident in all that we say and do; and may the Holy Spirit continue to lead us in ways that bring honor and blessing, power and glory to the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 4)
Pastor: May the Lord answer us when we call to Him in our need. May His righteousness be our strength.
People: May the Lord be merciful to us; may He bless our prayers and praise.
Pastor: Let the light of the Lord shine upon us; let us glorify and worship His Name. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Eternal King of the Universe, whose guidance enriches our lives and whose benevolence enhances our spirits, we offer our hearts and love, our devotion and worship to You alone.
People: Almighty Lord of Life, whose ways are mysterious, and yet whose love is evident through creation, we bless You with our praises and exalt Your Holy Name.
Guide: Heavenly Father, when we desert Your commands, You are disappointed with us; when break Your laws, You are hurt with our dishonesty.
People: Gracious Lord, forgive us for despising Your words; pardon us for disrespecting Your sacred scriptures. Hear us now, as we confess our selfish faults and sinful deeds.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Immortal God, only Christ can restore Your covenant with us. Only He has the power to set us on the right path to Your Kingdom.
People: Jesus redeems our sinful souls and reunites us to God’s everlasting love. By His grace, we are no longer enemies of God. In Christ’s words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:8)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus gives glory to God and returns to His favor. In Christ alone, we have the divine opportunity to be forgiven of the past, to be guided at present, and to be welcomed into God’s eternal realm. Let us rejoice and be glad, for in Jesus, Christ, God’s Only Son, we are saved and forgiven, both now and forevermore. Amen. (John 9:24)
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
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: In this holy place, God is known. His Name is great among His gathered people.
People: The Lord dwells within our hearts and calls us to this house of prayer and healing.
Pastor: God is our light and salvation. He is majestic and almighty, compassionate and caring.
People: In the midst of our fears, He stands beside us. In times of anger and frustration, He is our strength and peace.
Pastor: Heavenly Lord, heal us and all our loved ones; free us from pain and suffering; restore us to health and strength.
People: Rise up, O Living God, and save us from all of our afflictions. Hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: May the LORD God hear our prayers and fulfill them; may He send us the gift of healing, and release us from our fears. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 76)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, help us to be attentive to the lessons of faith that we are about to read and hear. Reveal to us the teachings of Christ, so that by His great power, we may live our lives in ways that please and honor Him. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:10)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, You have called us to this holy place, to hear the Gospel, and to apply it in our lives. We bring before You our tithes and gifts, our loyalty and devotion. We pray that You will take them for the service of Your Kingdom, the preaching of Your word, and the edifying of Your Church. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:4)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May Jesus be the everlasting treasure of our eternal lives; may the Father’s power be evident in all that we say and do; and may the Holy Spirit continue to lead us in ways that bring honor and blessing, power and glory to the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Monday, August 6, 2007
Sunday Prayers - Aug 12, 2007
Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 3)
Pastor: You are the shield around us, O Lord; You bestow glory upon us and lift up our hearts.
People: The Lord sustains us; therefore we will not be afraid.
Pastor: From the Lord comes deliverance; may He be a blessing to all of His people. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Almighty God, whose strength sustains our faith, and whose power inspires our lives, we dedicate this time of worship to You; we devote our prayers and praises to the glorifying of Your Name.
People: Everlasting Father, whose ways display infinite wisdom, and whose deeds declare Your glorious kingdom, we seek to serve You with our hearts; we hope to please You with our lives.
Guide: Merciful Lord, we confess to being fearful instead of faithful; we acknowledge that we still make foolish mistakes and say deceitful words.
People: Gracious God, we lack conviction of our beliefs and commitment to Your Son. We allow ourselves to be persuaded by our pride and shaped by our selfish sins. Silently and personally, we seek forgiveness; hear us as we pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Eternal Father, without Jesus, there would be no peace in our lives. Without His pardon and mercy, we would have no hope of healing the breach between You and us.
People: Jesus is the One who saves us from our sins. To Him alone, we pledge our hearts and souls. In His words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors)
(Isaiah 33:7)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We are all held accountable to God for our personal mistakes and selfish sins. Jesus intervenes on our behalf, claiming us to be His own. In Christ, we are granted forgiveness and restored to God’s joy. Let us rejoice and be glad, for we worship the King of grace and Lord of mercy. Amen. (John 9:23)
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
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We give thanks to You, O God, for You are near, and we glorify Your wonderful deeds.
People: We pray that this sacred moment will become an appointed time of holiness and healing.
Pastor: When we experience fear and confusion, anxiety and worry, You steady our hearts and bring peace to our minds.
People: Wherever we are, You are with us. Whatever we face, You support us.
Pastor: Heavenly Father, examine our hearts and minds, our bodies and souls; heal us of all that harms us.
People: Pour out the blessing of Your healing power upon us and all our loved ones. Restore to health and strength all those for whom we now silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Let us declare the goodness of the Lord forever. May we sing and celebrate His wonderful ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 75)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, reveal to us the true greatness of Christ through these sacred scriptures. Open our hearts and minds to the message of His Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:9)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, You have introduced us to God and sought His approval of our lives. You have blessed us in this life, and seek to reward us in the life to come. We can never repay the everlasting debt that we owe You, but we can give to Your church, to promote the Good news, to expand God’s Kingdom, and to enrich other lives with Your ministry. Take our tithes and gifts, our lives and souls and use them for the glorifying of God in our church, across our community, and throughout the entire world. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:3)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May the light of Christ brighten our lives; may the Father increase our knowledge of His words and ways; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to worship and glorify the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering
Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 3)
Pastor: You are the shield around us, O Lord; You bestow glory upon us and lift up our hearts.
People: The Lord sustains us; therefore we will not be afraid.
Pastor: From the Lord comes deliverance; may He be a blessing to all of His people. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Confession
Guide: Almighty God, whose strength sustains our faith, and whose power inspires our lives, we dedicate this time of worship to You; we devote our prayers and praises to the glorifying of Your Name.
People: Everlasting Father, whose ways display infinite wisdom, and whose deeds declare Your glorious kingdom, we seek to serve You with our hearts; we hope to please You with our lives.
Guide: Merciful Lord, we confess to being fearful instead of faithful; we acknowledge that we still make foolish mistakes and say deceitful words.
People: Gracious God, we lack conviction of our beliefs and commitment to Your Son. We allow ourselves to be persuaded by our pride and shaped by our selfish sins. Silently and personally, we seek forgiveness; hear us as we pray.
- SILENCE -
Guide: Eternal Father, without Jesus, there would be no peace in our lives. Without His pardon and mercy, we would have no hope of healing the breach between You and us.
People: Jesus is the One who saves us from our sins. To Him alone, we pledge our hearts and souls. In His words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors)
(Isaiah 33:7)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: We are all held accountable to God for our personal mistakes and selfish sins. Jesus intervenes on our behalf, claiming us to be His own. In Christ, we are granted forgiveness and restored to God’s joy. Let us rejoice and be glad, for we worship the King of grace and Lord of mercy. Amen. (John 9:23)
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
Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: We give thanks to You, O God, for You are near, and we glorify Your wonderful deeds.
People: We pray that this sacred moment will become an appointed time of holiness and healing.
Pastor: When we experience fear and confusion, anxiety and worry, You steady our hearts and bring peace to our minds.
People: Wherever we are, You are with us. Whatever we face, You support us.
Pastor: Heavenly Father, examine our hearts and minds, our bodies and souls; heal us of all that harms us.
People: Pour out the blessing of Your healing power upon us and all our loved ones. Restore to health and strength all those for whom we now silently pray.
Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Pastor: Let us declare the goodness of the Lord forever. May we sing and celebrate His wonderful ways. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 75)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)
Prayer of Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, reveal to us the true greatness of Christ through these sacred scriptures. Open our hearts and minds to the message of His Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:9)
Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Dedication: Lord Jesus, You have introduced us to God and sought His approval of our lives. You have blessed us in this life, and seek to reward us in the life to come. We can never repay the everlasting debt that we owe You, but we can give to Your church, to promote the Good news, to expand God’s Kingdom, and to enrich other lives with Your ministry. Take our tithes and gifts, our lives and souls and use them for the glorifying of God in our church, across our community, and throughout the entire world. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully give and faithfully pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:3)
Closing Hymn:
Benediction: May the light of Christ brighten our lives; may the Father increase our knowledge of His words and ways; and may the Holy Spirit enable us to worship and glorify the One, Triune and Living God, both now and forever. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
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