Approaching God
Prelude
Welcome and announcements
Gathering song
Call to Worship
Pastor: May the Lord's unfailing love come to us; may we know of His promised salvation.
People: We will live in His freedom; we will seek God's wisdom and teaching.
Pastor: Let us lift up our hearts and hands as we worship the Lord, whom we adore forever. Amen.
First Hymn:
Prayers of Adoration and Confession
Guide: Almighty God, whose power sustains all that lives; whose words remain unbroken and undiminished across the centuries; we worship You with our hearts and serve You with our lives. Your ways are beyond our own, and Your works are gloriously displayed throughout the universe. Today we pledge our loyalty and allegiance to You.
People: Gracious Father, we still pursue our sinful desires and selfishly make bad choices; we sometimes neglect Your holy words and choose to act upon our own understanding. Forgive us for being foolish and unwise, insensitive and ungrateful. We know that we cannot hide from Your gaze, nor can we flee from Your presence. You know everything about us and every secret that we hide. Pardon us for avoiding the truth, and forgive us for allowing self-centered pride to dictate our decisions. Hear us now as we solemnly ask for mercy.
- Silent Confessions -
Guide: Loving God, we look to You for salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. In Him, we find peace and pardon, faith and forgiveness, as well as rebirth and redemption. We applaud His sacrifice and we glorify His deeds. In His Holy Name, we make our personal confessions, and by His sacred words we continue to pray, saying, "Our Father…THE LORD'S PRAYER" (debts/debtors)
Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus could truly judge us and cast us away from God's Kingdom forever. We rely upon His mercy and grace to restore us to God’s love. We do not deserve these wonderful gifts, but we are truly thankful and will be eternally grateful for these blessings. Without them, we are lost forever, but with Christ, we are given God's everlasting favor. To Him be the glory and power, forever and ever. Amen.
Gloria Patri (sung in 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)
Encountering God
Choir Anthem
Prayers for Health and Healing
Pastor: O Lord, in our hearts, we know that You are with us. In our lives, we each experience Your love. Look down upon us, O Lord, and grant us a true understanding of Your ways. Have mercy upon us as we seek Your favor.
People: When we turn to You for help, O God, diminish our fears. When we call upon You for healing, release us from pain. When our strength is at its lowest, grant us Your power. When our health is weak and fragile, be our support and shield.
Pastor: Keep us from being overwhelmed by dread or anxiety. Save us from being overcome with sorrow and depression. O Lord, You are our refuge and redeemer, therefore we ask for healing for all our loved ones, as well as ourselves May You hear us now as we silently pray.
Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.
Pastor: May the Lord restore us physically and mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In Jesus' Name, we ask. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 14)
Singing of “Jesus Draw Me Close.”
Prayer of Illumination
Reader: Holy Spirit, You have called us to be here in church today. You want us to receive Christ’s message, and to apply His teachings in our daily lives. Open our hearts and minds to all that God gives us through these sacred words. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture Readings
The Message & The Apostles' Creed
Serving God
Offering & Offertory
Dedication (unison): Lord Jesus, we do not deserve to be called Your followers, for we are the least among Your people. We allow pride and prejudice to work against Your church at times, and we are not always constant with our worship, duty, or faith. During this offering, we want to re-dedicate our lives and pledge our faith in You alone. Take our tithes and gifts, and bless them for the hallowed work of Your Church on Earth. In Your Sacred Name, we give and pray. Amen.
Closing Hymn:
Benediction (unison): May Christ make our lives a living testimony of faith; may the Father's love keep us focused and sincere; and may the Holy Spirit grant us wisdom and shower us with grace. To the glory and honor of the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude
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