Sunday Worship prayers - Epiphany 4C - Feb 03

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude

Gathering Song

Call to Worship

Youth:                   May the LORD teach us His ways; may we keep His word throughout our lives.

People:                 God grants us meaning and purpose, when we obey Him and praise His deeds.

Youth:                   May the LORD direct us as we delight in worshipping and glorifying His Name. Amen.

First Hymn

Prayers of Adoration and Confession

Guide:                  Sovereign Lord, we gather here in Your sacred house; we come to honor Your authority over all Creation. We seek to please You with our praise and want to serve You throughout our days.

People:                Merciful Father, we are weary of our sins and sorry for our mistakes. We regret offending You with our selfish ways and tarnished lives. Instead of finding rest in Your salvation, we fret over our failures. Instead of trusting in Your strength, we weaken our souls through our inconsistency and despondency, our foolish pride and unfaithful moments. Forgive us for casting aside Your influence over our lives. Hear us now as we humbly pray.

- Silent Confessions -

Guide: Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to confess our sins; for granting us mercy; and for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ, as our One, True and Holy Savior. In His Hands, we place our souls; in His Name, we make our confessions; and in His words we continue to pray, saying, "Our Father...THE LORD'S PRAYER"  (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel:

Guide: The world wonders who Jesus is, but we know that He is all that He claimed to be. He is the Holy Son of God, the Savior of our souls, and the Ruler of the Universe. In Him, we are granted forgiveness and through Him, we can receive eternal life. Let us rejoice and worship Christ, both now and forever. 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:                 How long, O God, will we experience sickness and pain? How long will we endure illness and anxiety? How long must we wrestle with our worries, and find sadness in our hearts? How long shall we strive and be subjected to stress?

People:                 Look upon on us, O LORD, our God, and mercifully answer us. Lighten our loads and save us from despair. When our hopes seem to fail, heal our hurts. When we falter through fear, restore our faith.

Pastor:                 Come among us, Gracious God, and to all our loved ones. Heal us from all that harms us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Pastor:                  We will praise the Lord, for He has been good to us. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 13)

Singing of “Sanctuary.”

Prayer of Illumination

Reader:                Holy Spirit, each time we visit God's house, we learn more about the truth of Jesus Christ. His words and ways come to us across the centuries, from the events and experiences of His amazing earthly life. Open our hearts and minds, our spirits and souls to Him today. In Jesus' Name, we pray.  Amen.

Scripture Readings

The Message and the Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication (in unison, led by pastor):    Lord Jesus, You come among us and grant us Your peace. You forgive our sins and restore us to God's love. In response, we give our lives to You, and we ask that You will bless them, so that we may honor God throughout our days. We also bring before You our tithes and gifts. Bless these tokens of our gratitude to the continuing life, work, and mission of Your Church on Earth, in this community, and all over the world. In Your Precious Name, we give and pray. Amen. 

Communion

Closing Hymn

Benediction (unison):    May Christ continue to help us as He intercedes for us; may the Father keep us thankful for the favors He grants us each day; and may the Holy Spirit guide us as we worship, serve, and glorify the One, Triune, and Living God, both now and forevermore. Amen.                                

Doxology & Postlude

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service

Prelude: 

Call to worship:

Pastor:                                                            Psalm 89:50-51           

Remember, Lord, how your servant has been mocked,

how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the nations,

the taunts with which your enemies have mocked, O LORD,

with which they have mocked every step of your Anointed One.

HYMN:  O Jesus I Have Promised......................................... No. 388 vv1-3

 

Prayer of Confession:

 

Guide:             Lord Jesus Christ, just like Your disciples, we know that our faith is weak.  We say that we will follow You, but our choices are not always Christian. Christ, have mercy.

People:            Lord, forgive us.

Guide:             When we neglect our prayers, and choose to ignore Your teaching: Christ, have mercy.

People:            Lord, help us.

Guide:             When we are challenged by the world and pressured into compromising our beliefs: Christ, have mercy.

People:            Lord, strengthen us.

Guide:             When we hide our faith or avoid being known as Christians, Christ, have mercy;

People:            Lord, pardon us.

Guide:             When we cast aside Your Cross and disconnect our sins with Your sacrifice, Christ have mercy.

People:            Lord, cleanse us.

                        Remove our sins with Your precious blood, and graciously restore us to Your service; for Your sake and glory.  Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING:                                            Psalm 55:12-21

 

HYMN:  An Upper Room Did Our Lord Prepare............................... No. 94

OLD TESTAMENT READING:............................................. Psalm 109:1-5

 

ANTHEM: 

NEW TESTAMENT READING:........................................... James 1:12-18

HYMN:  O Sacred Head Now Wounded........................................... No. 98

NEW TESTAMENT READING:                                               John 13:1-17

HOMILY:        Anointed and Attacked                                  Rev. John Stuart

OFFERING & DEDICATION

All:      Lord Jesus, You sacrificed Your life for us, so there is nothing that we can do or give which will ever be equal to Your precious gift.  We gather these tokens and ask that You will bless them for ministry and mission, pastoring and preaching, church planting and faith sharing.  In Your Holy Name. Amen.

COMMUNION  - at the appropriate time, the congregation come forward to receive the bread and wine. After this, the elders will come to those who wish to take communion where they are seated.

Congregational Prayer:         God our Father, Your Son Jesus Christ has left to us this meal of bread and wine in which we share His body and His blood. As we keep the feast of His redeeming love may we feed on Him by faith, receive His grace, and find fullness of life: through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN:  Go to Dark Gethsemane....................................................... No. 97

NEW TESTAMENT READING:                                                 John 18:1-7

 

Congregation Exits Silently

Sunday prayers: 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 June

Approaching God

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude & Gathering

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Almighty LORD, Your Kingdom is everlasting, and Your power shapes the history of this planet. We exalt Your Holy Name and praise Your wonderful deeds. You are Father of the nations and Lord of all the islands, therefore we give glory to You alone and seek to serve You with our prayers, praises, hearts, and souls.

People: Merciful Father, we have succumbed to sin and have been deeply troubled with our regrets. Pride has damaged our spirits and greed has tested our faith. Instead of honoring You in Christian service, we have glorified ourselves and hindered Your work through our faithless ways. Our paths have strayed from Your Presence, nor have our ways been Your own. Forgive our foolish mistakes and pardon all our selfish deeds. Hear us now as we silently confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Compassionate God, we place our lives into Your hands by giving our hearts to Jesus Christ, Your Holy Son. His death on the Cross has purchased our salvation. His sacrifice has allowed us to seek Your favor and grace. We make our prayers in Jesus’ Name, uniting our souls with Him, saying, “Our Father …THE LORD’S PRAYER – (debts/debtors)

Promise of the Gospel:
Guide: Jesus, through the love of His Father, gives us the Bread of Heaven. By Christ’s wounded body, our broken ways are healed; by His perfect obedience, we are reclaimed by God. Let us cheerfully rejoice, for our sins are completely forgiven, both now and forever. Amen.

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

Prayers for Health and Healing

Pastor: Deliver us from our fears, O God; protect us from those things which deeply trouble us. We are frail, O Lord, and vulnerable to attacks upon our bodies, in our minds, and within our hearts. Arise and help us; look upon our plight!
People: O LORD God Almighty, defend us from illness and disease; deliver us from sickness and pain. Become our Strength, O Lord, and as we seek Your favor and blessing, be our Great Healer.
Pastor: Go before us, O God, heal us and all our loved ones; restore our health and enable our loved ones to recover. May we know of Your strength and praise You for all of Your love, for You are our fortress, and our refuge in times of trouble. Hear us now as we pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

All: O God, You are our Strength, and we sing praises to You. O Lord, You are our stronghold, and our loving God. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 59)

Anthem

Prayer for Illumination :
Reader : Holy Spirit, may we dearly hold the words of Christ to be true in our minds, and still be astonished by His deeds. May our hearts move quickly towards Him, and may our spirits be filled with His Holy Peace. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory:
Dedication : Lord Jesus, Your Holy work is undertaken, supported and accomplished in this church. We have heard Your challenges through the preaching of the gospel. Take these simple gifts and sacred tithes as true tokens of our gratitude. Bless them for the purposes of Your Kingdom through ministry, mission, service and stewardship, to glory of Your Holy Name. Amen.

Communion

Hymn :

Benediction: May Christ enable us to form one body of faithful believers in this holy place; may the Father give strength to our spiritual body and nurture our church; and may the Holy Spirit help us to see that we all belong to God in the service of His Everlasting Kingdom. Amen.

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude

Sunday prayers - Oct 7, 2007

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome
Prelude, Gathering

Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 10)

Pastor: The LORD is King for ever and ever.
People: He listens to our cries of affliction and embraces us with His love.
Pastor: The LORD is our defender and protector. He diminishes our fears by enhancing our faith. Amen!

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: Lord of Life and Creator of the Universe, whose ways are everlasting and whose words are never thwarted, we humbly gather in Your holy house of prayer.
People: Almighty Father, we have come from our homes to be with You. We have set aside this hallowed hour to praise and adore You.

Guide: Merciful God, we have neglected to be Your faithful servants in the world. We have ignored opportunities to share the Gospel and to help other people in need.
People: Gracious Lord, we are guilty of a multitude of sins. There are so many times each day when we allow temptation to overcome our faith, and for pride to diminish our beliefs. Hear us now as we confess our sins to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving God, thank You for allowing us to be forgiven of our past mistakes. We praise You for bringing Christ into our world, to die for our sins, and to reclaim the lost.
People: We make our confessions in Christ’s Name and through His sacred words, we continue to pray, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:14)


Promise of the Gospel

Guide: We believe that Jesus came from heaven to reconcile people to God. He alone has the power to forgive our sins and restore us to God’s everlasting favor. So let us rejoice and be glad, for though we have sinned greatly, we also have a Great Savior. Amen. (John 9:29)

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: God presides over our lives, sustaining our bodies and nurturing our spirits.
People: May the Lord defend us against disease and discomfort; may His favor grant us hope and health.
Pastor: In the midst of our weakness, may the Lord bring us strength. When fear affects us, may He enhance our faith.
People: Lord, rescue us from pain and suffering; attend to our loved ones and answer all our prayers.
Pastor: Grant us patience and understanding. Free us from worry, and settle us with Your peace.
People: Loving God, heal us and all our loved ones, from all that harms us in body, mind, heart and spirit. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: May the Lord rise up and grant all of our requests. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 82)

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader: Holy Spirit, help us to hear what God is teaching to us through these sacred scriptures. Let His words be wholly received and gladly accepted in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:14)

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication: Lord Jesus, help us to carry on the great work that You have called our church to do in this community. Give us the courage to offer our time, talents, and treasures in sacrificial ways that will honor and glorify You. Take our tithes and gifts, and bless them for Your ministry and mission. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:8)

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May Christ strengthen our beliefs each day; may the Father fill us with His goodness and love; and may the Holy Spirit keep us devoted to the service of the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude

Sunday prayers - Aug 05, 2007

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude, Gathering

Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 2)

Pastor: Let us proclaim the decrees of the Lord; let us rejoice in being called His children.
People: We will gladly serve the Lord and celebrate His presence among us.
Pastor: May we be blessed for taking refuge in the Lord; may we worship and glorify His everlasting Name. Amen.

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession

Guide: Lord of All Wisdom and Creator of Time, we come before You as a people of faith. We seek to delight You with our prayers and praises.
People: Amazing and All Powerful God, You are the sure foundation of our lives and the source of our well being. We willingly give our hearts to You; we freely want to serve You.

Guide: Gracious King, we know that we have done acts that disappoint You; we have said words that disrespect You; we have made decisions that dishonor You.
People: Loving Father, we are guilty of so many sins, too numerous for us to recount and remember. Forgive us for those sinful deeds we have forgotten, and for all those selfish mistakes that we still commit. Hear us now as we make our confessions.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Most Merciful God, Your Son Jesus Christ is the key to our forgiveness and restoration. He is the One who saves us from our selfish past and present mistakes. His authority removes our sins and redeems for Your Kingdom.
People: In Christ alone, our sins are deleted and our souls refreshed. Through His Name and in His words, we make these prayers, saying “Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 33:6)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: When we acknowledge Christ as our Savior and confess our sins to Him, we are liberated from our fears of God’s punishment and restored to His favor. Christ alone has the power to decide our ultimate destiny, so let us rejoice in His abiding mercy and abundant grace. Amen. (John 9:22)

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

Leader: O LORD, why does trouble come to us and why do good people suffer?
People: We remember Your deeds of deliverance and Your ways of salvation. Come to us and heal us.
Leader: Turn towards us, O Living God, and take away our fears by strengthening our faith.
People: O God, You have helped our people across many generations. Come to us now, in this holy place. Touch us with Your Presence. Heal us by Your Love.
Leader: Do not forget those whom we cherish and love, Almighty Lord. Heal them of all that harms them in body, mind, soul and spirit.
People: Do not let our loved ones give into to despair. Fill them with peace and hope, strength and health, restoration and power.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit
Leader: May God rise up and deliver us. May His Healing touch be with us all day long. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 74)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader: Holy Spirit, heal us by the power of the Gospel and grant strength to our souls through Christ’s message. Open our hearts and minds to the bounty of wisdom, knowledge and encouragement that Jesus provides. In His Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 8:6)

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Dedication: Lord Jesus, thank You for enabling us to set aside these tithes and gifts from the resources and income that we have been blessed with. Take them and bless them for the continuing work of Your church here, for the preaching of the Gospel, the spreading of Your love, and the glorifying of God. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May Christ preach to our hearts each day; may the Father grant us opportunities to serve Him in this community; and may the Holy Spirit encourage us to worship the One, Triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen. (2 Corinthians 4:5)

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude

Sunday Prayers - July 01, 2007

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude, Gathering & Introit

Acclamation (based on words of Psalm 44)

Leader: O sacred Lord, You are our King and God, who decrees justice and mercy forever.
People: In God, we make our praise all day long, and we will worship His name always.
Leader: Let us glorify and magnify the One, true and Living God! Amen.

Hymn:

Confessional Prayer
Guide: Loving God of all creation, Giver of all good, we seek Your divine presence and hope to experience Your sacred strength.
People: Lord of all Wisdom and Provider of all blessings, we humbly approach Your throne of grace, looking for meaning and purpose to be given to our lives.

Guide: Blessed God and Ruler of all the nations, we know that we are sinful and proud, selfish and vain, rebellious and foolish. We come hear to confess our faults and to make peace with Your Spirit.
People: Gracious Father, in You we find refuge for our weary souls and comfort for our anxious spirits. You alone have the power to forgive our fallen ways. Hear us now as we sincerely confess our sins to You.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Heavenly Lord, You have restored us to Your favor through the noble sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ. We cling to Him as our savior and we look to Him for Your loving mercy.
People: We give these prayers in the Holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. In His perfect words, we now pray, saying “Our Father, etc.” (Isaiah 27v5)

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Jesus was hated by the world because He confronted evil. Today, He confronts the sins in our lives and challenges us to become more like Him. Through His blood, our souls are cleansed of our sinful past, so let us rejoice and be glad, for our Risen Savior Jesus has triumphed over death and sin forevermore. Amen. (John 7:7)

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

Prayers for Health and Healing

Leader: We will give thanks to the LORD and call on His Name; we will make known his glorious deeds.
People: We will praise and sing to the One, True and Living God, whose wonderful acts sustain our people.
Leader: Let us seek the Lord and rejoice in His goodness; let us approach Him with confidence and faith.
People: May we look to the Lord for strength; may He compassionately answer our prayers.
Leader: As we remember the wonders He has done, let us ask Him for healing and mercy.
People: May our God bring healing to our hearts, peace to our minds, strength to our spirits and wholeness to our souls and to all for whom we now pray.

Silent Prayers for others and ourselves. A candle is lit.

Leader: He is the LORD our God and His blessings are all around us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Healing prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 105)

Singing of ‘Sanctuary’

Prayer for Illumination:
Reader: Holy Spirit, may we all become one in heart and mind through the power of these sacred scriptures. May we share the teaching of Christ and receive the preaching of His word. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
(Acts 4:32)

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles’ Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication: Lord Jesus, we have voiced our praises to God and listened to Your scriptural message. You have challenged our lives and changed our ideas. In response, we offer You our tithes and tokens, praying that You will bless them for the life, work and ministry of this church and Your mission throughout the entire world. In Your Name, we give and pray. Amen.
(1 Corinthians 14:17)

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May we serve Christ each day of our lives; may we please the Father with our thoughts and deeds; and may we seek the approval and joy of the Holy Spirit, both now and forever. Amen. (Romans 14:18)

Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; etc & Postlude

Sunday prayers - June 03, 2007

Approaching God
Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude, Gathering

Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 145)
Pastor: We will exult You, our God and King; we will praise Your Name for ever and ever.
People: Great are You, O Lord, and most worthy of praise; Your greatness no one can fathom.
Pastor: Let us commend the works of the Lord to one another; let us worship our mighty God. Amen.

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession
Guide: Almighty God, who sustains the seasons and commands the weather, whose power upholds the forces of nature and the climate of our world, we glorify Your mighty deeds and honor Your eternal words.
People: Everlasting King, whose plans are never thwarted and whose promises are always fulfilled, we covenant this time to praise You; we set aside this hour to glorify Your Holy Name.

Guide: Loving Father, we confess to being unfaithful and disloyal to Your ways. We admit to allowing temptations to overcome our resolve and letting troubles weaken our faith.
People: Gracious Lord, we know that we have disappointed You on numerous occasions and we have harbored grudges, made selfish choices, and allowed pride to over rule our hearts. We have failed to attain Your standards, so we are guilty of offending You by our sins. Hear us now as we make our personal confessions to You alone.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Jesus Christ, our Savior and Your Son. He covers us from our sins and shields us from Your wrath. His sacrifice has obtained forgiveness and restoration. His resurrection has given us hope and salvation.
People: May we be united to His Spirit and remain in His enduring love. In His words, we continue to pray, saying, Our Father... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors)
(Isaiah 32:19)

Promise of the Gospel

Guide: Jesus is the Holy Son of God, who challenges our ways and confronts our sins. He alone has the power to reclaim us for God and to return us to His Kingdom. So let us rejoice and be glad, for Jesus is our everlasting Savior and glorious Lord, both now and always. Amen. (John 9:16)

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: May God be gracious to us and bless us with health and healing.
People: May His holy ways be made known among us; may His salvation be experienced by all His people.
Pastor: May we praise the Lord at all times; may we know of His abundant love and abiding strength.
People: May our loved ones know of Your healing presence; may they be glad of Your compassion and care.
Pastor: O Lord, we pray that You will heal our hearts and spirits, our bodies and minds. .
People: Bless us with Your grace and bestow Your mercy upon all our loved ones. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: God will bless us and all the earth will know of His love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 67)
Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader: Holy Spirit, we seek Your approval over all that we do; grant us Your guiding presence. Open our hearts and minds to the message of these scriptures and grant us ways to apply them in our church. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 7:60)

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God
Offering & Offertory

Dedication: Lord Jesus, we offer to You our tithes and gifts. We take them from the resources and finances that You have already given to us. So, we return the fruits of our lives to You and ask that You will bless them for the life, work, and ministry of this church. Amen. (1 Corinthians 15:53)

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May Christ help us turn to Him each day for guidance, approval, and love; may the Father be pleased with our faith and protect us from our fears; and may the Holy Spirit bless our souls, so that we may continue to worship, honor and glorify the One, triune and Living God, both now and always. Amen.
(2 Corinthians 3:16)

Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude

Sunday prayers - 050107

Approaching God

Announcements & A Word of Welcome

Prelude, Gathering

Acclamation (based on words from Psalm 143)
Pastor: O Lord, may this morning bring us words of Your unfailing love, for we place our trust in You.
People: O God, show us the way to lead our lives, for to You alone we lift up our souls.
Pastor: O Lord, teach us to do Your will and may Your Spirit lead us in worship this Sabbath day. Amen.

First Hymn:

Prayers of Confession
Guide: Glorious and Eternal God, whose fruits of righteousness bring peace into our lives, we worship Your holy ways and devote ourselves to Your divine love.
People: Heavenly Father, You strongly influence our hearts and minds, so that our spirits can grow in confidence and faith.

Guide: Majestic Lord, we are accountable to You alone, and we are sustained by Your almighty power. We come here to glorify Your goodness and to seek Your guidance for lives.
People: Gracious King, we know that we often fail to meet Your standards and that we fall short of Your expectations. Forgive us for allowing sin to taint our souls and for letting temptation enslave our spirits. Pardon the mistakes that we have caused and the selfish choices we have made. Hear us now as we quietly pray.

- SILENCE -

Guide: Loving God, only Your Son Jesus can restore us to Your blessing and favor. Only His blood can cleanse our unrighteous and unholy ways.
People: Enable us to seek His forgiveness and to rely upon Him for our salvation. For in Christ’s words we now pray, saying ... (THE LORD'S PRAYER” debts/debtors) (Isaiah 32:17)

Promise of the Gospel
Guide: Christ opens our eyes to our misdeeds and seeks to bring us back to God. His death has fully paid the debt we owe to God and now we can dwell eternally in His Kingdom. Let us rejoice and be glad for Christ is Savior, Lord, and King, both now and always. Amen. (John 9:14)

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: Praise awaits You, O God, in this holy house; in You, are all promises kept.
People: In all the universe, You alone hear our prayers, so to You we will come with our pleas.
Pastor: When we are overwhelmed with worry, You can bring peace to our hearts and minds.
People: Blessed are those who choose to come to You with their burdens, for You fill them with goodness and love.
Pastor: Answer us, O God our Savior, with awesome deeds of healing, deliverance, and strength.
People: Support us in the midst of sickness and trouble; heal us and our loved ones from all that harms us in body, mind, heart, and soul. Hear us now as we silently pray.

Silent Prayers for ourselves and others. A candle is lit

Pastor: When our prayers end, healing begins. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
(Healing Prayer based on words & phrases from Psalm 65)

Singing of '"Jesus Draw Me Close." (Choir leads this)

Prayer of Illumination:

Reader: Holy Spirit, take our minds and open them to the love of our Lord. Let Christ’s ways enter our hearts through these sacred words. Grant us understanding and help us to apply these lessons in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen. (Acts 7:59)

Scripture Readings & Sermon & The Apostles' Creed

Serving God

Offering & Offertory

Dedication: Lord Jesus, in the twinkling of an eye You will return amongst us. Until then, You have asked us to work for Your Kingdom and support Your church. In obedience to You, we bring before You our gifts of money and our faithful tithes. Bless them for all that You would have us accomplish in this congregation. Help us to augment these gifts with our devotion, time and talents. In Your Holy Name, we give and pray. Amen. (1 Corinthians 15:52)

Communion

Closing Hymn:

Benediction: May Christ open our lives to do His work in today’s world; may the Father keep us mindful of His loving covenant; and may the Holy Spirit move our hearts to worship and glorify the One, Triune and Living God, from this time forth and forevermore. Amen. (2 Corinthians 3:14)
Doxology May God's Blessing & Postlude

Maundy Thursday

On the night in which Jesus was betrayed, He took some bread and wine, saying, "This is My Body; this is My Blood. Take, eat, drink, and remember Me."




Worship Bulletin cover for Maundy Thursday service