3rd Sunday of Easter
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME AND FUNNY STORY
Karen Cassidy, CLM
CENTERING WORDS (Acts 9, John 21)
Jean Kelly – Liturgist
We think we know what will happen and how things will turn out. But then God’s Spirit surprises us. Trust the Spirit at work in you now.
CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive reading)
(Psalm 30) Jean Kelly – Liturgist
L: Sing praises to God, you people of faith.
P: We give thanks to God, who heals and restores.
L: Praise God who transforms us, who heals us and loves us.
P: Praise God who, clothes us with joy.
L: Do not be silent. Praise the Lord!
P: We give thanks to our God, today and always.
OPENING PRAYER (Unison) (Acts 9)
Jean Kelly – Liturgist
Wisdom of God, come and dwell among us. We gather to hear your word, and to sing your praise. We come as we are, trusting that your grace will perfect us. Interrupt our lives with your vision of truth and love. We praise you now and always. Amen.
HYMN: Crown Him With Many Crowns
UMC Hymnal #327
NEW TESTAMENT READING
(Hebrews 11: 1-3 GNT)
Jean Kelly – Liturgist
CHILDREN'S TIME with Miss Karen
PREPARATION FOR PRAYER
Lord Listen to Your Children
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2193
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Karen Cassidy
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
HYMN: Blessed Assurance
UMC Hymnal #369
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON
Acts 9: 1-6, 7-20 GNT
MEDITATION Karen Cassidy, CLM
“You Want Me to Do What?”
INVITATION TO OFFERING
(Matthew 6) Karen Cassidy
Knowing how much God has given us, let us come with grateful hearts
to offer out tithes and offerings.
OFFERTORY
Awesome God
Barbara House - soloist
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
(Revelation 5, John 21) (Unison)
O God, you have power and wisdom and might. You deserve honor and glory. We come to you, Holy One, blessed by your abundant life, to offer ourselves as your faithful workers. We bring our gifts this day, trusting that they will serve your people. Amen.
HYMN: Trust and Obey
UMC Hymnal #467
BENEDICTION (John 21) Karen Cassidy
Go forth to feed and tend God’s people. Do so because you love Jesus, and because Jesus loves and needs you. May the abundant blessings of God’s love surround and feed you, as God renews you day by day.
DEPART IN PEACE... SHALOM
Old Testament Reading & Gospel Lesson are from the
Good News Translation.
Today’s liturgy is from “The Abingdon Worship Annual – 2022”