Fifth Sunday of Easter
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS,
and Funny Story
Pastor Bob
CENTERING WORDS (1 Peter 2)
Pastor Bob
Christ, the living stone, and cornerstone of our faith is building us into spiritual houses and a holy priesthood. Let us open ourselves to the master builder.
CALL TO WORSHIP
(John 14) Sharon Stewart - Liturgist
Are you feeling a little scattered or disoriented this morning, wondering how you will navigate some of the complicated circumstances in your life? Are you wondering how it is you can be honest with someone else? Or maybe with yourself? Or maybe even with God? Some of you are thinking that there must be a way to live life more fully or more faithfully. You are not alone. All of us, in one way or another, come to worship with needs that cry out. And when we cry out to Jesus, we hear his response: I am the way and the truth and the life. Let us worship God together.
HYMN: Victory in Jesus
UMC Hymnal #370
OPENING PRAYER (John 14)
(Unison) Sharon Stewart
Show us the way, Lord Jesus, so that we may walk toward you and the life you desire for us to lead. Be the truth that we seek, Lord Jesus, so that everything else diminishes. Lead us toward a life that is full of goodness, a life that is full of you. You are the way, the truth and the life, Lord Jesus, and we worship you this day with open minds, eager hearts, and attentive ears. Amen.
EPISTLE READING
Acts 7: 51-60 NLT Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION to PRAYER
His Eye Is on the Sparrow vs. 1 & 2
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2146
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN: Spirit Song
UMC Hymnal #347
GOSPEL READING
John 14: 1-14 NLT
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
The Images of Jesus: part 2
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION to the OFFERING
Pastor Bob
God loves a cheerful giver.
Give as you are called and as you are able.
OFFERTORY Erin Tellier
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal # 94
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
(Unison) Pastor Bob
Bless these gifts, O God. They belong to you, as we belong to you. Through them, may the good news of Jesus be proclaimed throughout the earth, and may those in need find the help and hope that will make all the difference. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
HYMN
When We All Get to Heaven
UMC Hymnal #701
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
BENEDICTION
Pastor Bob
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Jesus will show you the way if you are willing to be shown. Jesus will help you find the truth if you are willing to seek it with him. And Jesus will offer you an abundant life, simply by turning to him with an open heart and a willing spirit.
May the love and mercy of God be with you, this day and always. Amen.
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Shalom to You
UMC Hymnal #666
DEPART IN PEACE...SHALOM!
Worship Liturgy is taken from two sources: Lectionary Liturgies and the Abingdon Worship Annual 2023.