Sixth Sunday of Easter
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS,
and Funny Story
Pastor Bob
CENTERING WORDS Pastor Bob
God is the creator of all, not just those who claim to be the people of God. God calls and welcomes all of humanity in community. We, who claim our love for Christ, are invited to extend an extravagant welcome in both word and action to all of God’s children everywhere.
CALL TO WORSHIP
(Acts 17) Sharon Stewart - Liturgist
In Acts, chapter 17, when the Apostle Paul is preaching to the Athenians, he says that God created us “so that we would seek after God and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and exist.” We have an innate desire for God. That’s how we were created. There is a God-shaped emptiness inside each of us that only God can fill. So let us join together to worship, seeking the Lord’s presence, and remembering that God is not far from any one of us.
HYMN: Blessed Assurance
UMC Hymnal #369
OPENING PRAYER (John 14)
(Unison) Sharon Stewart
Gracious and loving God, we come to you this morning, in awe of this promise that you offer to us, that you will not leave us, that you will be with us always. Because you live, we also have life in all of its abundance, in your name. Send your Holy Spirit to be with us and among us this day. Amen.
EPISTLE READING
Acts 7: 22-31 NLT Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION to PRAYER
Spirit of the Living God
UMC Hymnal #393
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN:
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2051
GOSPEL READING
John 14: 15-21 NLT
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
The Parent Who Defines Life
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION to the OFFERING
Pastor Bob
Let us give our gifts to God, knowing that God has given everything
to us. 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
All that we have is yours, O God. Our lives belong to you. Our resources belong to you. We return these gifts and tithes to you, in the name of Jesus. Through them, may your kingdom come, here on earth. Amen.
HYMN
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
UMC Hymnal #89
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
BENEDICTION
Pastor Bob
Jesus promises us that we are not orphaned. We are nestled deeply in the heart of God, and part of the family of faith. Know that you have a place, that you belong and that you are an important part of this family. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you and sustain you, 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.