Easter Bells  

Opening Prayer 1

Living God, on the first day of the week you brought to birth a new creation through the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Fill us with the hope and joy of new beginnings, so that we may share the good news of your liberating, life-giving power with all the world; through Christ our Savior, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble"     Martin Smith

Call to Worship

ONE: Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life.

ALL:  Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

ONE: and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

ALL:  Christ is risen! We have seen the glory of God.

Hymn 232  Jesus Christ is Risen Today

Prayer of Confession 2

ONE: Christ has risen and we have risen to new life with him.  Yet we must confess the ways we have continued to remain in our tombs of sin and death.  Let us read together, this confession:

ALL: Living Lord, when we stand before the empty tomb we don't always feel the joy of resurrection. We feel fear, doubt, and distrust. We feel empty. Forgive the fear that paralyzes us at the brink of new life. Forgive our doubt of your love. Forgive our distrust of your surprising, joyous plan. Fill our emptiness with your glorious light. Raise us to abundant new life for the glory of your name.

ONE: Let us continue in silence, as we offer our private confessions to God. Amen.

(silence)

ONE: Amen.

Response Hymn 252

When we are walking, doubtful and dreading,

blinded by sadness, slowness of heart,

yet Christ walks with us, ever awaiting our invitation;

Stay, do not part.

Words of Assurance 2

ONE:  Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.  Sisters and brothers, Christ has forgiven our sins.  Christ calls us to new life. Christ will lead us into righteousness.

ALL:  Thanks be to God!

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Scripture Reading: John 20:1-18

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    “Glorious Day"     Michael Bleeker and Marck Hall

Sermon:     "Can't Even Imagine"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 241  Woman, Weeping in the Garden

Invitation to the Offering

We are persuaded that there is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty.  On this joyous day let us reflect on the extraordinary gift of the Risen Christ .  Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory    “Christ the Lord Hath Risen” (Medieval Chant) “Love is Come Again” (French Carol)

                      Arr. Alice Parker/Robert Shaw

Prayer of Dedication

Every good thing is a gift from God — the food we eat, the things we have, the time we spend, our whole lives. We give our lives back to God as a way of saying thank you — sharing money with those who are in need, giving food to those who are hungry, and spending our time to help others.  We ask God to bless the gifts that we give, and fill us with joy as we discover ways to use our resources for your work in our world.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 236  The Strife Is O'er

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “O Sons and Daughters”     15th French, Arr. Parker/Shaw

1 David Gambrell

2 Greg Scheer

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Living God, on the first day of the week you brought to birth a new creation through the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Fill us with the hope and joy of new beginnings, so that we may share the good news of your liberating, life-giving power with all the world; through Christ our Savior, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    “The Glory of God in Nature”     Ludwig van Beethoven

Call to Worship 2

ONE: We gather as people on a journey.

ALL: We believe & we have doubts, we do good & we sin. We are imperfect humans, and still beloved by God.

ONE: Love and grace. Hope and faith. These are the essence of the one we call God.

ALL: We seek forgiveness & grace from the One and from those we've harmed.

ONE: Assured of that grace, we are ready to grow again.

ALL: We yearn for a new way, a new perspective, and a clear path.

ONE: Though we are full of trust and full of doubt, we are here. Speak to us, God! Continue creating us!

ALL: Inspire our hearts. Enlighten our minds. Guide our actions. Amen.

Hymn 308  O God in Whom All Life Begins

Prayer of Confession

Creator God, we confess that at times we are skeptics. At times we doubt that You exist because of the evil we have seen in the world. Oppression, marginalization, and plain hate still plague our world, and it is hard to see Your love and light. Sometimes, even those who bear Your name do not walk in Your ways. Help us to see Your goodness in this world. Help us to know Your love. Fill us with Your love and goodness, so that we might love one another, and lift up one another in faith. Amen.

Response Hymn 252

When we are walking, doubtful and dreading,

blinded by sadness, slowness of heart,

yet Christ walks with us, ever awaiting our invitation;

Stay, do not part.

Assurance of Pardon 3

The psalmist says, “I am sure I shall see the goodness of our God in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Know that you do not wait alone. God has given us one another for this journey of faith, to help one another. Know that you do not wait alone; Christ is with us. Be encouraged, and encourage one another. Go and share the Good News. Amen.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem    “Blessed Be Your Name”    Matt & Beth Redman

Message:   Peter Stiehler

Hymn 817  We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight

Invitation to the Offering

We are persuaded that there is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty.  Thank you for the gift of labour and toil for your creation. The thinkers, debaters, innovators, and decision makers you appoint to shepherd your flock. Thank you for local community leaders working for the good of their communities and average citizens working for their neighbors. Thank you for global efforts to collaborate for creation and consider those most in need.  Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory     “To a Wild Rose”     Edward MacDowell

Prayer of Dedication 4

Merciful God, the gifts we bring are so small in comparison to the vast needs in our world— nowhere near enough to save the thousands dying of starvation all around the world, or even to meet the needs of the hungry and homeless in our city. Yet we have brought what we can. As You once multiplied the five small loaves and two fish, multiply these gifts as well, so that, once again, the hungry may receive all they need, and more.

Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 15  All Creatures of Our God and King

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    

1 David Gambrell

2 Tim Graves

3 Rev. Mindi

4 Christine Longhurst, re:Worship

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Living God, on the first day of the week you brought to birth a new creation through the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Fill us with the hope and joy of new beginnings, so that we may share the good news of your liberating, life-giving power with all the world; through Christ our Savior, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.

Welcome

Introit    “An Easter Song of Praise”     German Folksong, Arr. Steven Taranto

Call to Worship 2

ONE: We gather as people on a journey.

ALL: We believe & we have doubts, we do good & we sin. We are imperfect humans, and still beloved by God.

ONE: Love and grace. Hope and faith. These are the essence of the one we call God.

ALL: We seek forgiveness & grace from the One and from those we've harmed.

ONE: Assured of that grace, we are ready to grow again.

ALL: We yearn for a new way, a new perspective, and a clear path.

ONE: Though we are full of trust and full of doubt, we are here. Speak to us, God! Continue creating us!

ALL: Inspire our hearts. Enlighten our minds. Guide our actions. Amen.

Hymn 395  Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Prayer of Confession

Creator God, we confess that at times we are skeptics. At times we doubt that You exist because of the evil we have seen in the world. Oppression, marginalization, and plain hate still plague our world, and it is hard to see Your love and light. Sometimes, even those who bear Your name do not walk in Your ways. Help us to see Your goodness in this world. Help us to know Your love. Fill us with Your love and goodness, so that we might love one another, and lift up one another in faith. Amen.

Response Hymn 252

When we are walking, doubtful and dreading,

blinded by sadness, slowness of heart,

yet Christ walks with us, ever awaiting our invitation;

Stay, do not part.

Assurance of Pardon 3

The psalmist says, “I am sure I shall see the goodness of our God in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Know that you do not wait alone. God has given us one another for this journey of faith, to help one another. Know that you do not wait alone; Christ is with us. Be encouraged, and encourage one another. Go and share the Good News. Amen.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Scripture Reading: John 21:1-19

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem   "Living Hope"     Wickham & Johnson

Sermon: "Of This We Can Be Sure" Reverend Debra McGire

Hymn 498  Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken

Invitation to the Offering

We are persuaded that there is an inseparable connection between faith and practice, truth and duty.  Let us continue our worship by offering our gifts to God.

Offertory     “How Beautiful”     Twila Paris, Arr. Lloyd Larson

Prayer of Dedication 4

Merciful God, the gifts we bring are so small in comparison to the vast needs in our world— nowhere near enough to save the thousands dying of starvation all around the world, or even to meet the needs of the hungry and homeless in our city. Yet we have brought what we can. As You once multiplied the five small loaves and two fish, multiply these gifts as well, so that, once again, the hungry may receive all they need, and more.

Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving 5

Friends, this is the joyful feast of unity.  Christ has gathered his people around the earth to commune at this table.  Across political lines and economic lines, in places of powerfully protected affluence, and among the poorest of the poor, we share a meal, remembering and celebrating the One who proved shalom possible. And so, come: you from the East and you from the West, from the North and from the South. Come. Come with your doubts, come with your hopes, come with your inadequacies and with your strengths.  Come, for this is a table where all are invited and all are welcome.

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 720  Jesus Calls Us

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     "Come as You Are"     D. Crowder

1 David Gambrell

2 Tim Graves

3 Rev. Mindi

Chimes

Opening Prayer 1

We seek and find you in Creation, O God, in the world you have made and the people you have called. Your vulnerable, powerful Lamb is our shepherd and guide, leading us to share the shelter of your abundant life. Let us recognize you here in the beauty of this morning and in its challenge; may the Risen One, your Shepherd-Lamb, lead us to act for your justice and peace: so that all may drink from your springs of the waters of life, and find their tears of sorrow and pain wiped away. In the name of the Risen One we pray: Amen.

Welcome

Introit   "The Steadfast Love of the Lord"

Call to Worship 2

I AM the good shepherd (the one who tends us, guides us into pastures, who recognizes the sounds of our names). I AM the good shepherd (the one who bends to heal us, travels through the deepest valleys with us, who give up everything for us all). I AM the good shepherd (the one whose rod and staff comfort us, whose strength and love holds us, whose cup of love runneth over). I AM the good shepherd, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Let us gather here, God's People, in God's love, for God's world.

Hymn 187     Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Affirmation of Faith 3

Through light and shadow we are led, we follow, through the ins and outs, the ups and downs of these days, when our hearts are failing, when our spirits rejoice, when we can barely put one foot in front of the other still you beckon us on... when we stumble, you support us, when we can go no further, you carry us, through light and shadow, in death's dark vale, and on the mountain peaks you lead us, through tangled webs, on rocky ground, on smoother paths, through light and shadow you lead us, we follow, may we never walk alone...

Response Hymn 252

When we are walking, doubtful and dreading,

blinded by sadness, slowness of heart,

yet Christ walks with us, ever awaiting our invitation;

Stay, do not part.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 23 and John 10:22-30

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem   "Desert Song"

Sermon:  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 118  I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Invitation to the Offering 4

Generous God, through your Son, Jesus Christ, you have shown us what it means to love. And you call us to follow Your example— to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Continue to write your law of love on our hearts. Give us an unwavering passion for justice, and a tenacious faith that will not rest until the hungry are fed, the oppressed find relief, and the outsider finds a welcome. Amen

Offertory     David Wales

Prayer of Dedication 5

Let us pray: May the offerings brought this day be used as seeds, planted faithfully and nurtured lovingly so that God's way may be realized anew in this world. Grant us the humility we need to plant and then tend your precious garden.  Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 7   Mothering God You Gave Me Birth

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude    

1 United Church of Christ, from Wild and Precious Life

2 New Kilpatrick Parish Church website

3 Sally, from Eternal Echoes

4 Christine Longhurst, Hunger for Justice

5 Katherine Hawker, Liturgy Outside

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Living and faithful Spirit of the God in whom we live and move and have our being, the God who is

made known in Christ Jesus, bless us one and all as we wait on you this day. Please remove from our minds and hearts whatever impediments hinder worship or dampen our joy. Increase within us that holy longing for closeness which can open our lives to fuller delight and to a deeper commitment.  May our hymns and prayers, our searching thoughts, and our hearing of the Scriptures, be an exercise in the holiest love. In the name of Christ Jesus. Amen!

Welcome

Introit   “I Owe My Lord a Morning Song”     John L. Bell

Call to Worship 2

ONE: Jesus has given us a new commandment:

ALL: We are commanded to love one another.

ONE: Just as Christ has loved us,

ALL: So we ought to have love for one another.

ONE: By this, everyone will know we are Christ's disciples:

ALL: By our love for one another.

ONE: Come, may we join our hearts in worship:

ALL: Worship God by loving one another.

Hymn 300     We Are One in the Spirit

Affirmation of Faith 3

We share one faith, have one calling, are of one soul and one mind; have one God and Father, are filled with one Spirit, are baptized with one baptism, eat of one bread and drink of one cup, confess one Name, are obedient to one Lord, work for one cause, and share one hope. Together we come to know the height and the breadth and the depth of the love of Christ; are built up to the stature of Christ, to the new humanity; know and bear one another's burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ that we need one another and up build one another, admonishing and comforting one another; that we suffer with one another for the sake of righteousness. Together we pray; together we serve God in this world.

Response Hymn 474

My God, I trust in you.

You care for me, you give me peace.

My God, I trust in you.

You care for me, you give me peace.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Scripture Readings: John 13:31-35

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem   “If Ye Know Love Then Ye Know God”     Vincenzo Righini, Arr. Ruth Heller

Sermon:  "When will we stop hurting each other?" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 316   Where Charity and Love Prevail

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life.

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

And we are called to be a part of God's work of generosity.  We are called to give, to surrender our time, talent, and treasure to this God-work of making all things new.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory     “For I Am Convinced”     Rob Bryceson

Prayer of Dedication 4

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 754   Help Us Accept Each Other

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”     Matt Redman     

1 Bruce Prewer Homepage

2 Rev. Mindi, from Rev-o-lution

3 Nolan Palsma, “Prayerful Preparation: Living God, Renew Us.”

4 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project,

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Mighty God, who speaks a word of peace to calm our troubled sea; caring God, who nudges us away from fear and toward faith; ever-present God, who fills us with awe but also raises many questions without easy answers; open our eyes to see you today, strengthen our hearts for the challenges that lie ahead, open our ears this hour to hear the word you speak. This we pray, In Jesus' name. Amen

Welcome

Introit   “I Will Follow”     Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan

Call to Worship 2

Those who love Jesus keep his words; those who love Christ will make their home with God. Those who know Jesus will know his peace; Those who know Jesus will be taught in the ways of peace. Come, follow and love Jesus our Lord, who has come to be among us. Come, worship God, who lives among us, loves us, and calls us home. Amen.

Hymn 425   Son of God, Whose Heart Is Peace

Affirmation of Faith 3

We share one faith, have one calling, are of one soul and one mind; have one God and Father, are filled with one Spirit, are baptized with one baptism, eat of one bread and drink of one cup, confess one Name, are obedient to one Lord, work for one cause, and share one hope. Together we come to know the height and the breadth and the depth of the love of Christ; are built up to the stature of Christ, to the new humanity; know and bear one another's burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ that we need one another and up build one another, admonishing and comforting one another; that we suffer with one another for the sake of righteousness. Together we pray; together we serve God in this world.

Response Hymn 474

My God, I trust in you.

You care for me, you give me peace.

My God, I trust in you.

You care for me, you give me peace.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Scripture Reading: John 14:23-29

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem   “Dona Nobis Pacem”     Melody by Christian Petzold, Arr. Jay Althouse

Sermon:  “Healing Pandemic Wounds”     Reverend Christy Pierce

Hymn 3   Womb of Life and Source of Being

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life.

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

And we are called to be a part of God's work of generosity.  We are called to give, to surrender our time, talent, and treasure to this God-work of making all things new.  Let us receive this morning's offering.

Offertory     “O God, From Heaven, Do Look Down”     J.S. Bach

Prayer of Dedication 4

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 753   Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

Announcements

Blessing

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “Better Than A Hallelujah”     Sarah Hart, Chapin Hartford     

1 Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren

2 Rev. Mindi Rev-o-lution

3 Nolan Palsma, “Prayerful Preparation: Living God, Renew Us.”

4 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project,

Easter Bells

Opening Prayer 1

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Help us to see your presence burning in the hearts of others; grant that we may be united in a fellowship of love and prayer; give us the courage to pick up our cross and respond to the needs of the world, give us the stamina to follow you, to be your hands and heart in the world; enable us to witness to your grace and mercy. We pray all this through the love your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Welcome

Introit   "Come, Now Is the Time to Worship"     Brian Doerksen

Call to Worship 2

ONE: The Spirit of God bids us, “Come.” Let everyone who hears within their hearts “Come.” Hear the whole earth rejoice and the coastlands sing of our God's steadfast love.

ALL: We come to rejoice in the Holy One, our God. We give thanks for God sets us free!

ONE: Let everyone who is thirsty for the Spirit “Come.”  Let anyone who wishes “Come,” and receive the water of life as a gift.

ALL: We come to rejoice in the Holy One, our God. We give thanks for God's steadfast love that brings joy to our hearts in the night, lights our lives like the dawn, and sets us free.  Amen.

Hymn 327   From All That Dwell Below the Skies

Affirmation of Faith 3

We share one faith, have one calling, are of one soul and one mind; have one God and Father, are filled with one Spirit, are baptized with one baptism, eat of one bread and drink of one cup, confess one Name, are obedient to one Lord, work for one cause, and share one hope. Together we come to know the height and the breadth and the depth of the love of Christ; are built up to the stature of Christ, to the new humanity; know and bear one another's burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ that we need one another and up build one another, admonishing and comforting one another; that we suffer with one another for the sake of righteousness. Together we pray; together we serve God in this world.

Response Hymn 474

My God, I trust in you.

You care for me, you give me peace.

My God, I trust in you.

You care for me, you give me peace.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 253

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Alleluia! Christ is a risen.

Bright is the dawning of the Lord's day.

Scripture Reading: John 17:20-26

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem   “Hills and Valleys"     Tauren Wells

Sermon:  "To witness is to pray is to witness"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 215   What Wondrous Love Is This

Invitation to the Offering 4

Our faith leads us to believe these things:  That night always gives way to the dawn; war always gives way to peace and that death is always shattered by life

God is doing a new thing every minute of every day. God is at work, around us and within us for the homeless, a place to live; for the hungry, a feast; for the thirsty, a cup of cold clean water that runneth over; for the weary, rest; for the lonely, a friend; for the sick, healing and wholeness.

And we are called to be a part of God's work of generosity.  We are called to give, to surrender our time, talent, and treasure to this God-work of making all things new.  Let us receive this morning's offering, either by putting your gifts in the basket here on the table now or later, or by mailing your gifts to the church.

Offertory     “Love”     David Foster

Prayer of Dedication 4

Loving God, with these gifts we hope to help you make a whole new world.  With these gifts we hope to help make real what your prophets declare, that mourning and crying and pain will be no more.  With these offerings, help make a world where everyone is loved, a world where justice and compassion roll down like a mighty stream, a world where everyone has warm food, cool water, healthcare, and friends - a world where death is no more, where mourning and crying and pain are no more!  We pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 749   Come! Live in the Light!

Announcements

Pastoral Blessing

Creator God, may your peace go with us wherever we will be this day. May you guide us through the challenges, protect us when in need, and inspire us with your love. May we acknowledge your presence in all the human goodness we will see. May you bring us home, rejoicing to our place of rest this night. Creator God, we now go into this day in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Closing Charge

Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold on to what is good. Return no person evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Postlude     “At The Front”     Catherine Ro     

1 Teri, RevGalBlogPals

2 Free Indeed Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson

3 Nolan Palsma, “Prayerful Preparation: Living God, Renew Us.”

4 Elizabeth Myer Boulton, President, SALT Project

5 Third Space