Worship Service
August 16, 2020
Note: The prelude begins 15 minutes into the video but is at the beginning of the audio file
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
PRELUDE
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
Loving God, when we are given life we are set on a journey which is to continue from first breath to last. At times the path is smooth, the way ahead clear and the view pleasant. While these times are welcome and renewing, they may not be the ones where we learn and grow. When the path is rocky and the way uncertain, when we are tossed between paralyzing fear and energizing faith, these are the times we come to know unchanging truths: that we have unexpected strengths and gifts, that we are never alone, that You come to us through this cherished community.
Help us, in turn, be aware when others are in the valleys of their journey and to be a loving, supportive presence for them.
This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
SONG – Lord, I Want to Be a Christian United Methodist Hymnal # 402
CHILDREN’S TIME
SONG – Be Thou My Vision
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of Jesus Christ
MATTHEW 5:31-32
31 It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
GOOD NEWS Divorce – Religious Passion Overrides Compassion?
SONG – O How He Loves You and Me Faith We Sing # 2108
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE (OFFERING)
Pastor: God wants our love more than God wants our offerings; God cares about our hearts not the amounts of our offerings. (Hosea 6:6).
All: As we count all the blessings God has already given to us, we cheerfully give our offerings to God, the Provider, with grateful hearts. Amen! (2 Corinthians 9:7).
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
We are SENT in the Power of the Holy Spirit
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING AND SENDING
May the grace and peace of Christ be with you, my friends.
Go and share the love of God, love that never ends.
POSTLUDE