Sunday Worship Service
April 11, 2021
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
The actual worship service begins 15 minutes into the recordings.
SONG
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
As you call us to be people of faith, O God,
you know that we are often people with doubts.
We doubt that love can grow again in places
where anger and misunderstanding are so powerful.
You know the strength of love and the power of prayer;
help us to be faithful people of love.
We doubt that peace can come in the places
where hatreds and racism are strong – in countries
across the world and in our own neighborhoods.
You know that peace can grow especially in the most broken places;
help us to be faithful peacemakers.
Jesus’ Resurrection shows us that you specialize in impossibilities;
you walked on water,
you heal the nations and forgive sins,
you set the captives free,
you set us free from our captivities.
This morning we pray for those of us who are filled with doubts,
who wonder whether you exist and whether you are listening.
We pray for people who doubt the purpose of their lives,
who face feelings of meaningless and despair.
Even when we have that sinking feeling,
give us the wisdom to turn to you.
Lord we want to believe, help our unbelief!
Give us faith, small as a mustard seed,
so that we can live as your people,
believing in your power to offer us meaning and purpose,
believing in your power to raise us up from despair,
believing that we can share and live this good news
with everyone we meet.
We ask all this in the name of the Risen One. Amen.
Adapted. Original Written by Carol Penner and posted on her Leading in Worship blog. http://carolpenner.typepad.com/. Reposted: https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2012/10/prayer-for-doubters.html.
SONG – The Jesus in Me (Worship & Song # 3151)
CHILDREN’S TIME
A TRIBUTE TO DOROTHY
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of Jesus Christ
Matthew 5:21-22
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
James 3:9-12
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
GOOD NEWS – How Do You Use Your Tongue?
Happy Easter! Christ is risen! Then what? How are you joining the Risen Christ who has given you a new life? How are you giving life to others, especially with your words?
SONG – They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love (Faith We Sing # 2223)
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.
CLOSING