The Celebration of Christian Worship
Celebrating 175 Years of Faith & Hope
April 27, 2008 Fifth Sunday of Easter 10:00 a.m.
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, your only Son was taken into the heavens and in your presence
intercedes for us. Receive us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end
bring everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Prelude
Announcements
OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Passing of the Peace
Votum
Sentences – Psalm 66:8-20
Salutation
*Hymn #64 – “All Creatures of Our God and King”
Summary of the Law
Prayer of Confession
Eternal God, you are present everywhere in this world, claiming all peoples as your children, even among those who do not know your name. Yet how often we have refused to recognize and respect each other as brothers and sisters. How often we have not spoken your word to our brothers and sisters with gentleness and reverence. How often we have not spoken your word at all! We confess that we have not done the things we should, but have in fact done what we ought not to do. Holy God, cleanse us, fill us with your abiding Spirit, and empower us to live lives that truly reflect the radically inclusive love and compassion of your crucified Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Words of Assurance
*Gloria Patri
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lessons: John 14:15-21
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Children’s Minute
The children are invited to come forward for the children's message. After the message, children of Kindergarten age through Grade 5 will go with their teachers to Memorial Hall; younger children can be taken to the Schoolhouse Nursery by their parents. At 11:06 the teachers of school-aged children will close their lesson and walk the children to Cook Hall to meet parents. If it is necessary for parents to pick up their children at Memorial Hall, please wait on the steps outside the room until the lesson is finished. The younger children should be picked up in the nursery.
*Hymn – “Jesus” See Insert
Sermon – A Very Present Helper
Prayer for Blessing on the Word
OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD
*The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering
Offertory -
*The Doxology: (Hymn #556): Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Blessed are you, O God, from whom all good things come. With thankful hearts we return to you a portion of what you have given us, dedicating both gifts and givers to your service. Receive them for the sake of Jesus, who offered himself for us. Amen.
Family Prayers & 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 for ever. Amen.
*Hymn #560 – “For the Beauty of the Earth”
*Benediction & Threefold Amen
*Postlude -