We begin and prepare for worship by centering ourselves, remembering the waters of baptism.
In baptism, we are joined to Christ and made members of one body— a people seeking to live faithfully into God’s purpose for us and for all creation.
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 148:2-5
Praise the Holy One from the heavens;
praise God in the heights!
Praise God, all God’s angels;
praise God, all God’s host!
Praise God, sun and moon;
give praise, all you shining stars!
Give praise, you highest heavens,
and waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Holy One,
for God commanded and they were created.
*HYMN 26 Earth and All Stars! EARTH AND ALL STARS
*INVITATION TO CONFESSION
Join me in this morning’s prayer of confession
as we continue to ask for grace in our lives
and learn how to extend such grace and love to one another.
And as we do so, may we remember that the risen Christ
steps in when we feel inadequate, helpless,
and do not know what we are doing.
Let us pray.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION+
Living God,
long ago, faithful women
proclaimed the good news
of Jesus’ resurrection,
and the world was changed forever.
Teach us to keep faith with them,
that our witness may be as bold,
our love as deep,
and our faith as true. Amen.
Silent confession.
*ASSURANCE OF GRACE
In John 13:34, Christ said: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
Believe the Good News of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
And since we have been reconciled to God, let us also be reconciled to one another.
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
The congregation is invited to exchange signs of peace.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Hymn 243, Be Not Afraid
Be not afraid; sing out for joy! Christ is risen, alleluia!
Be not afraid; sing out for joy! Christ is risen, alleluia!
SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 148
SCRIPTURE READING Acts 11:1-18
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us — thanks be to God.
SERMON Title Emily Martin
*HYMN 320 The Church of Christ in Every Age WAREHAM
PRAYERS OF SUPPLICATION AND INTERCESSION
O God, in your loving kindness,
Hear our prayer.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY
Let trumpets sound and voices sing!
Let all on earth their praises bring! Alleluia! Alleluia!
For Christ has conquered sin and death
And given life eternal breath.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Don’t Hesitate, Mary Oliver
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to God.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this
is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
Silent meditation.
We give thanks to you in all things, O God, as we pray together saying:
Our Father-Mother, 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 sins, as we forgive the sins of others; 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 231 Christ Has Risen While Earth Slumbers Alternate Tune: NETTLETON
*DISMISSAL
POSTLUDE
*Please rise in body or in spirit.
+Reprinted from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers,
copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts
***
The Session of the Church:
Class of 2019: Mark Taylor, Brett Withers
Class of 2020: Alan Stephenson, Tom Eldridge
Class of 2021: Greg Gardner, Heidi Hall
Melinda Sanders, Moderator
We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:
Emily Martin, Preacher
Jeff Moles, Director of Music Ministries
Jenny Cook, Liturgist
Kim Smith and Melissa Vargas, Offering Takers