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 67:1-7
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make God’s face to shine upon us,
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God continue to bless us;
let all the ends of the earth revere God.
*HYMN 254 That Easter Day with Joy Was Bright
PUER NOBIS NASCITUR
*INVITATION TO CONFESSION
No matter where we have come from,
no matter where we are going –
God is for us and God is with us.
No matter what we have done,
No matter what we have left undone –
God is for us and God is with us.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God,
Your redeeming love for all Creation
is embodied in Christ Jesus,
who also calls us to embody your all-inclusive love.
But we fail to listen, refuse to understand, or simply choose not to respond to your call.
Bring your Spirit to rest anew upon us,
that we might know more deeply your unconditional love for us—and knowing ourselves so loved,
might share more fully with others the life of your
Beloved One. Amen.
Silent confession.
*ASSURANCE OF GRACE
We do not need to let our hearts be troubled, nor do we need to let them be afraid. For in this moment and always, God extends grace and peace beyond our understanding to all people through the risen Christ.
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 John 5:1-9
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 I Carry My Mat Jenny Cook
*HYMN 796 We Come to You for Healing, Lord
LAND OF REST
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
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.
Gracious God,
We thank you that with time comes growth
and a better understanding of who you are
and who you call us to be.
You have blessed us and continue to bless us.
You are gracious and shine your face upon us.
Thank you for giving us the space we need
to learn to love ourselves with your great love as our guide
so that we can love others in return.
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 377 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light HOUSTON
*DISMISSAL
POSTLUDE
*Please rise in body or in spirit.
***
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:
Jenny Cook, Preacher
Mark Beall, Musician
Carrie Fraser, Liturgist
Ashlan Jackson and Jude Romines, Offering Takers