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 From Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
O HOLY ONE, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
O HOLY ONE, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
I praise you,
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
*HYMN
*INVITATION TO CONFESSION
God’s steadfast love and faithfulness are great and strengthen us, relieving us of our burdens. Let us lay down our burdens together through this morning’s prayer of confession.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of Wanderers, remind us of the beauty of footsteps. Forwards and backwards, we move through this world—sometimes alongside one another, just as often in front or behind. What might be one step for one person might be ten for another. Let us be thankful for every step. Let us remember to be patient with each other’s steps. For progress is wonderfully and eccentrically designed and a convoluted journey is no less respectable than the straightforward path.
Let us meet each other where we’re at and encourage one another to keep going. In this, we strive always to more faithfully follow the way of Christ, your Beloved, Anointed One. Amen.
Silent confession.
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
*ASSURANCE OF GRACE
Let us remember that kindness isn’t inertia,
that resistance, while discouraging, doesn’t equal failure.
On the grandest scales, momentum is subtle.
But it’s there.
It’s in the Christ’s breath pushing us forward
and turning this world.
Keep working your wonders, my friend. They matter.
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.
*HYMN
SCRIPTURE READING Philemon 1-21
SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
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 No Longer a Slave Mark DeVries
*HYMN
PRAYERS OF SUPPLICATION AND INTERCESSION
O God, in your lovingkindness,
Hear our prayer.
OFFERING
There are three ways to give:
- Through the offering plate.
- Through the “Give-lify” app.
- By clicking the “donate” button on the homepage of our website, woodlandnash.org.
*DOXOLOGY LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God in Jesus fully known:
Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
*ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF RULING ELDER
Please see attached insert.
*PRAYER OF ORDINATION AND LAYING OF HANDS
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.
(The prayer continues.)
Silent meditation.
We give thanks to you in all things, O God, as we pray, 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
*DISMISSAL
POSTLUDE
*Please rise in body or in spirit.
We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:
Mark DeVries, Preacher
Jeff Moles, Director of Music Ministries
Sara Staats, Liturgist
Becky Goodman and Ashlan Jackson,Offering Takers