May 23, 2010
10:30 AM
Pentecost Sunday

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE

Preparation for Worship
Call to Worship – Acts 2:16-21
*Invocation
Come, Creator Spirit, and move over this chaotic world.
Come, Creator Spirit, and bring life to this world.
Come, Creator Spirit, and move over the chaos of our lives.
Come, Creator Spirit, and bring us new life.  Amen.
*Hymn of Praise – 425 “Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Praise Time
“
Call to Confession
The Spirit of the Lord fills the world and knows our every word and deed.
Let us then open ourselves to the Lord and confess our sins in penitence and faith.
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, you poured out your Spirit upon gathered disciples, creating bold tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith.  We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us.  We do not listen for your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ.  Have mercy on us, O God.  Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon – Romans 8:1-2, 11
*Song of Response –421:2-4 “Come as the Light”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Luke 24:36-49
Message – “Tell What You Know”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 517 “There’s No God as Great”
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
  Second:  Project Concern
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Call to Service and Blessing
Remember that the harvest of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  The Spirit is our source of life.
Thanks be to God.  We will walk by the Spirit.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you overflow with love and hope.
Amen.
*Parting Song – 416;1,5 “For Your Gift of God the Spirit”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the day when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to God’s people in fullness and power.  The children will help in carrying the cross from its place in the front of the worship center to the outside, picturing that with the Spirit’s power we are expected to share the good news of Jesus with the whole world, not just keep it to ourselves.

Sunday, 4:00 PM Softball game at KAA
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible Study at the Spot
Wednesday, 9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study at                  .  Study – LIST PASSAGE
Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s luncheon at Cracker Barrel

There is a second offering this morning for Project Concern, our local center in Chenango Bridge which provides clothing and household goods for needy families at little or no cost.  In addition to the volunteer help some Valley Church members provide, our offering will help cover some of the expenses involved in maintaining this important ministry.  And while you are giving, include a prayer for the continuing recovery of Mary Gell, Project Concern’s director, following her hip surgery.

Following the service this morning you will have an opportunity to write letters to your elected representatives on behalf of Bread for the World.  Supplies and sample letters will be provided.  We will see a brief video during the offering time to give more information about this year’s focus.

The Valley Church softball team will make their official debut today in a game at 4:00 PM at the KAA field in Chenango Forks.  We will play a team from St. Rita’s.  Spectators are also needed to cheer on the team.  Wear your Valley Church shirts if you can.

Harriet Dimidio spent several days in Wilson Hospital this week.  Pray for her as doctors try to find ways to better control her blood sugar levels.

Continue to pray for Inger Thomas as she will need quite a bit of time to heal following the injury to her arm and shoulder.  May God give her relief from pain and patience during this time of healing.

We plan to celebrate Graduation Sunday on June 27.  To help us plan for the service, there is a sheet posted on the entry door where you can list the names and plans of the Valley Church family who are graduating this year, either from high school or college.

Council notes:

NEXT SUNDAY, May 30, 2010

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  There will be no classes this week

MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM  Pastor Gelder will bring the message on “Ordinary Time” based on Colossians 3:17.  We will also celebrate the baptisms Whitney Fiona Nicolas and Madeline Howland, along with the reaffirmation of faith of Melissa Blakeslee.