July 27, 2008, 10:00 AM
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Invocation –
O God, by your power may we, with all the saints, comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that we may be filled with your fullness. Amen.
*Opening Song – 244:1,3 “God Himself Is with Us”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise –
“Step by Step”
“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
“Make Me a Servant”
Call to Confession
When we gather to praise God, we remember that we are people who have preferred our wills to his. Accepting his power to become new persons in Christ, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
Prayer of Confession
Lord God, we have given more weight to our successes and our happiness than to your will. We have eaten without a thought for the hungry. We have spoken without an effort to understand others. We have kept silence instead of telling the truth. We have judged others, forgetful that you alone are the Judge. We have acted rather in accordance with our opinions than according to your commands. Within your church we have been slow to practice love of our neighbors. Forgive us and help us to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace.
Thanks be to God.
*Song of Response – 223:1,2,4 “For the Glories of God’s Grace”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Matthew 26:36-46
Message – “I Want _____ Way”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 287 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
The Offerings – First: General Fund
Second : Back to God Ministries
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVEOpportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Song – 596:4 “From Ocean unto Ocean”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTSThe second offering this morning is for Back to God Ministries. Broadcasting in nine languages and reaching into 190 countries with a potential audience of over 4.8 billion people, this ministry of media and print is providing encouragement and training for Christians around the world. Your generous gifts are both needed and appreciated.
Monday, 7:00 PM Elders meeting
Mabel Benedict passed away Monday after a brief illness. We thank God that her final suffering was not prolonged. A graveside service was held on Thursday.
The next Kids for Christ activity will be on Saturday, August 16. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the entry where you can indicate if your child will be participating.
As we continue to offer a modified children’s worship time during July and August, we need your help. We need two people each Sunday (perhaps one adult and one teen) to supervise. There are still opportunities for you to help. See the sign up sheet on the table in the entry.
The Sea to Sea Bike Tour continues to make its way across the country, raising awareness and money to help end the cycle of poverty. You can follow the tour on-line at www.SeatoSea.org. This has been a hard week crossing the Rocky Mountains. Remember to check your mail slot for the weekly report we are distributing there. Plans for our hosting of the tour on Wednesday, August 27 are moving along nicely. We’ll give you more information next week about how you can help that day.
Youth Announcements:
NEXT SUNDAY, August 3, 2008
SUNDAY SCHOOL: There are NO Sunday School classes until September 7.
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:00 AM Elder Bill Kutz will bring the message, continuing the series on the Lord’s Prayers. The message will help us reflect on the prayer “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). The Gelders are in Michigan while Betsy attends Camp Sunshine.
