May 3, 2009, 11:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship
In Christ, the God of heaven has made his home on earth.
Christ dwells among us and is one with us.
Highest of all creation, he lives among the least.
He journeys with the rejected and welcomes the weary.
Come now, all who thirst,
and drink the water of life.
Come now, all who hunger,
and be filled with good things.
Come now, all who seek,
and be warmed by the fire of love.
*Opening Praise – 238:1,2,4 “We Come, O Christ, to You”
* The Living Jesus Welcomes Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise
           “Above All”
           “Shout to the Lord”
           “I Love You, Lord”
Call to Confession
           Our Lord Jesus said:
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it:  ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”  As God has instructed us in these great commandments, and because we have not lived in full obedience, let us now confess our sins to God, trusting Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Prayer of Confession
Almighty and merciful God, we have erred and strayed from your ways like lost sheep.  We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts.  We have offended against your holy laws.  We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.  O Lord, have mercy upon us.  Spare us who confess our sins and restore us who are truly penitent, according to your promises declared in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Jesus assures his people, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me ... and I lay down my life for the sheep.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”  (John 10:14-15, 28)
We are forgiven; we are kept secure.
Thanks be to God!
*Song of Response – 591:1,3 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – John 10:1-11
Message – “New Life:  Living to the Fullest”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 23:1,2,5 “The Lord, My Shepherd, Rules My Life”
The Offering – General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Song – 627 “Bless His Holy Name”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s Breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
                    9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study at Ruth Giese’s home
(study Romans ?? )
           7:30 PM Aerobics class meets
Thursday, 7:00 PM National Day of Prayer service
    7:30 PM Council meets

This Thursday is the National Day of Prayer, a time when all people in the United States are urged to set aside time to pray for our country and its leaders.  It is also a good time to recall our dependence on God as the farmers are planting their crops in anticipation of the harvest next fall.  Take time during the day to pray; find a community gathering for prayer if you can; and then join us at Valley Church at 7:00 PM for our time of focused prayer.  This is not just something our leaders request; it is God’s call to all his people.  “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made ... for all those in authority....” (I Timothy 2:1-2)

Set aside Saturday, May 16 for the annual church clean up day.  Your hands and energy, joined with many others, will give a new shine to the church building and grounds.

Continue to pray for Danielle Wood’s father as he deals with the paralysis following his spinal stroke.  Pray that God will touch his body with healing and give him patience and peace in the meantime.  Pray too for Danielle and Pete and family as they deal with being many miles away from him during this time.

Pray too for the many Valley Church families impacted with care for those who are aging, some with physical ailments and others with cognitive impairment.  Caregivers need added grace.

Youth Announcements:

NEXT SUNDAY, May 10, 2009

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Sunday School classes for all ages.  The adult class continues a series of classes offering biblical principles relating to our finances in these difficult economic times.  Learn what God’s Word says about “Earning and Giving”.  Thanks to Tim Brown for leading this study.


MORNING WORSHIP:  11:00 AM  Pastor Gelder brings the message, “New Life:  Fruitful Life”, based on John 15:1-17, continuing a post-Easter series of messages on “New Life”.  We will also be celebrating Holy Communion at this service.  Take some time this week to do an in-depth examination of your life so you can be ready to receive all God wants to give you through this means of grace. 

The second offering will be for the Valley Church youth ministry and specifically to help with expenses for the work camp trip planned for this summer for youth and their adult leaders.