November 8, 2009
10:30 AM
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship – John 15:12-13
*Opening Praise – 555 “Lead On, O King Eternal”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
“All in All”“I Believe in Jesus”“Jesus, Draw Me Close”Call to Confession – Matthew 22:34-40
Prayer of Confession
God of everlasting love, we confess that we have been unfaithful to our covenant with you and with one another. We have worshiped other gods: money, power, greed and convenience. We have served our own self-interest instead of serving only you and your people. We have not loved our neighbor as you have commanded, nor have we rightly loved ourselves. Forgive us, gracious God, and bring us back into the fullness of our covenant with you and one another. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon – I John 4:9-10, 19
*Song of Assurance – 231:1 “How Great Is the Love of the Father”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Jeremiah 8:18-9:2 (from The Message)
Message – “Is There No Balm in Gilead?”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper – Luke 22:14-20
Prayer
Lord, our God, send your Holy Spirit so that this bread and cup may be for us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we and all your saints be united with Christ and remain faithful in hope and love. Amen.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
The body of Christ, given for you.
Thanks be to God.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Thanks be to God.
*Song of Thanksgiving – 497:1,2 “How Vast the Benefits Divine”
The Offerings – First: General Fund
Second: Reverse Offering for Thanksgiving BasketsOffertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer, including prayer for the persecuted church
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Parting Song – 494 “There Is a Balm in Gilead”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This morning we are blessed to receive God’s Word and the sacrament of Holy Communion. Just a reminder that participation in the sacrament is for all who have publicly professed their faith in Jesus as their savior and who are seeking, with the Holy Spirit’s power, to live out that faith in daily obedience. If that describes you, please receive the bread and cup when they are passed to you. We will eat and drink together after all have been served.
The second offering this morning is a reverse offering for the Thanksgiving baskets the deacons are going to prepare for needy families in our community. The plate will contain slips of paper naming foods that will go in the baskets. Take as many papers as you wish and then bring those food items next Sunday (or no later than Nov. 22). Social workers at Chenango Forks Schools will distribute the baskets to families in the district who are in special need this year. Your generous response will be greatly appreciated.
Today we will join churches around the world in praying for brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted for the sake of the gospel. As we pray for them, we thank God for the freedom we enjoy in this country.
Pastor Gelder and Jan will be on vacation this week. If you need pastoral care, please contact an elder.
Continue to pray for Dick and Judy Crawford as Dick regains strength after the surgery last Sunday. Pray also for wisdom in considering what treatment options may be presented. Their Florida address is:
Dick and Judy Crawford29200 South Jones Loop Rd., Lot 601Punta Gorda, FL 33950Congratulations to the Canary family on the birth of Ava Marie last Tuesday. May God bless Marcy and Jim as they train Ava in God’s ways.
If you saw it last spring or especially if you didn’t, plan to be here Thursday evening, 7:00 PM as Ron Crawford again presents his fast-moving presentation of “Living with Four Generations”. He will help us understand why people of different generations do and think differently. That can help us work and live together more happily, also in the church setting. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
Saturday is Parents’ Night Out. If your children are going to attend, please sign them up on the sheet on the door before you leave today or call no later than Friday morning. Also, if you can help staff the program, please talk with Janet Crawford today.
Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s Luncheon at Cracker Barrel
7:00 PM Aerobics classThursday, 7:00 PM Generations presentation
Saturday, 5:30 PM Parents’ Night Out
Council notes:
NEXT SUNDAY, November 15, 2009
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:15 AM Classes for all ages meet. The adult class continues studying the book of Revelation, “God Wins: a Look at the Mysteries of Revelation.” The discussion will cover Revelation 8-11, “Seven Trumpets of Judgment”.
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM We welcome back Mr. John Aukema as he brings us God’s Word in Pastor Gelder’s absence.
