May 9, 2010
10:30 AM
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship – Psalm 89:1-4
*Opening Praise – 169 “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
“You Are the Reason”“Shout to the North”“Days of Elijah”Sacrament of Baptism
Hear these words of Jesus, an invitation and a promise offered to us all:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In obedience to this command, the church baptizes believers and their children.
Our gracious God has always desired to hold his people in a covenant embrace. The Lord declares over and over, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Pursuing this deep desire, God called Abraham and Sarah to trust in him and gave a covenant sign to show that they belonged to him. In baptism God now claims us in Christ, marks us as his own people, and seals our membership in God’s covenant community, the church. Baptism is the covenant sign that God frees us from the power of sin and death, uniting us with Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection. By water and the Holy Spirit we are washed clean from sin. God’s grace in baptism calls us to give ourselves to him in trust, love, and obedience.
From the beginning, God graciously has included our children in his covenant. All God’s promises are for them as well as for us. We are to teach them that they have been set apart by baptism as God’s own children so that as they grow older they may respond to him in personal faith and commitment.
Jim and Marcy Canary, having heard God’s gracious promises to us in Christ, do you desire that Ava be baptized?
We do.
With all God’s people, let us together profess our faith in the triune God.
*Apostles’ Creed
Prayer
Our Lord said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Baptism
God’s Blessing
Welcome
Some of us will have the privilege of encouraging Ava often, over the course of many years. Others of us may not be able to do so. Yet we all speak words of promise and welcome, speaking on behalf of Christ’s whole church, in time and space, and committing ourselves to live lives of Christian encouragement, wherever God calls us.
With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you into Christ’s church, to share with us in his ministry, for we are all one in Christ.
Song
Prayer
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – I Corinthians 15:3-11
Message – “Eyewitnesses to Resurrection: Surprises”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Response – 511:1-3 “These Are the Facts As We Have Received Them”
The Offering – General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Call to Service
Know that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Remember your baptism and be thankful.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.*God Blesses Us
The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.And also with you.*Parting Song – 156 “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This morning’s service includes the celebration of baptism as Jim and Marcy Canary present Ava Marie for baptism. God is faithful to his promises, which includes the gracious words that “I will be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” (Genesis 17:7) Baptism is not just a private, family matter; we as congregation and other family members here today also promise to pray for Ava and be there for her in her spiritual walk.
The second offering today is for the Valley Church youth programs, including funding for local and out of the area service projects being planned for the next two summers. This is a great opportunity to encourage our youth and youth leaders by showing generous support.
In honor of Mothers’ Day, the children will be distributing flowers at the close of the service to all the adult women in attendance. Receive this as a thank you gift for all you do for your family and for Christ’s church.
Tuesday, 7:00 PM Deacons meet
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
Wednesday, 9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study meets.
Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s Luncheon at Cracker Barrel
Thursday, 7:30 PM Worship Team meets
NEXT SUNDAY, May 16, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:15 AM Classes for all ages meet. The adult class will continue its study of the book of Romans.
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM Pastor Gelder will lead our worship, continuing the series of messages on “Eyewitnesses to Resurrection”. We will consider the testimony of Stephen as described in Acts 7:56. This will also be Ascension Sunday, recalling the glory of Jesus’ ascension from this earth to the position of glory in heaven.
We will be celebrating Holy Communion at this service. Take time this week to do some spiritual self-examination so that you will be blessed when you receive this gift from your God.
