Sundar, April 28, 2024 10:00 am
Centering Words: “When love comes to town, I’m going to jump that train. When love comes to town, I’m going to catch that flame.” ~Bono
Ringing of the Bell
Prelude
Welcome
*Call to Worship (Responsively):
Jesus invites us saying “Abide in me as I abide in you.”
Come dwell within us!
“Those who abide in me bear much fruit.”
We draw our purpose from Christ’s life-giving vine.
“If you abide in me, you become my disciples.”
We live in Jesus Christ! Alleluia!
*Opening prayer (unison):
Gracious and loving God, we gather today seeking to be present to your presence. We bring to you our innermost thoughts, our deepest hurts, our gravest fears. As a mother comforts her child, speak your word of reassurance, peace and forgiveness, granting us the sure and certain knowledge that we are indeed your children, loved with an everlasting and unreserved love. Amen.
*Opening Hymn: “For the Beauty of the Earth” #56
*Passing of the Peace
Call to Confession
With the confidence that we share anything with God, let us confess together:
Prayer of Confession (Unison):
God of grace and God of glory, your love is life-changing, but there are times when we don’t want to change. Your love is begging to be proclaimed throughout the world, but its easier to just keep quiet. Your love challenges us to love all of our sisters and brothers, but it that seems too difficult. Your love invites us to live in you completely, but its too easy to forget that we belong to you. Great God of Love, open our hearts, guide our actions, restore and renew us. Prune away the unproductive wood and lead us back into the new growth in the sunshine of your love.
(Moment of silence and reflection)
Assurance of Pardon
Friends, when we know God, we know love. God lives in each of us and so God’s love abides in us. Remember, we have this promise: Everyone who believes in Jesus the Christ receives forgiveness of sins through Christ’s holy name. This is Good News!
Thanks be to God!
Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
John 15:1-8
Reader: Lynne Lauer
Reflection
*Hymn: “Wonderful Words of Life” #323
Sharing Our Life Together
Prayers of the People & Our Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Invitation to Be Grateful and Generous
*Doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
Generous God, thank you for the gifts that we receive and the gifts that we give. Accept our offerings, multiply them and use them to bring more loving kindness into the world. Bless them and us, we pray. Amen.
*Closing Hymn: “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service” #453
*Commission and Benediction
Postlude
