Sharing Joy, Hope, Comfort, Peace, and Love In the time of COVID-19, Coronavirus. During the Pandemic Lock down, Join our Worship Service Live Streaming Here at 10:30 Sunday Mornings .
Our Vision: A church that listens, praises God, inspires, and serves others.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: We long for community and the Presence of God.
People: In whom we live and move and have our being.
Leader: This day Christ tells us that we will never be alone. An Advocate--spirit of Truth--will share our journey.
People: With whom we will live and create community and celebrate being.
Leader: May love of God be with you.
People: And the joy of Christ surround you.
Leader: May we know the presence of the Advocate as we gather in this community of peace. May your Truth lead us to the path of discipleship with deeds of bold mercy and courageous justice.
All: As an Easter People following a Risen Lord, may the life of Jesus live on in us and through us. Amen.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Unison)
Ever-Present one, we have come here today for many reasons, each with our own story. May these reasons and stories be immersed in your Sacred Story, finding ourselves caught up n the drama and beauty of Jesus' teachings, life, and ministry. Enable us to move boldly into the future and to fulfill the hope of love that Jesus taught.
OPENING HYMN: "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (NCH, No. 43)
THE COMMANDMENT OF JESUS (John 15: 5,12)
I am the vine; you are the branches. those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you".
SPECIAL MUSIC: "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds."
SCRIPTURE LESSON: (John 14: 15 - 21) NRSV
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. this is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you and he will be in you.
"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Holy Advocate, It seems , at times, we forget that know us at our very depth. We become anxious and afraid that you are not with us in these days of isolation and worry. Yet even now you call us to the work of imagination, generosity and patience, which are possible when we remember Whose we are. by your mercy, help us live out the commandments of Christ within these walls, beyond this hour. May we become for the world the very presence of justice, hope, and peace.
Words of Assurance - Pastor
All of us have been created and called to be in community which today takes many forms! Know this, but more importantly, live this: As God's children we are loved and equipped for great ministry. Follow Jesus commandment to love boldly, even in solitude, as you are held in the grace and love of God.
PRAYER SONG: "I Need You Every Hour" (NCH, No 517)
OFFERING THOUGHTS - Pastor
Today we call upon you as the Children of God to share in the love and work of Jesus. We, as the gathered Church, the Body of Christ, continue in our day to witness and work on behalf of our Lord, returning our gifts, tithes and offerings. May our gifts,O God, become action and intention, fulfilling Christ's commandment to love. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN: "They'll know We Are Christians by Our Love". (HFG, No. 677)
COMMISSION:
Now leave this time of worship, refreshed and hopeful; let love be true and freely given. And may you be encouraged and blessed by the Advocate whose love warms and surrounds you like the sun, believing that is with us always, as close as our beating hearts. Amen
