June 1 — That They May All Be One

All glory to God for the blessing of life! We give thanks to God for the invitation to be alive in a world full of possibility with open minds and open hearts to live with great joy until we meet again.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — He Is Exalted

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Ann Molyneaux
One: Come now into this hour of worship and of praise to God.
All: We enter joyfully into the sacred place of the Most High.
One: We long to encounter God as Spirit,
All: And to worship God in spirit and in truth.
One: May our every breath become a prayer,
All: And may our every heartbeat become an open door through which the Living One may enter.

*HYMN — I Sing the Almighty Power of God — 6

I sing th’almighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
And all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how wonThyders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below
But makes your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be,
Thou, God, are present there.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Ann Molyneaux
Merciful and Gracious God, we praise you as the Creator of all life. You are the One who makes and loves all people. May we love everyone as genuinely as you do, God. Come alive among us day by day. May we live – growing and responding to all that you ask of us.
With joy we join together to worship you. Come now and fill our hearts with your unselfish, exceptional love. Oh God, be with us as we live into all that is possible.
We pray in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. men.

*RESPONSE — Thy Word — #178

Chorus:
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
Still You’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.
Please be near me to the end.

Chorus:

I will not forget Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side;
And I will love You to the end.

Chorus:

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 97 — Ann Molyneaux

SPECIAL MUSIC — Great is the Lord

GOD’S WORD — John 17:20-26 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*COMMUNION HYMN — Come Share the Lord — #260

We gather here in Jesus’ name,
His love is burning in our hearts like living flame,
For thru the loving Son the Father makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord.

No one is a stranger here, everyone belongs.
Finding our forgiveness here,
we in turn forgive all wrongs.

He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup risen from the dead.
The one we love the most is now our gracious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord

We are now a family of which the Lord is head.
Though unseen, He meets us here,
In the breaking of the bread.

We’ll gather soon where angels sing,
We’ll see the glory of our lord and coming King.
Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [A] — Ivy worship booklet, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.

*HYMN — Called as Partners in Christ’s Service — Worship booklet, p.32

Called as partners in Christ’s service
Called to ministries of grace
We respond with deep commitment
Fresh new lines of faith to trace
May we learn the art of sharing
Side by side and friend with friend
Equal partners in our caring
To fulfil God’s chosen end

Christ’s example Christ’s inspiring
Christ’s clear call to work and worth
Let us follow never faltering
Reconciling folk on earth
Men and women richer poorer
All God’s people young and old
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold

Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission
In a small or global sense
Help us bear each other’s burdens
Breaking down each wall or fence
Words of comfort words of vision
Words of challenge said with care
Bring new power and strength for action
Make us colleagues free and fair

So God grant us for tomorrow
Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow
With a calm that conquers strife
Make us partners in our living
Our compassion to increase
Messengers of faith thus giving
Hope and confidence and peace

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Christ for the World We Sing

September 3 – Spirit-Led Living

Blessings to all people on this Labor Day weekend.

Today, as is our custom on the first Sunday of every month, we will celebrate open communion. All are welcome to join us at Christ’s table. If you are worshipping with us at home, please gather the elements before worship so you may partake with us.

Click here to view today’s worship on YouTube.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Jim French
One: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!
All: God is alive in all creation!
One: Everything which is made by God reflects God’s goodness.
All: We gather to praise our Marvelous Creator!
One: This very day is a masterpiece being created by God!
All: Let us rejoice and worship God!

*HYMN – The Light of the World Is Jesus – #373

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Jim French
God of love and mercy, you lavish life abundant on the world! We are grateful for all that you provide. May our gratitude come across as we joyously share your blessings with others.
God, you are always near. Your closeness is a blessing. Sensing that each moment you are close by fills us with joy! Each breath of life is a gift from you. Our every step, every word, every action can serve as an expression of your praise!
Jesus, you are our Risen Savior. Refine and soften our hearts to serve you fully. All this we pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – We Have Come into His House – #36

We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him,
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him,
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

GOD’S WORD – Exodus 3:1-14 – Jim French

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD – Romans 12:9-18 & Matthew 16:21-28

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*COMMUNION HYMN – In the Garden – #267

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing. [Refrain]

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Tho’ the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro’ the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling. [Refrain]

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table. The cups in the outer ring on each tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.

*HYMN – We Are God’s People – #117

We are God’s people, the chosen of the Lord,
Born of His Spirit, established by His Word;
Our cornerstone is Christ alone, And strong in Him we stand:
O let us live transparently
And walk heart to heart and hand in hand.

We are God’s loved ones, the Bride of Christ our Lord,
For we have known it, the love of God outpoured;
Now let us learn how to return The gift of love once given:
O let us share each joy and care,
And live with a zeal that pleases Heaven.

We are the Body of which the Lord is Head,
Called to obey Him, now risen from the dead;
He wills us be a family, Diverse yet truly one:
O let us give our gifts to God,
And so shall His work on earth be done.

We are a Temple, the Spirit’s dwelling place,
Formed in great weakness, a cup to hold God’s grace;
We die alone, for on its own Each ember loses fire:
Yet joined in one the flame burns on
To give warmth and light, and to inspire.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE