SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

September 10, 2023

GATHERING OF GOD’S PEOPLE

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PRELUDE                                                                Gayle Schaeffer

LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES                                            Marie Funk

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS WE GREET OUR NEIGHBOR

INTROIT                               Holy Water                                     Video

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Return to the Lord your God,

for God is gracious.

Confess to the Lord your God,

for God is merciful.

Repent to the Lord your God,

for God is slow to anger.

Praise the Lord your God,

for God abounds in steadfast love.

Worship the Lord your God.

Together, let us worship God!

*HYMN of PRAISE No.786                               “Count Your Blessings”

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (inside Hymnal)            The Apostles’ Creed

*GLORIA PATRI (inside Hymnal) SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

CONFESSION OF SIN

Lord God, we are so bound by rules and regulations that we fail to see the human need that goes beyond the bounds of structures. Help us become involved in ministries of peace and justice right where we are, for there is nowhere in creation where Your love is not needed. Let us bring messages of love and hope to all people. For we ask these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Jesus said: “There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.”

Truly, God is our salvation

Trust and do not be afraid! In Jesus Christ’s name, you are forgiven.

All Glory and Praise to God. Amen.

*VIDEO                        “My Jesus”                          Anne Wilson OFFERTORY, DEDICATION of OURSELVES and OUR GIFTS

*DOXOLOGY

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

ANTHEM             Goodness of God (CeCe Winans)               Video FRIENDSHIP REGISTER: JOYS and CONCERNS

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

Hear our prayer, O Lord, Hear our prayer, O Lord; Incline Thine ear to us and grant us Thy Peace. Amen.

CHILDREN’S TIME                                                          Greg Stiles

Proclaiming the Word of God

*THE GOSPEL READING                                          Luke 13:34-35

The Word of Our Lord.        Thanks Be to God.

THE OLD TESTAMENT READING                               Zechariah 1:1-6

The Word of Our Lord.        Thanks Be to God.

MORNING MESSAGE:

If You Would Only Return To Me

Sending Forth God’s People

*HYMN No. 372                                               “Our God Reigns”

*CHARGE and BENEDICTION

*CHORAL BENEDICTION

God be with you till we meet again; By His counsels guide uphold you; with His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again.

POSTLUDE

* Indicates congregation should stand, if able.

BIBLE STUDY: Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm

STUDY OF MATTHEW

“Falling in Love with Jesus…Again”

A verse-by-verse Bible study video series of the Book of Matthew with Pastor Bob Russell. It features 5 Volumes of DVD sets with a companion workbook for students and leaders.

Come join us in the Bible Study.

“Fall in Love with Jesus Again” through the teachings and reading of God’s Word.

Living Water Announcements Coffee Hour: Sign-up Sheet Fellowship Hall Bible Study: September 12, Tuesday, 7:00 pm. Council Meeting: September 13, Wed, 6:30 pm.

Time of Prayer: September 15, 12 noon. Everyone is invited to come to pray in the Sanctuary every Friday at noon for our Church and Community.