11am Traditional Worship – Aug. 20, 2023

Prelude  

Welcome & Announcements 

Call to Worship

L: What joy we feel when we are called together to celebrate God’s love.

P: God’s love flows through our lives!

L: This is what it means to be the body of Christ!

P: This is what it means to be faithful witnesses to God.

L: Let us rejoice on this day!

P: Lord, we thank you for the blessings you pour on us. AMEN.

Opening Prayer We travel here from all walks of life, from different ages and stages, and are welcomed in your love and your presence! Today we bring before you the names of loved ones who are struggling with loss, with illness, with depression, with addiction, with alienation from those that they love. Be with each of them. Lay your hand of healing gently over their lives and pour out your balm of peace on them. Help us to reach out to be of service to each other in Jesus’ name. Lord, we also bring to you situations of celebration: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, family gatherings, special occasions which lift us up and remind us of the goodness that there is in life. Breathe your spirit into these wonderful events that all who gather may rejoice and celebrate the blessings you have given each of us. Keep our hearts and minds open for your reconciling word for us; for we ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.                                    

Hymn UMH #452 (v. 1-3) – “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”

Children’s Moment

Prayer of Confession, UMH Pg. 890

Hymn UMH #384 (v.1,2,4) – “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

Scripture Reading – John 14:23-27 (NRSV)

Message This Holy Mystery (Part 1) – In Remembrance

Act of Worship, The Apostle’s Creed

Offertory / Doxology – UMH #95  

Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer

Hymn TFWS #2171 – “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”

Benediction  

Postlude