THE GATHERING        

* Stand if willing and able

Gathering Music: “Praise Ye the Lord”         

Welcome and Announcements    

Prelude: “There’s Something About that Name” arr. Fred Bock

* Call to Worship 

Come into God’s Presence (a capella round)

*                            *                            *

Come into God’s Presence singing: “Alleluia!” “Alleluia!” “Alleluia!”  

Let us pray:

* Prayer of the Day    

Triune God, shepherd of your people Israel, you provide for us far more than we expect or imagine possible. Calm our fears; speak peace to us; lead us beyond ourselves. Gather us with all the saints in the church to glorify you for your mighty deeds. We pray in the strong name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

* Hymn of Praise: #37 “Let All Things Now Living”

* Invitation to Healing

Let us confess to our God, for the Lord is just in all his ways and kind in all his doings. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

* Prayer of Wholeness

God, you uphold those who are falling and raise up all who are bowed down. Therefore we confess our sins – both things we have done and thing we have left undone – in every confidence that you will open your hands to us in an embrace of forgiveness and love. Amen.                                                 Please continue in silent prayer

* Kyrie: #437 “You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy”

* Assurance and Passing of the Peace

Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say: Thanks be to God!

Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another. Please share a sign of peace with those with whom you are worshiping.

* Sung Response: #591 “Halle, Halle, …” (chorus twice)

Celebrating Joys: Where we have seen God at work

Hymn of Response: #628 “Praise, I will Praise you, Lord”  

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

Holy God, may this your Word give us the power to comprehend, with all the saints, the length and width, the height and depth of the love of Christ and fullness of life in you. Amen.

First Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-15 p. 390 (OT)

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21 p. 260 (NT)

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Gospel Reading: John 6:1-21 p. 132 (NT)

“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you O Christ”

Reflection: “TL 7-27-2021 The First Task” ~ Pastor Scott

Questions for Reflection

What is our history? Where are we in history? How, now, shall we live? 

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

* Hymn: #440 “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”

* Affirmation of Faith: Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.32-3

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has set the pattern for the church’s mission.  His human life involves the church in the common life of all people; his service to men and women commits the church to work for every form of human well being….So to live and serve is to confess Christ as Lord.

Prayers of the People/Intercession

Call and response: “Lord, in your mercy:” “Hear our prayers.”

Minute for Mission

Offertory: “Bourree” arr. George Frideric Handel

* Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessing flow!

Praise Christ all creatures here below!

Praise Holy Spirit evermore!

Praise Triune God whom we adore!  Amen!

 * Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication

SENDING

* Closing Hymn: #526 “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ”

* Blessing and Charge

* Congregational Song: “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Lyrics found on the inside front cover of the hymnal.

Bathrooms and a diaper changing station are located in the Fellowship Hall.  Please join us across the way for refreshments and conversation following worship.

Additional Question for Reflection

How does Christ feed you today?  How does Christ feed the world?

Household Prayer: Morning

God of the sunrise, ground me and root me in love today.  As I move through all the different roles I play – parent, child, student, worker, church member, supervisor, volunteer, retiree – be my companion and strengthen my inner being where I live with you. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

God of the embracing darkness, thank you for dwelling in my heart.  I was able to accomplish some things today and not others.  Thank you for letting me rest in the promise that you are able to accomplish abundantly more in my life than all I can ask or imagine.  I will sleep in peace.  Amen.