THE GATHERING        

* Stand if willing and able

Gathering Music        

Welcome and Announcements    

Prelude: “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” arr. Kenon D. Renfrow

* Call to Worship 

By the power of the Holy Spirit our steadfast loving God reaches out to us, drawing us to Jesus.

Thanks be to God!

Let us pray:

* Prayer of the Day    

Redeeming God, you satisfy our soul’s hunger through Jesus Christ, the bread of life.  Filled with your steadfast love, let us live in love, working honestly to share with the needy, feeding others with the bread of kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness. Amen

* Hymn of Praise: #523 “You Satisfy the Hungry Heart”

* Invitation to Healing

The Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness rather than light.  Let us allow the Light of the World to illumine our own inner darknesses and lead us into Christ’s loving light. Let us pray together:

* Prayer of Wholeness

God of peace, we have rejected your redemption
and forged our own way.                         2 Sam. 18:5–8

We hang between heaven and earth, caught up
in our own folly.                                            2 Sam. 18:9

We have held fast to falsehood, deceiving others
and ourselves.                                                    Eph. 4:25

We have sinned against you and done violence
to others.                                                      2 Sam. 18:15

Bitterness and wrath, anger and wrangling,
slander and malice consume us.                       Eph. 4:31

Evil runs rampant in our hearts.                            Eph. 4:27

If you, O Lord, should mark our iniquities, Lord,
who could stand?                                          Ps. 130:3–6

But there is forgiveness with you so that
you may be revered.

Our soul waits in hope for your word to redeem us

so that we may begin anew, a new day with you. 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. The Lord be with you!

And also with you! (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:

God of daybreak,                                               Ps. 130:5–6

our souls wait for your light

more than those who watch for the morning.

Let your Holy Spirit illumine our hearts                    Eph. 4:30

with the light of your redemption,

a new day, a new life in Christ. Amen.

First Reading Psalm: 130:1-8 p. (OT)

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

Epistle Reading: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 p. (NT)

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

Gospel Reading: John 6:35, 41-51 p.  (NT)

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

Reflection & Participatory Thoughts: “TL 8-8-2021 The Third Task” ~ Pastor Scott

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

* Hymn: #729 “Lord I Want to Be a Christian”

* Affirmation of Faith: ~ John 6:35, 11:25,

Jesus said: “I am the bread of life.” “I am the resurrection and the life.” “It is the Spirit that gives life.”

Intercessory Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

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

Minute for Mission

Offertory: “How Can I Keep from Singing” #821 in hymnal

* 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: #754 “Help Us Accept Each Other”

* Charge and Blessing

* 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 for refreshments and conversation following worship.

Additional Questions for Reflection:

“Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you” (Eph. 4:31–32). Have you ever experienced bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, slander, or malice in yourself or from others? How do you overcome and find grace to forgive?

Household Prayer: Morning

God of the morning watches, my soul waits for you, and I hope in your word.  Bread of life, nourish, strengthen, and accompany me throughout this day, that I may labor honestly, share with the needy, and imitate your love. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

God of peace, I have struggled through the battle of life this day. If you should mark my iniquities, how can I stand? But there is forgiveness with you. Let your steadfast love cleanse, comfort, and keep me through this night. Amen.