Order of Service / Pentecost 7 / July 7, 2024

*Gathering Hymn This is the Day (#412 VU | vs. 1-3)

Welcome& Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: Come, let us gather in the presence of God,

  All: We gather in awe of God’s greatness and steadfast love.

One: For God is our refuge and strength,

All: our mountain of salvation in times of trouble.

One: As we worship today, let us lift our hearts in praise,

All: For God is our guide forever and ever. Amen.

Opening Prayer (Unison)

Gracious and loving God, we gather here today with grateful hearts, thankful for the gift of this new day and this opportunity to worship together. In your presence, we find peace and joy, and in your word, we find guidance and wisdom. As we begin this service, open our hearts and minds, that we may hear your voice speaking to us, and be inspired to follow your path of love and compassion. Amen.

*Opening Hymn Come, Let Us to the God of Love (#653 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Merciful God, you made us in your image, with a mind to know you, a heart to love you, and a will to serve you. But our knowledge is imperfect, our love inconstant, our obedience incomplete. Day by day, we fail to grow into your likeness. In your tender love, forgive. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

*Celebrate God’s Presence. Page 38.

Words of Assurance

One: Hear the good news: God's love for us is steadfast and sure.

  All: In Christ, we find forgiveness and redemption.

One: Let us rejoice and be glad, for we are renewed and restored.

  All: Thanks be to God for the gift of new life in Christ. Amen.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (Don’t Be Afraid / MV #90)

Don’t be afraid. My love is stronger, my love is stronger than your fear.

Don’t be afraid. My love is stronger and I have promised, promised to be always near.

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

2 Corinthians 12:2-10 My grace is sufficient; my power made perfect in weakness.

Psalm 48 (VU p. 772-773)

Mark 6:1-13 Jesus, rejected in Nazareth, sends out the 12 to teach.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee (#560 VU)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (Tune: #374VU)

Acts of kindness, times for sharing; bringing Christ to human need.

Caring for the least among us; simple actions plant the seed.

By our giving and forgiving, work a miracle of love.

Holy presence to us offered; Praise the One who reigns above.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

Gracious God, we bring before you our gifts and offerings, with hearts full of gratitude and praise. You have blessed us abundantly, and we joyfully return to you a portion of what you have entrusted to us. Bless those who give and those who receive, that all may experience your unconditional love. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn When Pain of the World (#598 VU)

*Commissioning

One: Go now into the world, empowered by the Spirit.  

   All: We go forth, trusting in the guidance of Christ.

One: We will be instruments of God's healing and reconciliation.

   All: We go forth, proclaiming the good news of God's kingdom to all.

One: We will rely on God's strength and grace in all circumstances.

   All: We go forth, bringing light to the world. Amen.

*Commissioning Song God Be with You till We Meet Again (v.2 | #422 UV)

God be with you till we meet again; unseen wings protecting hide you,

daily manna still provide you; God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet Till we meet at Jesus’ feet

Till we meet, till we meet God be with you till we meet again.

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