The Worship of the Lord
May 17, 2020
Sixth Sunday of Easter
* Bold, congregational participation.
GATHERING IN GOD’S PRESENCE
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP
We long for community and the Presence of God.
In whom we live and move and have our being.
This day Christ tells us that we will never be alone.
An Advocate—spirit of Truth--will share our journey.
With whom we will live and create community
and celebrate being.
May the love of God be with you.
And the joy of Christ surround you.
May we know the presence of the Advocate
as we gather in this community of peace,
May God’s Truth lead us to the path of discipleship
with deeds of bold mercy and courageous justice.
As an Easter People following a Risen Lord,
may the life of Jesus live on in us and through us.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Ever-Present One,
we have come here today for many reasons,
each with our own story.
May these reasons and stories
be immersed in your Sacred Story,
finding ourselves caught up in the drama and beauty
of Jesus’ teachings, life, and ministry.
Enable us to move boldly into the future
and to fulfill the hope of love that Jesus taught. Amen.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION
CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Ever-Present One,
we have come here today for many reasons,
each with our own story.
May these reasons and stories
be immersed in your Sacred Story,
finding ourselves caught up in the drama and beauty
of Jesus’ teachings, life, and ministry.
Enable us to move boldly into the future
and to fulfill the hope of love that Jesus taught. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
The peace of the risen Christ be with you.
And also with you.
THE WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (unison)
Almighty God,
through your only Son you overcame death
and opened to us the light of eternity.
Enlighten our minds and kindle our hearts
with the presence of your Spirit,
that we may hear your words of comfort and challenge
in the reading of the scriptures,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Acts 17:22-31
For the Word of God in Scripture,
For the Word of God among us,
For the Word of God within us,
Thanks be to God.
SPECIAL MUSIC KAREN BENGTSON
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING John 14:15-21 (NRSV)
For the Word of God in Scripture,
For the Word of God among us,
For the Word of God within us,
Thanks be to God.
SERMON
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*DECLARATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE/PASTORAL PRAYERS
Lord, in your steadfast love,
hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY Amy Alley
*Prayer of Dedication (unison)
God of Power and Mercy, you have not deserted us;
we have been tested, and yet we know
we have never been far from your redeeming love.
We celebrate your relentless caring,
not only with the gifts we offer,
but with our voices and testimony.
We want the world to see what it means
to live in the light of your love and mercy.
Help us to guide our lives in your way.
In the name of Christ, our Rock and Redeemer. Amen.
*BENEDICTION