† PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God who provides our every need, you have given us countless gifts. You have welcomed us for all of who we are. You have showered us with steadfast love. You have freely given us eternal life in Christ Jesus. We do not deserve these gifts. We take them and squander them. We continue to trust ourselves more than we trust you. We fail to embrace others as you have embraced us. Accept our confession. Be our glory and our strength for the days to come, our strength, shield, and deliverer.
† SILENCE FOR PERSONAL CONFESSION
† ASSURANCE OF PARDON
One: God provides a well of forgiveness that never runs dry. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Many: Thanks be to God! Amen.
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH from a Brief Statement of Faith
Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we serve. We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere, the giver and renewer of life. In a broken and fearful world, the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of people long silences, and to work with others for justice, freedom and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying “Come, Lord Jesus!”
† THE PEACE
One: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Many: And also with you.
WELCOME (Please sign the Friendship Register)
FOCUS ON MISSION: STEPHEN MINISTRY SUNDAY
THE OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS TO GOD
ANTHEM Faith, Hope, and Love Remain Malcolm Archer
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love, but the greatest of these is love. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love, but the greatest of these is love. For love is strong as death, is strong as death, strong as death, strong as death. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it, drown it. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love, but the greatest of these is love, is love, but the greatest of these is love.
† PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below; Praise Holy Spirit evermore; praise triune God, whom we adore. Amen.
SEALING THE WORD
SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
One: The Lord be with you.
Many: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts.
Many: We lift them to the Lord.
One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Many: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
… who forever praise your name:
The prayer continues.
… great is the mystery of faith:
INTERCESSION, SUPPLICATION, AND CONSECRATION
One: In your Mercy, Many: Lord, hear our prayer.
… now and forever.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD AND CUP
One: The gifts of God for the people of God. Many: Let us keep the feast.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
BEARING AND FOLLOWING THE WORD OF GOD INTO THE WORLD
HYMN 301 Let Us Build a House TWO OAKS
