Worship Service – May 3, 2020

(10:15) Facebook Live Stream Sunday

Prelude/ Lighting of the Candles

(L) Opening Prayer: Loving Shepherd, we feel the wolves close at hand. Gather us to yourself, that we might dwell secure in your ways. Deliver us from evil, that we might build a community where all may dwell secure. Mark our fellowship with study, prayer, communion, and the sharing of our possessions with those in need. AMEN.

Passing of the Peace: (L)The Peace of Christ be with you
(P) And Also with you.

Opening Hymn: “To God be the glory Great things He has done” UMH #98

CALL TO CONFESSION
(L) 2 Timothy 2: 19 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” With faith and hope, let us come before our Lord to
confess our sins. Prayer of Confession: Christ, our shepherd and gate, we would rather chart our own course, than be shepherded like sheep; we would rather find our own way, than see you as the Way; we would rather be shepherds than sheep, who are vulnerable and exposed. Forgive us when we bleat our resistance, as you guide us to higher pastures. Be our gate, our way to safe havens, where we can dwell with you secure. Amen.
Words of Assurance: The one who anoints our heads with oil, the one who feeds us while our enemies look on, the one who delivers us from evil, invites us to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Hymn of Illumination “Spirit of the living God” UMH #393

Children’s Chat

Offertory call (Liturgist, please call ushers forward at this time)
Remember the words Jesus said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive. Offertory Music
Offering
Doxology
Offertory Prayer: Holy One, touch us with the awe that came upon those early disciples, as they beheld the signs and wonders performed in their midst by the apostles. May the gifts we offer this day be a remembrance of their commitment to share all things in common. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would
sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

L: This is the word of the Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.

Song of Response “Surely the presence of the Lord” UMH# 328

Message ‘Devoted Hearts’ By Edward Granadosin
Pastor East Alton First UMC

The Great Thanksgiving/Holy Communion

Announcements

Closing Hymn “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” UMH #381

Benediction

Postlude