Worship Service – July 12, 2020
(10:15) Facebook Live Stream Worship Sunday
Prelude/ Lighting of the Candles
Opening Prayer: Great Sower, cast us like seeds upon the winds of your mercy, that we may grow in fertile ground. Keep our lives from stony pathways, where the heat of life’s cares and strife strip our strength and vitality. Protect us from thorny gullies, where the snares of life’s worries and fears block the sunshine of your Spirit. Land us safely in rich soil, Master Gardener, and bless us with the kiss of gentle rain, that our faith may increase and our joy may be complete. Amen.
Passing of the Peace: (L)The Peace of Christ be with you
(P) And Also with you.
Opening Songs: Come Now is the Time to Worship & God of Wonder
CALL TO CONFESSION
1 Timothy 6:12 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Come now to confess all that separates you from others and from God.
Prayer of Confession: Caretaker of our souls, we yearn to resist the allures of status and prestige, for we often piece ourselves with wounds of our own making. We long to bloom where we are planted, that righteousness and peace might flower in our lives. Free us of the fear of appearing foolish before others, as we seek new growth in your Spirit. Nurture us with your grace and mercy, that we might blossom and bloom as followers of Christ.
Amen.
Words of Assurance: Those who abide in the Spirit are set free. Those who reside in Christ find no condemnation. Rejoice that we have been planted in the fertile ground of God’s love and mercy.
Hymn of Illumination “Spirit Song” (1st Verse only) UMH #347
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 (click here to tithe online)
Doxology
Offertory Prayer: Master Gardener, as you have sown our lives in a rich and fertile soil, may we bear much fruit through our giving. With these offerings, may your realm be brought to earth, as we plant seeds of hope in the fields of life. Bless our gifts and our ministry, that the world may reap a harvest of generosity and love. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:1-9
L: This is the word of the Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.
Song of Response As the Deer The Faith We Sing
Message Choose the Best Answer? by Pastor Edward Granadosin
Pastoral Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn Alas and Did My Savior Bleed UMH #294
Benediction
Postlude