Worship Service – April 11, 2021
10:15am In-person and Live Stream Worship
Opening Prayer: Light of the world, shine upon us with your Holy Spirit. Gather in our midst, that we might know you are truly here. Guide us in unity and love, that we might be a blessing of unity and love for the world.
Passing of the Peace: (L)The Peace of Christ be with you
(P) And Also with you.
Opening Song: “Celebrate Jesus Celebrate”
CALL TO CONFESSION
Luke 12:8 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. So, let us draw near to God with sincerity and confidence, and pray together.
Prayer of Confession: You know us so very well, Christ Jesus. You know our doubts and our questions, and you love us enough to welcome such doubts and questions. You know our fractures and divisions, and you love us enough to invite us to forgive one another and live in unity. You know the shadows that tempt us, and still you shine your light within, inviting warmth and welcoming us back to your path of peace and love. Help us embrace this journey, that we may walk in the light, and live in unity together. In your gracious love, we pray. Amen
Words of Assurance: God is faithful in love and grace, making our confession welcome and cleansing for the soul. Rejoice! We are children of light. Even when we falter, God’s love is strong enough to bring us back to the light of forgiveness and grace.
Hymn of Illumination “Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus” (1st Verse only) UMH #349
Children’s Chat
Offertory call
Remember the words Jesus said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive. Offertory Music by Sue Keasler
Offering (click here to tithe online)
Doxology
Offertory Prayer: Generous God, we offer you our gifts as best we can. Although we don’t share everything in common, as those first believers did, we are sharing these gifts, that they may be used for the common good. Bless these gifts with the power of your Holy Spirit. Bless us with a spirit of unity and love. And bless our ministries, that we may bring your message of unity and love for all the world to know. In your Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.
Special Song
The Gospel Reading 1 John 1:1-2:2 L: This is the word of the Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.
Song of Response “Thy Word is a Lamp” UMH# 601
Message “Light in the Darkness” by Pastor Ed
Pastoral Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn “Christ is risen” (3 stanzas only) UMH #307
Benediction
Postlude