Worship Service April 06, 2025
If you are unable to join us in person, our livestream connection via Zoom in the worship service post begins around 10:45am. You will have time to greet worship participants online and in the church … think of it as a closed circuit connection. If you cannot attend live or you would like to experience it again, our service is recorded and is typically available around 3pm on Sundays via the YouTube link in the worship service post.
Livestream via Zoom connection information (opens in a new tab):
https://zoom.us/j/94909367127?pwd=Kml3L9xIfQFJxzW0IGcIiWTg6Nf1vJ.1
Or On PC, or other devices open the app zoom.us:
Meeting ID is 949 0936 7127, Passcode is 394347
For in person participants: If you have a fever or are not feeling well, please participate via the virtual options
Order of Service
Welcome, Greeting, Service Introduction Rev. Warren Lunsford /All
*Call to Worship Rev. Warren Lunsford/All
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
I will cling to the Lord, and His hand will keep me safe.
Remember that the Lord your God will always be your help,
your strength, and your redeemer.
In the shadow of God’s wings I will sing for joy.
Praise be to God!
~ (written by H.Burnham Kirkland, Lectionary Worship Aids Cycle C, Series VI, p.77)
Response to the Call Maker In Whom We Live UMH 088
Opening Prayer of Confession Rev. Warren Lunsford/All
Lord, we take courage and feel new hope as we hear again
the parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree.
Our lives have not borne the fruit they should have
because of our sinful ways.
We give you thanks for the promise of another chance,
and for the gardener in your vineyard,
even Jesus Christ, who offers to work with us
in overcoming our shortcomings.
May this time of worship be for us the nurturing we need
to develop more fruitful lives, for Jesus’ sake. Amen
~ (written by H.Burnham Kirkland, Lectionary Worship Aids Cycle C, Series VI, p.77)
Silent Personal Confession
Assurance of Forgiveness Rev. Warren Lunsford/All
Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God’s love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God! Amen
Life of the Church Rev. Cindy Lunsford (see bulletin)
Mission Moment –
Psalm Psalm 63:1-8 (UMH 788) Gina Elrod/All
Hymn Shall We Gather at the River UMH 723
OFFERING OF OURSELVES
Pastoral Prayer Rev. Cindy Lunsford/All
….O healing river, pour down Your waters, and heal Your people.
Worship with Our Tithes & Offerings Steve Hawkins instrumental
Dedication & Offertory Rev. Warren Lunsford
Doxology UMH 095
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
Centering Song TBA Steve Hawkins
PROCLAMATION
Prayer of Illumination Gary Seiler
Calm us now, O Lord, into a quietness that heals and listens.
Open wounded hearts to the balm of your Word.
Speak to us in clear tones so that we might feel our spirits
leap for joy and skip with hope as your resurrection witnesses. Amen.
Scripture Isaiah 55:1-9 Rev. Warren Lunsford
Scripture Luke 13:1-9 Rev. Cindy Lunsford
Message Where’s the Fruit? Rev. Cindy Lunsford
WORSHIP AT THE TABLE
Great Thanksgiving & Communion UMH 9-10 (Insert) Rev. Cindy Lunsford/All
Prayer After Communion:
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery
in which you have given yourself to us.
Grant that we may go into the world
in the strength of your Spirit,
to give ourselves for others,
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN
GOING FORTH WITH CHRIST
Closing Hymn Sent Forth by God’s Blessing UMH 664
Commissioning & Benediction Rev. Cindy Lunsford
Depart to Serve, caring for others, as we truly serve God
