Worship Service September 1, 2024

Order of Service

Call to Worship                                                                             Phillip Hawkins/All

Every generous act of giving is a tribute to God’s love for us.

Lord, let us be people of generous and abundant gifts for others.
Be ready to listen and slow to react in anger.
Lord, prepare us to be peaceful people.
Keep your hearts and spirits ready to serve the Lord.
Lord, open our hearts to hear and respond to your words of life

     in ministries of hope and peace. AMEN.

~ https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/3027/worship-connection-september-1-2024

Response to the Call:             Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise              UMH 103

Welcome, Greeting, Service Introduction                                  Phillip Hawkins/All

Life of the Church                                                         Phillip Hawkins (see bulletin)

Mission Moment

 Opening Prayer of Confession                                                  Rev. Cindy Lunsford

     A moment of silent personal confession

Assurance of Forgiveness                                                    Rev. Cindy Lunsford/All

Even if you have transgressed and done what you know to be wrong, remember that God will heal and forgive you; sending you on your way to become a person of peace, hope, love and justice. Be at peace. God is with you. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!  Glory to God.  Amen

Hymn of Praise                                    This is My Song                                UMH 437

Affirmation of Faith                  Apostles’ Creed UMH 881                 Sheri King/All                                            

Gloria Patri                                                                                                      UMH 71

OFFERING OF OURSELVES

Pastoral Prayer                                                                   Rev. Warren Lunsford/All

Worship with Our Tithes & Offerings                            Cynthia Black 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:                             In Heaven’s Eyes                            Steve Hawkins

PROCLAMATION

Prayer of Illumination                                                                                Gary Seiler

Living God, help us so to hear your Word
     that we may truly understand;
          that, understanding, we may believe;
and believing, we may follow your way in all faithfulness,

      seeking your honor and glory in all that we do. Amen.

Psalm Reading                    Psalm15             UMH 747                         Gina Elrod/All

Scripture                                     James 1:17-27                          Rev. Warren Lunsford

Message/Scripture             Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23                   Rev. Cindy Lunsford

                                                    Heart Intentions

WORSHIP AT THE TABLE

Great Thanksgiving & Communion UMH 9-10 (Insert)  Rev. Warren 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                  Jesus, Thine All-Victorious Love                         UMH 422

Commissioning & Benediction                                                  Rev. Cindy Lunsford

Depart to Serve, caring for others, as we truly serve God