May 7, 2023

The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Sharing

Called by God, We Gather

Chimes  The chimes mark the beginning of worship

Welcome

Prelude   "Waltz in A Flat"   by Johannes Bach

Call to Worship

   In the Lord we will seek refuge.

God will never let us be put to shame.

   The Lord is our rock of refuge;

God is a strong fortress to save!

Opening Hymn   "Gather Us In"   #2236

Opening Prayer

   Almighty God, in a time of great need you raised up your servants John and Charles Wesley, and by your Spirit inspired them to kindle a flame of sacred love which leaped and ran, an inextinguishable blaze.

   Grant that all those whose hearts have been warmed at these altar fires, being continually refreshed by your grace, may be so devoted to the increase of scriptural holiness throughout the land that in this our time of great need, your will may fully and effectively be done on earth as it is in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Passing the Peace of Christ   Response   "Spirit of the Living God"   #393

   Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. (x2)

   Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.

   Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Spoken to by God, We Listen

Prayer Before the Word   Beth Crizer

First Lesson   Acts 7:55-60

   L: The Word of the Lord   P: Thanks be to God

Anthem   "All God's People Said 'Amen!'"   arr. by Lee Poquette

Story Time

Gospel Lesson   John 14:1-14

   L: The Word of the Lord   P: Thanks be to God

Sermon   "Share"   Pastor Rich Bolin

Hymn   "Jesu, Jesu"   #432

Blessed by God, We Respond

Prayers of the People

Offering our Gifts to God

Offertory   "Mighty to Save"   by Reuben Morgen and Ben Fielding

Doxology

The Great Thanksgiving (Communion Setting 2257 in The Faith We Sing)

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

   your kingdom come, your will be done,

   on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours

   now and forever. Amen.

Closing Hymn   "As a Fire is Meant for Burning"   #2237

Benediction