Webster United Church of Christ
April 28, 2024
Fifth Sunday of Easter
ORDER OF SERVICE
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Welcome
WE INVITE GOD’S PRESENCE INTO OUR HEARTS
Ringing of the Bell
Gathering Music
Centering Music “Sanctuary”
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.
Moment of Silence
*Call to Worship
One: Come let us serve one another in Christ.
All: As Christ loved and served, so will we.
One: Come let us serve one another in Christ.
All: We will rejoice in the love of this community!
*Opening Hymn #164 (African American Hymnal) “We are Marching in the Light of God,” 2X
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
“I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” Bless this service today and everyone, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Children’s Time
One: People of God, what is your prayer for our youth?
All: Our prayer is that they grow up to be like Jesus--strong and brave, full of grace and truth! And, we pray that we will help them. Amen.
Shared Prayer: Prayer of Jesus (sins)
Unison Singing (while youth depart) “He’s in Control”
He’s in control, all around the world, Master Jesus, He’s in control
WE PRAYERFULLY ENTRUST OURSELVES TO GOD
Silent Prayer of Confession
Words of Encouragement
In grace and mercy, God forgives all our sins, and with joy and expectation calls us into new life for the sake of the world, through Jesus Christ our savior.
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
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Scripture James 2:14-18; *Matthew 25:35-43
Message
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WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
Generous God, you provide each of us and our church family with abundant resources. Accept these gifts out of what you have first given us, that we might work for the good of all that you have made.
Gathering of Gifts
Gathering Music “Children, Go Where I Send Thee”
*Song of Praise “We Give You but Your Own” #785
We give you but your own, what e’er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.
*Prayer of Commitment (unison)
O God, open our eyes that they may see the deepest needs of people;
move our hands that they may feed the hungry; touch our hearts that they may bring warmth to the despairing; teach us the generosity that welcomes strangers; let us share our possessions to clothe the naked; give us the care that strengthens the sick; make us share in the quest to set the prisoner free. May we ask: ‘What, O God, do you require of us who have been so blessed?” O God, help us to respond to the Jesus in our neighbor and to serve you. Amen.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #150 (African American Hymnal) “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand,” vs. 1, 2 & 5
*Blessing
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music