Webster United Church of Christ – May 22, 2022

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 

ORDER OF SERVICE

 

Welcome 

 

WE INVITE GOD’S PRESENCE INTO OUR HEARTS

 

Ringing of the Bell

 

Prelude

 

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 

Leader:  He is risen! 

People:  Christ is alive!

Leader:  We gather so that our words and our actions

All:  model Christ’s grace, compassion, and love! 

 

*Hymn of Praise “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” #43, vs. 1-4

 

*Opening Prayer (Unison)

God of grace, Paul encouraged believers to have courage and live their truth. Grant us courage and a willingness to put you and others first.  Amen.

 

Ritual of Baptism

  

Time for Youth

Leader: People of God, what is your prayer for our youth?

Congregation: 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) “This Little Light of Mine” #524 

 

WE PRAYERFULLY ENTRUST OURSELVES TO GOD

Silent Prayer of Confession

 

Words of Affirmation 

As spring bursts forth on the Northern Hemisphere, may God bring about the renewal of our hearts as well, making them well-watered gardens where love abides and hope grows.

 

Joys and Concerns

 

Prayers of the People

 

Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743

Be still and know that I am God. (3x)

 

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

Scripture   Philippians 1:1-18a, *Luke 9:46-48

 

Sermon

 

WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD

Invitation to Give and Share

God comes to us in any circumstance, both good and bad. As Paul continued to act with God’s strength while in prison, we too, can act with generosity and courage. May these gifts be given gratefully, no matter where our lives’ journeys are taking us today. 

 

Offertory

  

*Doxology “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 Dedication 

We thank you, God, whenever we think of your faithful saints who carried your precious gospel throughout the ages. As their witness has blessed us, so make us a blessing to others, and unite us all in your eternal kingdom.  Amen.

WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE

*Hymn of Dismissal “More Love to You O Christ,” #456, vs. 1-3

 

*Benediction

 

*Blessing Response “God Be with You” #809

God be with you, God be with you, God be with you till we meet again. O God be with you, God be with you, God be with you till we meet again.

 

Postlude