
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