WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP from Ps. 46:1-3, Ex. 15:2
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth should change, and the mountains shake.
God is our refuge and strength.
Though the waters roar and our security threatened,
God is our refuge and strength.
The LORD is our strength and our might,
God has become our salvation;
This is our God. Come, let us praise the Lord.
*PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN 275 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. In your mercy forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name…
Silent Prayers of Confession
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ. And Christ was born for us, Christ lived for us, Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, for anyone who is in Christ is of the New Creation. The old is finished, gone! Behold! New life has begun.
Friends, believe the good news:
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to the Father” #581
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Ezekiel 33:7-11; Matthew 18:15-20
SERMON “Hard Truth Real Love” Rev. Maryellen Robeson
*HYMN 833 O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed Page 35
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY
RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY – Hymn 606
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN 366 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE
*Those who are able are invited to stand.