WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE       “How Great Thou Art”           Frederick Swann

*CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 19, Mark 8

The heavens are singing, proclaiming God’s creation.
Glory to God, and praise to God’s name!
God’s law is perfect; God’s teachings are sure.
Rejoice, O heart; be revived, O soul!
Christ’s way is clear; the way is right.
May we follow God’s path, and live in Christ’s light!

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN 327              From All That Dwell Below the Skies  

PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                         

Loving God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed: we have not loved you with all our heart or served you with all our strength; we have been blind to the vision of a renewed world and deaf to your call to costly discipleship; we have been indifferent to the suffering of others and unwilling to forgive one another. In your mercy, Lord, pardon and restore us, that together in the ministry of Christ we may serve you with joy all the days of our life… 

Silent Prayers of Confession

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS 

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Hear then Christ's word of grace to us: Your sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI         “Glory Be to the Father” – Hymn 581

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON: Mark 8:27–38 

SERMON                  “Costly Discipleship”       Rev. Barrett Ingram  

Text: Jesus said, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34).

*HYMN 718              Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH           The Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the 

third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic* Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM     “With Songs of Rejoicing”

                                                                              Arr. Hall Hopson         

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

* DOXOLOGY

            “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”   – Hymn 606 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 157              I Danced in the Morning  

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE             “Trumpet Voluntary”                   Henry Purcell 

                        *Those who are able are invited to stand.