WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE           “The Gift to Be Simple”                         Dale Wood                                                                                

*CALL TO WORSHIP 

When forces in the world threaten us, when our bodies or spirits turn against us, there is One who seeks us, One who meets us, One who is present with us,

whose love washes over us and sets us free for joy.  

This One is the Lord.

Come, let us worship God.

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN 35            Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty  

PRAYER OF CONFESSION                     

God, you have caught us in our sinful behavior.  We walk with our heads held high, without noticing others and their burdens.  We keep our mouths silenced when we are full of stories to share about the good things that you have done for us.  We even keep our actions silenced as we become so overwhelmed with the needs of the world that we do nothing to overcome them.  Fill us with your peace and mercy.  Free us from the destruction of sin and restore us to a life lived in you…

Silent Prayers of confession

WORDS OF ASSURANCE 

Beloved, your sins are forgiven, for God promises to never leave us.  Therefore, be at peace and stand secure in the Lord.

Praise be to God!  Amen.

*GLORIA PATRI     “Glory Be to the Father”                #581

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SERMON   “The God Who Sees”     Rev. Dr. Christa Brewer 

READING OF SCRIPTURE: Genesis 16:7-11, 13; 21:12-21

*HYMN 39            Great Is Thy Faithfulness 

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – from The Belhar Confession

We believe that God, in a world full of injustice and enmity, is in a special way the God of the destitute, the poor, and the wronged. We believe the church is called to follow God in this; for God brings justice to the oppressed and gives bread to the hungry. We believe that God frees the prisoner and restores sight to the blind. We believe that God supports the downtrodden, protects the stranger, helps orphans and widows, and blocks the path of the ungodly. We believe that for God, pure and undefiled religion is to visit the orphans and the widows in their suffering. Amen. 

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

OFFERTORY ANTHEM        “Follow Me”            John Carter

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY   “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”  #606

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 611          Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

*BENEDICTION  

*POSTLUDE