WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION
PRELUDE “Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus”
Roberta Rowland-Raybold
*CALL TO WORSHIP– from Psalm 37
One: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
All: While I kept silence, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
One: Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions before the LORD,’ and you forgave the guilt of my life.
All: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
*PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN 645 Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from sisters and brothers in Christ. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another; we allow the past to hold us hostage. In your loving kindness, have mercy on us, and free us from sin. Remind us of your promises so that we may rise to new life, and live together in grace…
Silent Prayers of Confession
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Through Jesus Christ forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
(from Acts 13:38; Ephesians 1:7) Friends, believe the good news of the gospel. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Genesis 45: 3-15; Luke 6: 27-38
SERMON “Difficult Lessons” Rev. Maryellen Robeson
*HYMN 815 Give to the Winds Thy Fears
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed pg. 35
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY ANTHEM “Prayer of St. Francis” Allen Pote
RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN 306 Blest Be the Tie That Binds
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Truro” Quentin Thomas
*Those who are able are invited to stand.