WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

*CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 47

Leader:  Clap your hands, all you peoples;

Shout to God with a cry of joy.

People:  Sing praises to God, sing praises; 

Sing praises to our Sovereign, sing praises. 

Leader:  For God is Sovereign over all the earth;

Sing praises with all your skill.

People: God reigns over the nations; 

God sits upon heaven’s holy throne. 

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN 263              All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                         

God of grace and God of glory, you have clothed us with power from on high.  Christ, who is risen and ascended, has opened our minds to understand you and our hearts to know the hope to which you call us.  Still, we feel helpless in the face of sin, paralyzed by evil’s sway in the world, unsure of your power to redeem what seems lost.  Convict us of our doubt, convince us of our heritage, and renew us, O God, in your wisdom, mercy, and power...

Silent Prayers of Confession

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS 

We can cast all our anxiety on God who cares for us deeply.  So, be assured that the Spirit of God is resting upon us, restoring, supporting and strengthening us all with power.  (1 Peter 5: 7, 10b) The good news therefore is this: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Thanks be to God!

*RESPONSE OF PRAISE

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION 

SCRIPTURE LESSON: Acts 1:1-11

SERMON                  “Our Witness”                 Rev. Barrett Ingram 

Text: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” – Acts 1:8

*HYMN 610              O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing  

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        The Apostles’ Creed      pg. 35

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM   “Christus Paradox”              arr. Fedak 

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*EASTER DOXOLOGY 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; 

Praise Him, all creatures here below: alleluia, alleluia! 

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;      

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 265   Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun  

*BENEDICTION  

*POSTLUDE

*Those who are able are invited to stand.