WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation” arr. A. L. Page

*CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 148

Leader: Praise the Lord! Sing to God a new song.

People: May God’s praise be heard

in the assembly of the faithful.

Leader: Let the faithful exult in glory, let them sing for joy!

People: Let us praise God’s name with dancing,

making melody to God with tambourine and lyre.

Praise the Lord!

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN 305 “Come Sing, O Church, in Joy!”

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O God,

we confess the blindness that is not even aware of sinning;

the pride that dares not admit that it is wrong;

the selfishness that can see nothing but its own will;

the righteousness that knows no fault;

the callousness that has ceased to care;

the defiance that does not regret its own sins;

the evasion that always tries to make excuses;

the coldness of heart that is too hardened to repent.

God, we are sinners; be merciful to us…

Silent Prayers of confession

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

God makes all things new. (Rev. 21:5) Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old has passed away; everything has become new! (2 Corinthians 5:17) Friends, believe the gospel: in Jesus Christ we are loved, we are blessed, we are forgiven.

Thanks be to God!

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

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSON: Acts 11:1-18

SERMON “The Reach of Love” Rev. Barrett Ingram

*HYMN 288 “Spirit of the Living God”

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed Page 35

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “A Prayer for Our Time” J. Martin

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

*PRAYER FOR THE NATION – Hymn 337, Stanza 4

Our fathers’ God, to thee, Author of liberty, to thee we sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light; Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.

*HYMN 331 “God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand”

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE “Fanfare” Nicholas J. Lemmens

*Those who are able are invited to stand.