WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION
PRELUDE “Highland Cathedral” arr. Charles Callahan
*CALL TO WORSHIP –from Psalm 19
Leader: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
People: The decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple.
Leader: The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.
People: The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes.
Leader: The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
People: The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
*HYMN 826 (vss. 1 & 4) “Lift High the Cross”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, your face is hidden from us by our sins, and we forget your mercy in the blindness of our hearts. Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires. With lowliness and meekness may we draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son…
Silent Prayers of confession
WORDS OF ASSURANCE – Hebrews 10:19, 21-22
Remember the words of Scripture, where it says, “Since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus . . . and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Leader: Friends, believe the Good News:
People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to the Father” #581
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON: James 3:1-12
SERMON “Careful Speech” Rev. Barrett Ingram
*HYMN 693 “Though I May Speak”
*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.
*“catholic” (little c) is translated as “universal” and is not a reference to the Roman Catholic Church.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY “Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song”
(to meditate on words, see hymn 737)
RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN 722 (vss. 1 & 5) “Lord, Speak to Me”
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” Mark Thewes
*Those that are able are invited to stand.