WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE      “Jesus the Very Thought of Thee”         Neil Harmon                                                                                              

*CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 66:1-2, 4

L: Make a joyful nose to God, all the earth;

P: sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. 

L: All the earth worships you, O Lord. 

P: They sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.  

*PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN 307          God of Grace and God of Glory 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

God our redeemer, we confess that we remain captivated by sin.  We fail in our love for you, forgetting your gracious acts.  We fail in our love for one another, forsaking our neighbors in need.  Forgive us, God of grace.  Let us be no longer bound by sin, but released, restored, set free to worship and serve you in freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord…

Silent Prayers of Confession

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS –based on 1 Timothy 1:15, 17       

Here are words you may trust, words that merit full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  To all who confess their sins and resolve to lead a new life, he says, “Your sins are forgiven.”  He also says, “Follow me.”  Now to the one who rules all worlds, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. 

Thanks be to God!

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

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

READING FROM SCRIPTURE: Acts 1:1-11; Matthew 5:13-16 

SERMON    “Empowered to Witness”         Rev. Barrett Ingram

*HYMN 722          Lord, Speak to Me    

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH        The Apostles’ Creed           Page 35  

   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.  

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

OFFERTORY ANTHEM       “With A  Voice Singing”   

                                                                                   Martin Shaw

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY – Hymn 606 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 462          I Love to Tell the Story  

*BENEDICTION  

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (ALL)
The Lord bless and keep you, the Lord make His face 

to shine on you and be gracious, gracious.  

The Lord bless and keep you, the Lord lift His countenance on you and give peace, give you peace.  Amen.

ANNUAL MEETING