WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION
PRELUDE “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” setting by S. Walley
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Heirs of the covenant, come; let us present
ourselves before the Lord.
All: We gather to worship the Holy One, to incline our
hearts to the one true God.
One: Family of faith, come; chose this day: Whom will you serve?
All: As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!
*PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN 620 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
“Keep awake,” you tell us, urging us to watch with expectant hope as we wait for you to reveal yourself in our midst. But, Lord, we grow tired of looking for signs of your presence among us. We grow weary from a steady diet of distressing news and convince ourselves that you are still far off. We are careless with the tasks you expect of us and, so, are not prepared to encounter you. Forgive us for losing heart and losing hope. Sustain us in faith, we pray, and keep us ever watchful so that we might be ready to greet you with joy…
Silent Prayers of Confession
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
“For your goodness’ sake, O God, do not remember our sins or our transgressions. According to your steadfast love, remember us.” (Psalm 25:7) And God’s goodness is made eternally visible in the person of Jesus Christ who makes all things new. The good news therefore, is this: in and through Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!
*GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to the Father” #581
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON: 1 Thessalonians 3
SERMON: “Ready to Welcome” Rev. Barrett Ingram
*HYMN 722 Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed, hymnal page 35
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
“When Morning Gilds the Skies” arr. Rachel Aarons
RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” #606
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN 720 Jesus Calls Us
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Glorious Is Thy Name” arr. L Ann Page
*Those that are able are invited to stand.