CALL TO WORSHIP (Lectern Resource, October 12, 2014)

Leader: Even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth – as in fact there are many

gods and many lords – yet for us there is one God, from whom are all things, and for

whom we exist.

People: And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. Through him are all things, and through him

we exist.

Leader: Therefore with all the church of Jesus Christ in heaven and on earth, let us worship the one

God in spirit and in truth.

*HYMN “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” #263

CALL TO CONFESSION (Book of Common Worship, p. 52) 1 John 1:8, 9

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In humility and faith let us confess our sin to God.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Lectern Resource, October 12, 2014)

Holy God, you have made us to be your own, to know and love you, enjoy and serve you, ever obedient to your will. But we have set up golden calves born of materialism, nationalism, secularism, and institutionalism. We confess our preference for commendations and comforts rather than for commandments. So we make a god that suits us and image you as we want you to be: indulgent, not demanding; soothing, not discomfiting; a dispenser of the good life with no surrender, suffering, or sacrifice on our part. In so doing we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. We confess we want you to listen to us, rather than we to you, to do our will and fulfill our expectations, rather than we obeying and fulfilling yours. Forgive us for interfering with your plan for us, for thwarting the potential that is your gift to us as your children, for denying you true praise from humble and loving hearts. Amen.

Silent Prayers of confession

WORDS OF ASSURANCE (Lectern Resource, October 12, 2014)

God is truth, and we who, in all honesty and sincerity, acknowledge and repent of our sin, may be assured of God’s gracious forgiveness. In Christ Jesus we are set free to begin again to live lives of obedience, thanksgiving, and praise to the God of our salvation. Glory be to God!

*GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to the Father” #579

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

Lord of light who shines into our lives with your holy word. Open our minds and our hearts that your Word may speak to us and your Holy Spirit may inspire us to be your people, today and forevermore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Isaiah 12

*HYMN “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” #356

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON: Philippians 4: 2-7

SERMON: “The Promise of Joy”

*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.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

*HYMN “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” #145

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. “ Rom. 15:13

You have been invited to participate in REMEMBERING AND HONORING OUR VETERANS - Wreaths Across America was founded to honor the services of our Veterans—both living and deceased. They may have served during peace time or a time of conflict, active or Reserves. Living Veterans can be honored by purchasing a wreath and placing it on the grave of a deceased Veteran. They are $15.00 each and will be delivered in early December for pick-up and placing on chosen graves. Forms for ordering a wreath are on the hall table at the office doors. Any questions contact Linda Rivenbark at lindaandmo@embarqmail.com or call 910-234-0979. This is a project of DAR and you may remember it from last year.

Prayer List:

Marguerite Hufham, Sarah Melvin, Louise Quick, Ronnie Rush, Juanita McGraw, Betty Johnson, Jane Minard, Bill Jackson, Darrel Melvin, Happy Lashlee, Gerry Carey, Becky Regan, Mary Ward, Tim Tart, Lucille Hood, Amy Johnson, Johnny Gooden, Carlos Smith, Bill Marsh, Esther Collier Madeline NcNeill Long, Shannon Wilcox, Kathy Lashley, Ted Johnson, Clara Wooten Hunsucker

Ernest Ray Long, Jo Campbell, Linda Smith, Susan and David Butler, Doug Bergeron, Margaret Ingram, Bill Greene, Jamie Clark, Judy Elkins, Allison Ward, Richard Bridgers, Tim Crowder, Jimmy Hickman, Holly Eppley, Betty Faircloth, Susan Deans, Carey King, Sammy Hatcher, Pat Grainger, Ronnel and Ann Burney, Kim Worley Sellers, Larry Thompson, Carmen McQueen, Elaine Jordan, Roy McKeithan, Claudia Hester, Wynn Hair family, Jeff Rogers, Lin Weeks, George Thompson, Billy Hester, Randall Collins, Nellie Macon, Richard and Mary Jane Howell, Reverend David McDonald