TO OUR GUESTS, we extend a warm welcome. We invite you to participate in signing our Friendship Folder, adding your address and phone number if you'd like to receive our church newsletter or a pastoral call. When we pray the Lord's Prayer at Bethel, we say "sins...sin against us" rather than "debts..." or "trespasses..."; during "a time for sharing" we welcome prayer requests from the congregation. On first Sundays each month, all who put their trust in Christ and who have received baptism in any Christian church are invited to share his sacred meal. We are glad you are with us. Please come again.
GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
O praise the Lord with me,
Let us exalt God's name together.
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather in the presence of God, through whom all families on earth receive their life and their name.
We wish to be strengthened in our inner selves, that Christ may dwell in our hearts.
We seek to be rooted and grounded in God’s love and in the love of Christ which surpasses understanding.
We come to worship and to praise the source of love and peace. Glory be to God in the church and in Jesus Christ to all generations forever and ever.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN #481 Praise the Lord, God’s Glories Show Llanfair
*CALL TO CONFESSION
Too often our hearts are cold and without gratitude. Too often our hands are passive and unwilling to carry out acts of mercy. Too often our lips are pursed tightly, unwilling to speak words of love. Too often we are indeed separated and alienated from our better self, separated and alienated from God. Let us confess our separation and alienation. Let us join together in the prayer of confession.
(Silent Prayer)
*UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
God of peace and justice, we long for the peace within, and without. We long to find serenity of spirit in the midst of life’s struggles. We long for harmony in our families and in all our relationships. We long for the day when each family everywhere might live in peace without fear, enjoying the fruit of vine and tree. Yet we confess that there is much anxiety, fear, distrust, and even violence within us. We are not willing to take the risks and make the sacrifices which peace requires. Look upon us with kindness and mercy; rule in our hearts and our world; and show us how to walk in your paths; through the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Hear the good news! God has forgiven each one of us and calls us to take our parts in the drama of redeeming love.
Praise God, who accepts and uses our very human lives in the unfolding story of salvation and new life. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Gloria Patri Hymn #579
MINUTE FOR MISSION Pentecost Offering Amber Jacks
EPISTLE READING I Peter 3:8-18
A MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN Anita Richmond
ANTHEM
GOSPEL READING John 15:1-8
SERMON Fruitful Branches Rev. Marc Sherrod, ThD
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Apostle’s Creed (Traditional) Hymnal Page #14
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.
*HYMN #418 God, Bless Your Church with Strength!
(Tune: Crown Him with Many Crowns)
PRAYER CONCERNS AND A TIME FOR SHARING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION Hymn #592
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.
