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.

THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
Bethel Presbyterian Church
Holy Trinity
May 22, 2005

GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Worship the Lord with gladness.

And enter the Lord’s presence with songs of joy.

PRELUDE   The Lord is my Shepherd   K-5 Choir

CALL TO WORSHIP

We are on a journey of faith.

We travel with Jesus Christ as our guide.

The promises of God shine like a star before us and give us strength for the journey;

But still, in the wilderness, we become impatient and rebellious, and lose our way.

We gather, seeking to be fed by the manna of God’s Word, to rediscover the paths of righteousness.

O God, your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Glory be to you in Jesus Christ and in the church to all generations. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

*HYMN #260   A Mighty Fortress Is Our God   Ein’Feste Burg

*CALL TO CONFESSION – Karen Schall

When we are in bondage, God offers to set us free. When we are poor, God in Christ identifies with us and offers us riches money cannot buy. When we are lonely and discouraged, the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, pointing us beyond ourselves. Everyone who calls on God, our Creator and Parent, for help will be saved. Let us together seek the healing only God can provide.

(Silent Prayer)

*UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN

O God, we confess that we have not acknowledged you as the source of our successes, our substance, our selves. We have been far more ready to complain when things go wrong than to praise when all is well. We have fed our bodies a rich diet while neglecting to feed our souls. Power and wealth have assumed greater importance to us than sensitivity and service. We have allowed religious words and forms to substitute for living encounters with the persons you have called us to love. Forgive us, compassionate Creator, and grant us the opportunity to start over again in this new week. Keep us from repeating the mistakes of the past or from new evils that could mislead or destroy. In the name of Christ, we offer our earnest prayers for pardon and deliverance. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

God hears our cries and forgives all who are penitent and believing. God provides the resources for our rescue and redemption. Whoever trusts God will not be disappointed. Whoever reaches out to others in the Spirit of Christ will know the joy of God’s love. You are forgiven. You are accepted. You are loved. Share these gifts.

Thanks be to God! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE   Gloria Patri   Hymn #579

EPISTLE READING   Philippians 4:4-9, 12-13   Carolyn Tulley

FAITH JOURNEY REFLECTION   Dave Nippert

GOSPEL READING   Matthew 5:1-12   Mac Robbins

FAITH JOURNEY REFLECTION   Bobbie Martin

*HYMN #383   My Faith Looks Up to Thee   Olivet

PRAYER CONCERNS AND A TIME FOR SHARING

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE   Bettie Shenk

As God’s people, called to love one another, let us pray for the church and for the needs of all God’s children together throughout the world.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for Christians of all traditions, in every land, and for Christians throughout the world, especially those who suffer for their faith.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who govern and strive to keep peace on earth and for those whose lives and loved ones are threatened by war.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who have no home, who live in hunger and poverty.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are sick and suffering, who know no peace of body, mind, or spirit.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who feel lost or alone, especially for youth and young adults and others who seek the love the world cannot give.

Lord, hear our prayer.

We pray for children and those who care for them. May they always find a welcome at this Lord’s Table.

Lord, hear our prayer.

God of all life, you have created each of us with your hands and given us life through your Spirit. Make us strong and wise so that we would do what our prayers say so that all would know of your amazing love. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY   Hymn #592

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION   Rev. Richard Hettrick, D.Min.

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE God Be with You Till We Meet Again    Hymn #540

*POSTLUDE

A Special Thank You

Bethel would like to thank Laura Walker and the Chancel Choir and Chris Badger and the Bell Choir for providing such beautiful music during the Sunday worship services. Their hard work and dedication throughout the year is appreciated.

THIS WEEK'S EVENTS