Bethel Presbyterian Church
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
August 7, 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
CALL TO WORSHIP
We are gathered to give witness to the enduring realities of life.
We have come to affirm that life is a gift, that the gift is good, and that it comes from God.
We are gathered to renew our hope in Jesus Christ, as we travel life’s long journey.
We find God in the paths of our present and our past, but we also trust in God’s love in our future.
The same God guides us all the way, every day of our lives, and beyond life.
Let us praise God with our whole hearts, and entrust our lives to God’s hands. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
*HYMN #210 Our God, Our Help in Ages Past St. Anne
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*UNISON CONFESSION OF SIN
Faithful God, we confess that our doubts and insecurities have often kept us from doing what we know is right. You do not abandon us and yet we are often too busy to recognize your presence with us. You have taught us your will and way and yet we often want to take the law into our own hands, do our own thing. You have called us to reach out in faith but we lack the courage. Hold us now. Restore our faith. Give us confidence to do your will in this world. Forgive us and use us, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The good news is that God forgives us and gives us Christ to be living water and true bread. Let us accept with joy these precious gifts and abundant life.
Thanks be to God! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Gloria Patri Hymn #579
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 14:22-33
SERMON Wind, Waves & Water Rev. Marc Sherrod, ThD
DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY 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.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN #303 Jesus, Lover of My Soul Aberystwyth
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
THE LORD’S PRAYER
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM FOR BETTY SUE FOY
PRESENTATION
*HYMN #525 Here I Am, Lord (Gathering at the River)
I, the Lord of sea and sky, /I have heard My people cry,
All who dwell in deepest sin /My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night, /I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them? /Whom shall I send?
(Refrain)
Here I am, Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, /I have borne My people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, /They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone. /Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them. / Whom shall I send?
(Refrain)
I, the Lord of wind and flame, /I will tend the poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them, /My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide/Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them. /Whom shall I send?
(Refrain)
PROFESSION OF FAITH
*APOSTLES CREED
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER
THE BAPTISM
WELCOME
Betty has been received into the one holy catholic and apostolic church through baptism. God has made her a member of the household of God, to share with us in the priesthood of Christ. Let us welcome the newly baptized.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you into Christ’s church to share with us in His ministry, for we are all one in Christ.
*HYMN #280 Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE
