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.

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THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
August 22, 2004

GREETING, WORDS OF WELCOME, RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

The whole earth is full of God’s glory.

PRELUDE   Michael Rodgers

CALL TO WORSHIP   Psalm 100:1,2,5

Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness.

Come into God’s presence with singing!

For the Lord is a gracious God, whose mercy is everlasting;

and whose faithfulness endures to all generations.

PRAYER OF THE DAY   

*HYMN # 469  Morning Has Broken   Bunessan

*CALL TO CONFESSION

Remember that our Lord Jesus can sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since in every respect he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with boldness approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our neighbors, and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world, and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. In your great mercy forgive our sins and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.

In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE   Isaiah 58:9b-14

A TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

SPECIAL MUSIC
Michael Rodgers

NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE   Luke 13:10-17

SERMON   All Bent Out of Shape
The Reverend Marc Sherrod, ThD

*HYMN # 322   Spirit of the Living God   Living God

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

*HYMN # 359   More Love to Thee, O Christ

WELCOME OF NEW MEMBERS

PRESENTATION

*PROFESSION OF FAITH – THE 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.

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION AND RESPONSE   God Be With You   Hymn # 540