Bethel Presbyterian Church
25th Sunday After Pentecost
November 18, 2007
Gathering and Greeting of God’s People
Prelude A Joyful Alleluia Handbells
Call to Worship
Surely God is our salvation; we will trust, and not be afraid.
For the Lord is our stronghold and defense, and has become our Savior.
Sing praises, for the Lord has done great things; let this be known in all the earth.
We will shout and sing for joy, for great in our midst is the Holy One.
Prayer of the Day
Ever-living God, before the earth was formed and even after it shall cease to be, you are God. Break into our short span of life and show us those things that are eternal, that we may serve your purpose in all we do; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Hymn of Praise # 466 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Azmon
*Call to Confession:
The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners Christ died for us. Because we have faith in him, we dare to approach God with confidence. In faith and penitence, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
*Prayer of Confession
Holy God, You are light and truth. We confess that we often dwell in darkness and falsehood. Sin drives us into ourselves and away from you. We almost come to believe that it is possible for us to make it on our own. But in the moments we are honest, we see the errors of our ways. Walking away from you leads only to our ruin. Turn us around. Capture our hearts. Cleanse our spirits. In your light, may we see who we are. In your truth, may we see who we can become, as we seek to follow Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lord have mercy upon us,
Christ have mercy upon us,
Lord have mercy upon us.
*Assurance of Pardon
God’s Word to us is a word of forgiveness, a word of assurance, a word of grace. We are loved and accepted because we are who we are and God is who God is and nothing can finally separate us from our Creator, our Parent, our Sustainer.
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Amen.
Anthem Seek Ye First Choir
Scripture Reading: Luke 21: 5-19
Sermon Trusting the Moment Rev. Marc Sherrod
Offering
*Doxology
*Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer
New Member Reception
*Affirmation of Faith
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
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 God 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.
* Prayer and Welcome
By publicly professing their faith, these persons have expressed their intention to continue in the covenant God made with them in their baptism. Let us welcome them as they join with us in the worship and mission of the church.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you to share with us in the ministry of Christ, for we are all one in him.
*Hymn # 322 Spirit of the Living God Living God
Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me;
Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, Fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me.
*Charge
*Benediction
*Congregational Response (Come forward and greet our new members!)
God be with you until we meet again:
Loving counsels guide, uphold you,
With a Shepherd’s care enfold you:
God be with you until we meet again.
*Postlude
Congregational Meeting
*All who are able, please stand.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
James Woodard – Letter of Transfer, 1st Presbyterian Church, Orlando
Marlene Woodard – Letter of Transfer, 1st Presbyterian Church, Orlando
Jamie Woodard – Affirmation of Faith
Jan Parker – Re-Affirmation of Faith
There will be no Handbell practice on November 21st.
Once again this year we have the opportunity to knit hats for homeless children. The pattern is simple and quickly completed. The hats will be donated to the Pathways Homeless Shelter. You may contact me directly for a copy of the knitting pattern or see Debbie Smith in the church office. I will be collecting completed hats by 9 Dec. We have also received a donation of 30 pairs of gloves and 24 hats for adults that will be added to our gift to Pathways. Jill McMaster jillmcm@aol.com
717-3767.
Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held for Max LaDue this afternoon at 2:00 P.M., here at the church. You are invited to attend. There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
Rev. Marc Sherrod will undergo another outpatient thoroplasty surgery (a process to repair his voice box). He will be unable to speak for several weeks. He appreciates your prayers and understanding.
The Angel Food Menu is posted at the back of the Sanctuary.
At Home
Doris Barber, Dot and Al Davis, Gene Pierce, Anne Robertson,
John Will, Marci Smith, Pat Hale, Tom and Helen Roostee
Jamestown: 851 Lawnville Road, Kingston 37763
Louise Pickel Room 209;
Mac Robbins Room 305;
Anne Smith Room 312
Wellington Place: 1098 Bradford Way, Kingston 37763
Joan Pemberton Room 306 B;
Jan Parker Room 207
Baptist Healthcare: 700 Williams Ferry Rd #45, Lenoir City 37771
Evelyn Waldrup Room 42
Rockwood Healthcare: 5580 Roane State Highway, Harriman 37748
Roberta Cash Room 111;
Margaret True Room 212 B
Marnie Shields Room 358
Harriman Healthcare: 240 Hannah Road, Harriman 37748
Ruby Hunter Room 305 A
NHC Oakridge: 300 Laboratory Road, Oak Ridge 37830
Wanda Carter Room 212
Summit View of Farragut: 12873 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37934
Bettie Shenk Room 313
In the Hospital
Shirley Lumpkin (Dianne Griffith’s Mother) – Baptist West Hospital
Liz Singley has offered to cook a Thanksgiving Dinner at Bethel Church for anyone who would like to come and share the meal! The dinner will be served in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day.
PLEASE RSVP! By Monday, Nov. 19th.
If you are interested in being a part of this time of fellowship and good food, please E-Mail Liz at: raincrow@aceweb.com
We need ushers for next week and the month of December. There is a sign up sheet at the back of the Sanctuary.
