July 19, 2015 PREP

Theme:

 Sound Notes:

Reference Scriptures:  Ephesians 2:11-22 (NRSV) & Psalm 23 (the Message)

^{Ephesians 2:11} So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth,^[a] called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision”—a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands— ¹² remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. ¹⁵ He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile both groups to God in one body^[b] through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.^{[c] 17} So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; ¹⁸ for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, ²⁰ built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.^{[d] 21} In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; ²² in whom you also are built together spiritually^[e] into a dwelling place for God.

^{Psalm 23: 1-3} God, my shepherd!
    I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
    you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
    you let me catch my breath
    and send me in the right direction.

⁴ Even when the way goes through
    Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
    when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
    makes me feel secure.

⁵ You serve me a six-course dinner
    right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
    my cup brims with blessing.

⁶ Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.

Call To Worship:

Leader: Day by day, God leads us:
People: to the deep, deep pools of peace,
to the green, lush lawns of grace.
Leader: Day by day, Jesus calls us:
People: to pour out ourselves in service,
to anoint the stranger with hope.
Leader: Day by day, the Holy Spirit shows us:
People: the community we could be,
the family we are called to become.

— written by Thom Shuma

Invocation: 

Holy God, before time you named us
Through time you redeem us
You call us, precious in your sight
May we love as you love, 

As we continue in prayer, Our Father....

Offertory Material:

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.  In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;  in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

Call: 

Unison Prayer: 

Hymn Suggestions:

Opening Music: VBS "We Love, Because He First Loved Us"

Hymn of Praise: CH #558 "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us"  ALL

Prayer Hymn: CH #80 My Shepherd You Supply My Need  ALL
    ***Lisa S, if we don't know this, do you think Barb Baker or someone might for it for special? Or any setting of Psalm 23 that they already know. If we already have something for Special, that's fine :-)
We know this song.  Barb does a wonderful a capella version, but I'm not sure if she will be available.  I will check and see, but put the words in the ppt anyway just in case she can't.

      

Communion Hymn:  CH #73 "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy"  sts. ALL

 Hymn of Invitation: CH #557 "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" st. 1, 3

 

Closing Music:"Rejoice in the Lord Always"