March 31, 2019

THEME:Remember, Relive, Release! The Freedom of Discipline

NOTES:

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 & Psalm 32

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Psalm 32
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.


New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


8:30 am Order of Service

We Gather in God's Presence

Welcome
Prelude
Lighting the Christ Candles
Praise Hymn#295 "In This Very Room" (all verses)
Call to Worship
Leader: Unfailing love surrounds all those who trust in God.
People: So rejoice and be glad, all you who love God!
Leader: We sing and shout for joy,
People: We open our hearts wide to live in grace!

Prayer of Awareness
Our hearts are blessed as we gather before You today, O Lord,
for you have given us freedom from all our transgressions
and joy in exchange for heavy hearts.
We are aware and in awe of the gift of your grace.
Bless us today with what we each need to live into your grace more fully. Amen.


~ adapted from a prayer posted on the Archives page of the Lectionary Sermons website. http://www.lectionarysermons.com/ARCH-W.html

We Contemplate God's Word

Scripture
Sermon

We Pray Together

Joys & Concerns
Prayer Hymn#557 "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" (all verses)
Praying Together

We Come to the Lord's Table

Invitation to the Table
Communion Hymn#399 "O God, Unseen Yet Ever Near" (all verses)
Elder's Prayer
Words of Institution
The Lord's Supper with instrumental meditation
Prayer of Thanksgiving

We Go Forth into the World

Challenge for Discipleship
Discipleship Hymn#687 "In Christ There is No East or West" (verses 1, 3, & 4)
Blessing

10:40 am Order of Service

We Gather in God's Presence

Welcome
Prelude
Call to Worship 
Leader: Unfailing love surrounds all those who trust in God.
People: So rejoice and be glad, all you who love God!
Leader: We sing and shout for joy,
People: We open our hearts wide to live in grace!
 
Praise Hymn#295 "In This Very Room" (all verses)
Prayer of Awareness

Our hearts are blessed as we gather before You today, O Lord,
for you have given us freedom from all our transgressions
and joy in exchange for heavy hearts.
We are aware and in awe of the gift of your grace.
Bless us today with what we each need to live into your grace more fully. Amen.


~ adapted from a prayer posted on the Archives page of the Lectionary Sermons website. http://www.lectionarysermons.com/ARCH-W.html

Passing of the Peace
Faith Hymn #214 "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me" (verses 1, 2, & 4)
Prayer of Confession

We Contemplate God's Word

Scripture
Choir Anthem
Children's Sermon
Sermon

We Pray Together

Joys & Concerns
Prayer Hymn#557 "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" (all verses)
Praying Together

We Come to the Lord's Table

Invitation to the Table
Communion Hymn#399 "O God, Unseen Yet Ever Near" (all verses)
Elder's Prayer
Words of Institution
The Lord's Supper with instrumental meditation
Prayer of Thanksgiving

We Go Forth into the World

Challenge for Discipleship
Discipleship Hymn#687 "In Christ There is No East or West" (verses 1, 3, & 4)
Blessing
Closing Hymn #437 "Go Now In Peace" (sing once)