Friday, December 17, 2021

December 19th worship

 Greetings Friends!!

We are already to the 4th Sunday of Advent! 

Worship is at 11:00 either in the Sanctuary or on Zoom. Below is Zoom info and in the comments will be the bulletin.

Gentle Faith will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00. 

As you can see in the bulletin, Christmas  Eve and Christmas  Day services will be broadcast on wART Radio 95.5 FM 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.


God's blessings,

Carol 


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86016159653?pwd=UzVTdmZmS0ZUaDNEa0lXVVFRZGJLdz09

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Christmas Eve over the airwaves

Christmas Eve over the airwaves!
Enjoy the words of scripture 
and music of Christmas
December 24th & 25th
at  6pm  &
8pm
on 


To listen, tune in to 95.5 or open wartfm.org in your browser.   The same program is available on December 34th and December 25th at both 6pm and 8pm.

 

Saturday, December 11, 2021

December 13th Worship

 Hello Friends,

December 12th Worship is at 11:00 either in the Sanctuary or on Zoom. Below is Zoom info and in the comments is the bulletin.

Gentle Faith will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00.

God's blessings,
Carol

Join Zoom Meeting
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting

Meeting ID: 860 1615 9653
Passcode: 523039

Bulletin for December 13, 2021 Worship

 Marshall Presbyterian Church

December 12, 2021
3rd Sunday of Advent
Carol Ann West, Pianist
Rev. Melissa Upchurch, Pastor

ASSEMBLING IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

* LIGHTING THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE: JOY Carol Ann West
One: Today we celebrate the third week of Advent. We wait and hope for the coming of Jesus, who will bring peace and joy.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: This circle reminds us of God’s
unending love and presence.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: We bring evergreens to remind us that the hope
we find in Jesus is eternal.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: Four candles mark the four weeks
of anticipation and joy as we wait for the babe in the manger and the coming of Christ again.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world.
All: Emmanuel, God with us!

* CALL TO WORSHIP (from Philippians 4:4 and Isaiah 12:2)

One: Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice!
All: Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid.
One: The Lord God is my strength and my might!
All: He has become my salvation!

* OPENING PRAYER

* HYMN Love Has Come!

CALL TO CONFESSION
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, John the Baptist prepares the way by calling upon us to repent. We have failed to share as we should. We have failed to honor the poor and the oppressed. We have failed to bear fruit worthy of your salvation. …Silent prayers of confession…Have mercy upon us, God. Heal and forgive us so we can welcome Christ with pure and genuine hearts. Amen.

* ASSURANCE OF PARDON

One: With joy, let us draw water from the springs of salvation. Give thanks to the Lord! Call on God’s name.
All: Thanks be to God; Amen!

* GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

* PASSING THE PEACE

HEARING AND RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

SPECIAL MUSIC A Christmas Carol – Carol Ann’s Choice

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
THE SCRIPTURES

Old Testament: Isaiah12:2-6
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Epistle: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 3:7-18

One: The Word of God for the people of God!
All: Thanks be to God!
TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES
MESSAGE Rev. Melissa Upchurch

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
(From the. PC (USA) Book of Common Worship)

We believe there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; for we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to God’s purpose. We are convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

* HYMN Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming

SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
LORD’S PRAYER

WE SHARE THE GIFTS OF GOD
OFFERTORY MUSIC
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Christ calls us to live generous and grateful lives. Take these gifts we offer today, O God, and use them to the fulfillment of Christ’s ministry. May these gifts help to heal the sick, comfort the lonely, feed the hungry, and house the homeless. As Christ’s hands and feet, use us too, in service to building your beloved community. Amen.

GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME

* HYMN A Christmas Carol - Carol Ann’s Choice?

* INVITATION
CHARGE
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE

* = Please rise in body or in spirit.

Liturgy written by Teri McDowell Ott, ©Presbyterian Outlook, 2021.

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Worship in the sanctuary or online November 28, 2021

 Hello Friends-

We have much to be thankful for this season and always!

Sunday we begin Advent Worship, both in the Sanctuary and on Zoom. Below is the Zoom information and attached is the bulletin.

Gentle Faith begins our Advent study of "Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph" by Adam Hamilton. Feel free to join us, even if you can't attend every Sunday!

The bulletin is in the comments.

Join Zoom Meeting

Bulletin for November 28, 2021

 Marshall Presbyterian Church

November 28, 2021, 1st Sunday of Advent
CHORAL INTROIT Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE
One: Today we celebrate the beginning of Advent. We wait for the coming of Jesus.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: We begin with a circle to remind us of God’s unending love and presence.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: We bring evergreens to remind us that the hope we find in Jesus is eternal.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: We gather four candles to mark the four weeks of joy and anticipation as we wait for the babe in the manger and the coming of Christ again.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: The candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
* CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Stand up and raise your heads!
All: Our redemption is drawing near!
One: Let us lift our hearts;
All: We lift them up to the Lord! The days are surely coming when all things shall be made new.
* OPENING PRAYER
* HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
CALL TO CONFESSION (From Psalm 25:6)
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION (from The Canticle of the Turning and 1 Thessalonians 3.)
“Wipe away all tears for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.”
Holy God, could it be true? Are you about to do a new thing to make our hearts sing? Even in a weary world when so many are tired, and tired of being tired?
Forgive us for singing the same old song of cynicism.
Forgive us for keeping quiet instead of speaking truth, for standing back instead of stepping up.
Strengthen our hearts in holiness that we increase and abound in love for one another and all of your creation.
In the name of the One who is to come again we pray, amen.
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON [From The Confession of 1967 – PC(USA)]
One: “All who put their trust in Christ face divine judgment without fear, for the judge is their redeemer.” Therefore, be at peace; in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
All: Thanks be to God.
* GLORIA PATRI
* PASSING THE PEACE
SPECIAL MUSIC: Carol Ann’s Choice!
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
THE SCRIPTURES
Old Testament: Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Gospel: Luke 21:25-36 See bulletin
One: The Word of God for the people of God!
All: Thanks be to God!
MESSAGE Rev. Melissa Upchurch
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from The Confession of 1967 – PC(USA)
Inclusive Language Version)
The risen Christ is the savior of all people. Those joined to him by faith are set right with God and commissioned to serve as God’s reconciling community. Christ is head of this community, the church, which began with the apostles and continues through all generations. The same Jesus Christ is the judge of all people. His judgment discloses the ultimate seriousness of life and gives promise of God’s final victory over the power of sin and death. To receive life from the risen Lord is to have life eternal; to refuse life from him is to choose the death which is separation from God. All who put their trust in Christ face divine judgment without fear, or the judge is their redeemer.
* HYMN The Days Are Surely Coming
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE GIFTS OF GOD
*DOXOLOGY (ca. 1500s)
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Shine your light and love upon these gifts and these givers, O God. We offer ourselves as offerings, trusting that your spirit of power can make us instruments of your healing and wholeness. Through Christ, we pray, amen.
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBER: DANALEE COOK PIPES
Presentation
Words from Scripture
Profession of Faith:
Renunciations
*Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
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.
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.
All: With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you to share with us in the ministry of Christ, for we are all one in him.
* HYMN Carol Ann’s Choice
*INVITATION
*CHARGE
*BENEDICTION

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Sunday November 21st worship

 Hello Friends,

Worship with us on November 21st either in the Sanctuary or on Zoom. Below is Zoom info and in the comments is bulletin.
God's blessings,
Carol

Join Zoom Meeting

Sunday, November 21st Worship bulletin

 ASSEMBLING IN GOD’S NAME


PRELUDE

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

* CALL TO WORSHIP (from Rev. 1:4b, 5)

One: Grace to you and peace from the one who is and who was, and who is to come,
All: and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings on earth.
One: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.
All: The whole earth is full of God’s glory. Let us worship God!

* OPENING PRAYER

* HYMN  Gather Us In

CALL TO CONFESSION

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Righteous God, you have crowned Jesus Christ Lord of all. We confess that we have not bowed before him as we should, and are slow to acknowledge his rule. We trust too much in the promises of earthly rulers instead of the power of your love…silent prayers of confession…Forgive us. Help us to turn our hearts toward you. Restore us in your love, and set us free to forgive as we have been forgiven. Amen.

* ASSURANCE OF PARDON

One: Friends, the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting – it cannot be contained but must be poured out. So believe this good news: God loves us, forgives us, and frees us from our sins; therefore, be at peace and live as people set free!
All: Thanks be to God; Amen!

* GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

* PASSING OF THE PEACE

HEARING AND RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

SPECIAL MUSIC: Purple Hymnal #175 Seek Ye First

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

THE SCRIPTURES

Old Testament: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm: 93
Gospel: John 18:33-37

One: The Word of God for the people of God!
All: Thanks be to God!

TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES
MESSAGE Rev. Melissa Upchurch

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from A Brief Statement of Faith – PC (USA))
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. Amen.

* HYMN Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
SHARING THE GIFTS OF GOD
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy God, you call us from every tribe, language, people, and nation to share in your everlasting Kingdom. Bless these gifts that we offer, that through them your blessing is extended to others. In the name of Christ our King we pray, Amen.

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING AND LORDS PRAYER

One: May the peace of God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: People of God, lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them to the one who has favored us with grace.
One: God’s beloved children, sing of your hopes and dreams.
All: We bless the One who remembers us and redeems us to new life.

The minister continues…It is truly right…who forever praise the glory of your name:
All: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

The minister continues…You are holy, O God of majesty… Praise
to you, Lord Jesus:

All: Dying, you destroyed our death;
rising, you restored our life;
Lord Jesus, come in glory.

The minister continues…As we come to this Table of peace…
As ourSavior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

BREAKING THE BREAD

SHARING THE MEAL

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME

* HYMN Purple Hymnbook #363 Rejoice, the Lord Is King!

* INVITATION
CHARGE
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE

Saturday, November 6, 2021

November 7, 2021 worship online and in the sanctuary

 Hello Friends-

This Sunday, November 7, Gentle Faith will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 10 am and Worship will be in the Sanctuary and on Zoom at 11 am.
Worship Bulletin is attached and Zoom info is below.
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86016159653?pwd=UzVTdmZmS0ZUaDNEa0lXVVFRZGJLdz09Meeting ID: 860 1615 9653Passcode: 523039
If you want to participate in Gentle Faith via Zoom, let me know....we can sign in by 10 am.
For Gentle Faith, we are discerning how God is calling us (as a congregation, community, small group, and/or individually) to address Racism towards Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) - sisters and brothers, created in God's image, who have been marginalized for centuries. 
Here are words from Pope Francis:
In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis emphasized solidarity with the poor and marginalized as part of our faith vocation to pursue the common good:

In the present condition of global society, where injustices abound and growing numbers of people are deprived of basic human rights and considered expendable, the principle of the common good immediately becomes, logically and inevitably, a summons to solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our brothers and sisters. This option entails recognizing the implications of the universal destination of the world’s goods, but . . . it demands before all else an appreciation of the immense dignity of the poor in the light of our deepest convictions as believers. [1]

[1] Pope Francis, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, encyclical, May 24, 2015, paragraph 158. 

Bulletin for November 7, 2021

 Marshall Presbyterian Church

October 31, 2021 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
All Saints’ Sunday
Carol Ann West, Pianist
Lynne M. Simpson, Liturgist
Rev. Melissa Upchurch, Pastor

ASSEMBLING IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

* CALL TO WORSHIP

One: Fling wide the temple gates!
All: Open up the ancient doors!
One: The mighty and glorious one is coming.
All: Who is this mighty and glorious one?
One: This is the Lord for whom we have waited.
All: Let us be glad and rejoice in God!

* OPENING PRAYER

* HYMN Red Hymnal #184 Thy Word Amy Grant

CALL TO CONFESSION
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Eternal God, we confess that we have failed to seek your will. You have come to live among us, but we have failed to welcome you. You call us to rise up in Christ, yet we remain in the dust of death. …silent prayers of confession…Forgive us, God of grace. As you did for your dear friend Lazarus, unbind us and let us go, so that we may walk in the newness of life. Give us the courage to follow the path of the great company of saints who throughout the ages have served you, that we may one day stand among them rejoicing in your saving grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

* ASSURANCE OF PARDON

One: Friends, take heart: The One who is seated on the throne says: “See, I am making all things new.” We are forgiven and made new in Jesus Christ; this is the good news of the gospel!
All: Thanks be to God; Amen!

* GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

* PASSING OF THE PEACE

HEARING AND RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

SPECIAL MUSIC ??

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

THE SCRIPTURES

Old Testament: Isaiah 25:6-9 See bulletin
New Testament: Revelation 21:1-6a See bulletin
Gospel: John 11:32-44 See bulletin

One: The Word of God for the people of God!
All: Thanks be to God!

TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES
MESSAGE Rev. Melissa Upchurch

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from A Brief Statement of Faith – PC (USA))

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. Amen.
HYMN For All the Saints

SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS

WE SHARE THE GIFTS OF GOD
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING

Now, as God's saints in this time and place, we have the opportunity to feed others from the abundance of all we have, to swallow up the pain and suffering of others, to wipe away the tears of children who are lonely
and fearful. May the gifts we offer and the lives we lead reveal the One for whom we have waited, and who
invites us to spread grace over all the world. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME

* HYMN Purple Hymnal #384 Soon and Very Soon

* INVITATION
CHARGE
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE

* = Please rise in body or in spirit

Sunday, October 31, 2021

October 31, 2021 Worship

 Hello Friends-

We will have Worship and celebrate All Saint's Day this Sunday. We will be both on Zoom and in the Sanctuary. The bulletin will be in the comments.
Below is the Zoom information:
Meeting ID: 860 1615 9653
Passcode: 523039

Bulletin for October 31

October 31, 2021 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
All Saints’ Sunday
Carol Ann West, Pianist
Lynne M. Simpson, Liturgist
Rev. Melissa Upchurch, Pastor

ASSEMBLING IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
* CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Fling wide the temple gates!
All: Open up the ancient doors!
One: The mighty and glorious one is coming.
All: Who is this mighty and glorious one?
One: This is the Lord for whom we have waited.
All: Let us be glad and rejoice in God!

* OPENING PRAYER

* HYMN Red Hymnal #184 Thy Word Amy Grant

CALL TO CONFESSION
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, we confess that we have failed to seek your will. You have come to live among us, but we have failed to welcome you. You call us to rise up in Christ, yet we remain in the dust of death. …silent prayers of confession…Forgive us, God of grace. As you did for your dear friend Lazarus, unbind us and let us go, so that we may walk in the newness of life. Give us the courage to follow the path of the great company of saints who throughout the ages have served you, that we may one day stand among them rejoicing in your saving grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
One: Friends, take heart: The One who is seated on the throne says: “See, I am making all things new.” We are forgiven and made new in Jesus Christ; this is the good news of the gospel!
All: Thanks be to God; Amen!

* GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.

* PASSING OF THE PEACE

HEARING AND RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

SPECIAL MUSIC 

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
THE SCRIPTURES
Old Testament: Isaiah 25:6-9 See bulletin
New Testament: Revelation 21:1-6a See bulletin
Gospel: John 11:32-44 See bulletin
One: The Word of God for the people of God!
All: Thanks be to God!

TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES
MESSAGE Rev. Melissa Upchurch

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from A Brief Statement of Faith – PC (USA))
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. Amen.

HYMN For All the Saints

SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
WE SHARE THE GIFTS OF GOD

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING
Now, as God's saints in this time and place, we have the opportunity to feed others from the abundance of all we have, to swallow up the pain and suffering of others, to wipe away the tears of children who are lonely and fearful. May the gifts we offer and the lives we lead reveal the One for whom we have waited, and who
invites us to spread grace over all the world. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME

* HYMN Purple Hymnal #384 Soon and Very Soon
* INVITATION

CHARGE
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
* = Please rise in body or in spirit

Sunday, October 24, 2021

ROAR meal today!

 


Worship October 24, 2021

 Hello Friends-

At 11 am - Dr. Jim and Nancy Vest will lead Worship this Sunday as Pastor Melissa is on vacation. We hope to have Zoom set up by 11 am (see link below) and the bulletin is attached. If you prefer a PDF copy of the bulletin, please let me know.

October 24th bulletin (abbreviated)

 


  • Author
    Marshall Presbyterian Church; Marshall, NC
    Marshall Presbyterian Church
    October 24, 2021, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
    Carol Ann West, Pianist
    Nancy Vest, Liturgist
    Dr. James M. Vest, Guest Speaker
    A Celebration of Reformation
    REFORMATA SEMPER REFORMANDA
    ASSEMBLING IN GOD’S NAME
    PRELUDE
    WELCOME “Salut!” “Gruß Gott!”
    * CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalms 34 and 46)
    One:God is our refuge and our strength.
    All:A very present help in times of trouble.
    One:Even when things seem to fall apart,
    All:there is no reason to fear!
    One: Happy are those who take refuge in God.
    All:Let us exalt his name together.
    * OPENING PRAYER
    * HYMN#450 Be Thou my Vision
    CALL TO CONFESSION
    UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
    God of compassion, we have exalted ourselves rather than you. We have turned a blind eye to those in need, instead of helping them see your limitless love. Rescue us from our sins, O God. Forgive us. Heal us, and help us to better follow you. …. (silent prayers of confession) … We call upon you, for you are near, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    * ASSURANCE OF PARDON
    One: Know that the Perfect One, the Son of God, the High Priest of Grace, will forgive. As we are loved and forgiven by God, may others see God in us,
    All: Thanks be to God. Amen!
    * GLORIA PATRI
    * PASSING THE PEACE
    SPECIAL MUSIC: Purple Hymnal #275 A Mighty Fortress is Our God
    HEARING AND RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
    PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
    THE SCRIPTURES
    Old Testament: Job 42:1-6, 10-17
    Epistle: Hebrews 7:22-28
    Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
    MESSAGE “Now I See!”Dr. James M. Vest
    * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from The Belhar Confession, South Africa, 1986)
    We believe in the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who gathers, protects, and cares for the church through Word and Spirit. This, God has done since the beginning of the world and will do to the end. We believe in one holy, universal Christian church, the communion of saints called from the entire human family . . .
    We believe that Christ’s work of reconciliation is made
    manifest in the church … [and] that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation through
    Jesus Christ. [Amen].
    * HYMN Open My Eyes, That I May See
    SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS (See bulletin insert)
    PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
    SHARING THE GIFTS OF GOD
    OFFERTORY
    *DOXOLOGY (ca. 1500s)
    *PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING
    We thank you, God, for providing these gifts, as we dedicate them and our lives as expressions of your love for the world. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
    GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME
    * HYMN #232 God Be with You
    * INVITATION