Bulletin for May 21, 2023 Worship Service
Livestream at 9:00 a.m.

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE
“Now Rejoice, Good Christians“ J.S. Bach
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

SILENT MEDITATION
“So even though I’m not always sure why I do it, I keep praying. I pray for the sick and the well, the living and the dying. I pray for peace in the world and for heating fuel in a particular home. I pray for Congress and for criminals. I pray for my enemies and those who love me more than they should. And sometimes I just sit in God’s presence, completely out of words to either plead or praise. Because I know God is listening even when I haven’t got a prayer.” – JoAnn Post

CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 68
Sing to God!
Sing praises to his name.
Lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds!
His name is the LORD.
Celebrate his name!
Sing praises to the LORD.
Let us join the with the Great Congregation.
Let us Bless God in worship and praise.

PRAISE AND ADORATION

*OPENING HYMN
#305 Come Sing, O Church in Joy DARWALL’S 148TH
(*Please stand if you are able)

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we know that you care for us, that you strengthen us and that you restore us. Yet, we do not trust you, and we go about our lives filled with anxiety, questioning you and your claim on our lives. Forgive us and help walk confidently in your grace that we might be a comforting presence to others, provide for those in need and give hope to all who fear for tomorrow. God, we now pray silently for what is on our hearts and minds.

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION AND PETITION

KYRIE ELEISON
(#551) “Lord, Have Mercy” LAND OF REST
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*GLORIA PATRI
(#240) “Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks!” ALLELUIA NO. 1

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECOGNITION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
Heather Berry

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON
Isaiah 45: 1-7 page 588 of the pew Bible

FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER

JOYS AND CONCERNS

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Lord’s Prayer
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.

ANTHEM
“Esto Les Digo” Kinley Lange
Where two or three are gathered in My name, there will I be also.

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

SCRIPTURE LESSON
John 17:1-11 page 879 of the pew Bible
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON
“Departing in Prayer” Rev. Dempsey

RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY
“You Must Have That True Religion” arr. Roland M. Carter

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
from the PCUSA study catechism

What is prayer?
Prayer means calling upon God whose Spirit is always present with us. In prayer we approach God with reverence, confidence and humility. Prayer involves both addressing God in praise, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, and listening for God’s word within our hearts. When we adore God, we are filled with wonder, love and praise before God’s heavenly glory, not least when we find it hidden in the cross of Golgotha. When confessing our guilt to God, we ask for forgiveness with humble and sorry hearts, remembering that God is gracious as well as holy. When giving thanks to God, we acknowledge God’s great goodness, rejoicing in God for all that is so wonderfully provided for us. Finally, when calling upon God to hear our requests, we affirm that God draws near in every need and sorrow of life and ask God to do so again.

*SANCTUS
(#572) “Holy, Holy, Holy”

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

THE SERVING OF THE BREAD 

THE CUP OF THE NEW COVENANT

COMMUNION ANTHEM
“Come Before the Table” Karen Marrolli

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Lord God, we are in deep gratitude for this moment, this meal, these people. We give ourselves to you, and now go out to live as changed people because we have shared the bread of Christ. Ask much of us, enable much by us, and encourage many through us. It is through our service to you, that we find the hope of peace throughout our world and the promise of restoration. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

*HYMN OF DEDICATION
#260 Alleluia! Sing to Jesus HYFRYDOL

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
“God With Me” Stephen Paulus

POSTLUDE
“Toccata” John Weaver

Read Announcements for the week of May 21, 2023