As you arrive in worship and find a place in a pew, please use prayer to center your thoughts and spirit. As the Prelude begins, quiet your voice and soul. With music and prayer let us move from ‘getting to church’ to ‘being the church’ as we worship together.
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, will say to the Lord: “My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
People: The Lord delivers us from the snare and pestilence; covers us with his pinions; his faithfulness is shield and buckler.
Leader: Because we have made the Lord our refuge, the Most High our habitation;
People: No evil shall befall us, no scourge come near to us.
Leader: For the Lord will give his angels charge of us, to guard us in all our ways.
People: God will protect us, because we are known by name.
Leader: When the Lord calls, we will answer; because he cleaves to us in love, God will deliver us.
People: With long life we will satisfy the Lord, we will know of our salvation.
Leader: Accept our prayers and dedication this day, and hear us as we offer our silent and personal prayers to you . . .
Readings
- First Lesson: Psalm 31: 1-5; 14-16; 21-24 NRSV
- Second Lesson: Acts 7: 51-60 NRSV
Hymns
- No. 473 – For the Beauty of the Earth
- No. 366 – Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me
- No. 388 – O Jesus, I Have Promised
Sermon
“Faith is Never Free” – Rev. Scott G. Loomer