Prelude
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
Welcome and Call to Worship
Christ is calling you as disciples
Lord Jesus, let us follow you faithfully.
You will be led into fields of mission and service.
Lord Jesus, where you lead us, we will go.
Listen for Christ’s call to you.
We are ready to serve the Lord. Amen.
Opening Hymn No. 721, verses 1 & 4 Peggy
Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore
Call to Confession
Jesus calls us to repent and draw near to him, to share the realm of God and the peace that passes all understanding. Together, let us make our confession, first in a time of silent, personal prayer. (period of silence). Now, let us pray together:
Prayer of Confession (Jonah 3) (unison)
Holy Fountain of Forgiveness,
the tale of Jonah reminds us
of your never-ending love for all creation.
May we be like the people of Nineveh,
who were able to acknowledge their sin
and open their eyes to your healing presence.
Though you stand ready to forgive our sin,
we find it easier to bite our tongues,
clench our fists,
and cling to our hurts and resentments
rather than let you open our hearts.
We trust you, Holy One;
we pour out our hearts to you.
Receive the pain that lurks in our humanity,
as we offer up what we have hidden
from ourselves and from the world—
those words and deeds
that keep us separated from your love.
Assurance of Forgiveness (Psalm 62)
When we repent, our God relents,
lifting us beyond the pain, restoring us to safety,
protecting us in the refuge of eternal love.
In the name of Jesus, who is the Christ,
you are forgiven.
In the name of Christ, you are forgiven.
Glory to God. Amen.
Sung Response No. 842
The Lord Is My Light Jacques Berthier
Common Life
Scripture Reading
Mark 1:14-20 Rev. Jessica Gregory
Scripture Reading -
Psalm 62:5-12 Rev. Michael Kirby
Sermon The Call of the Rock Rev. Michael Kirby
Responsive Hymn No. 816 vs. 1 & 3
If Thou But Trust in God to Guide Me
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Call for Offering
You are invited to participate in the kingdom emerging all around us - to receive the promised Holy Spirit and the invitation to walk in newness of life. May we respond this morning with glad and generous hearts, freely giving our tithes and offerings to the ministry of this congregation. In lieu of passing the plate, we offer four ways to make your offering: use our church website, our smartphone app, text the word “Wilmette” to the number 77977, or send a check by mail to the church office. As we gather our gifts together and offer them to God, may we do so in gratitude and praise.
Congregational Response - The Doxology (OLD HUNDREDTH - Hymn 606)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication (Jonah 3, Mark 1)
Holy God, Steadfast Rock of all Salvation,
we marvel at the strength of your compassion
and your ability to offer forgiveness.
We come to you,
hungry to be part of the good news
you are bringing forth,
for we would be part of the realm
you are revealing. Amen.
Sending Hymn No 832 vs. 1 & 3
Here on Jesus Christ I Will Stand
Charge and Benediction Rev. Michael Kirby
Postlude
Tempo di Menuetto Fritz Kreisler
Worship Leaders:
Rev. Laura Sherwood, pastoral liturgist
Rev. Jessica Gregory, pastoral liturgist
Rev. Michael Kirby, preaching
Rick Drake, liturgist
Andrew Sords, violin; postlude
Dan Overly, piano; postlude
Peggy Massello, piano, guitar, hymn vocals
Sources:
Call to Worship - written by Nancy C. Townley, ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and found on MinistryMatters.com
Call to and Prayer of Confession, Assurance of Forgiveness and Prayer of Dedication - From The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.
