Prelude
Welcome & Announcements – Will Conclude with recognition of 1-year anniversary of Covid, moment of prayer.
Introit – GENesis Bells - "A Lenten Canzona"
Hymn of Praise – God of Grace and God of Glory, v1,2,4 (UMH #577)
God of grace and God of glory,
on thy people pour thy power;
crown thine ancient church’s story;
bring her bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour, (of this hour)
for the facing of this hour.
Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!
Fears and doubts too long have bound us;
free our hearts to work and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days, (of these days)
for the living of these days.
Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the search for thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving thee whom we adore, (we adore) serving thee whom we adore.
Call to Worship:
Pastor: Rejoice, for the Lord has done great things for us!
People: In worship and Word, we are reminded of God’s salvation.
Pastor: God has sent the light of Christ into our darkness.
People: The amazing love of God is revealed in the work of Christ.
Pastor: Rejoice and be glad, people of God,
People: For God will restore the hope of his people.
Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed UMH 881
Message in Music – GENesis Bells - "A Festive Ring" Roy Nelson 2021
Scout Recognition (unison prayer)
Almighty God, bless these young people who have committed themselves to the pursuit of Scouting. Allow their minds to be broadened, their hopes to be raised, and their futures to be filled with promise as they grow in knowledge and wisdom through Scouting. As they learn more about you and your ways, may they be inspired to reach out in service to all in need as they strive to become disciples in our world today. May all their efforts guide each of them to know, to love, and to serve you now and throughout their lives. We ask this blessing through Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior. Amen.
Prayer of Intercession
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we are blessed as we gather in the light of your glory, for we see how you have repeatedly done great things for us. Often, though, we have desired and trusted in the dark and broken ways of this world over the justice of your reign. Forgive us for our tendencies toward impatience, ingratitude, and grumbling. Expose our sins before the light of your grace. Heal our sin and free us from our foolish ways, that we may know the joy of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Experiencing and Extending the Peace of Christ (Note: we will extend the Peace of Christ without physical contact.)
Offering
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Hymn of Praise – Great is Thy Faithfulness, v1,2 (UMH #140)
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
Thou changest not, thy compassions,
they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
all I have needed thy hand hath provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Sermon – "A Song of Joy" - Pastor Brad
Hymn – Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, v1,3,4 (UMH #89)
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day!
Thou art giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
all who live in love are thine;
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
love divine is reigning o’er us,
binding all within its span.
Ever singing, march we on-ward,
victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sun-ward,
in the triumph song of life.
Benediction / Postlude/Dismissal
Accompanist: Brian Barber
Special Music: GENesis Bells
Amy Cons, Valerie Haenn, Jennifer Haas, Roy Nelson
