Greeting and Announcements
Prelude: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (Arr. William Broughton)
Call to Worship
Minister:
Oh that men and women would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to God's children.
People: Blessed be God's glorious name forever: and let the whole earth be filled
with his glory.
Minister:
Lord, thou has been favorable unto this land: the earth is full of thy riches.
People: Sing unto the Lord: for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all
the earth. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Confession of Faith
We believe in the one God, creator and sustainer of all things, Parent of all nations,
the source of all goodness and beauty, all truth and love.
We believe in Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, our teacher, example, and Redeemer,
the Savior of the world.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, God present with us for guidance, for comfort, and for strength.
We believe in the forgiveness of sins, in the life of love and prayer, and in grace equal to every
need.
We believe in the Word of God found in the scripture, tradition, reason and experience.
We believe in the church, we who are united in the living Lord for the purpose of worship and service.
We believe in the reign of God as the divine will realized in human society, and in the family of God,
where we are all brothers and sisters.
We believe in the final triumph of righteousness and in the life everlasting. Amen.
First Lesson: Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though it’s waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Second Lesson: Acts 5:26-29
Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
Hymn
696:
America, the Beautiful
Pastoral Prayer:
John Simmons, Lay Leader
Sermon:
Going on Faith by
Rev. John Culp, Guest Preacher
Response to the Word:
A
lmighty God, you have created us in your own image; grant us grace fearlessly to contend
against evil, and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our
freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice among people and nations, to the
glory of thy holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Benediction
Postlude: Liberty Bell March, John Philip Sousa
Please welcome the following brass players to Central UMC Worship service:
Craig King, Trumpet
Gary Malvern, Trumpet
Anneka Zuehlke, Horn
Mark Britt, Trombone
Don Strand, Tuba
