Sunday, May 17, 2020
6th SUNDAY OF EASTER
CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The Congregation at Worship
MINISTRY OF LIGHT
CALL TO WORSHIP
Because of the living Lord Jesus, we can confidently say:
We are never alone, for the Counselor, the Breath of truth, is with us forever.
Bidden or unbidden, God is always present.
As the sea is to the fish, as the air is to the bird, so is God to all who live by faith, hope and love…
Blessed is our God, who has never rejected our prayer,
nor ever removed from us the love that endures forever.
Bidden or unbidden, God is present.
* HYMN OF PRAISE “I Sing the Almighty Power of God” No. 152
Hymn is available by clicking here
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Peter 3: 13-22
Scripture is available by clicking here
MORNING PRAYER
We worship you, O God, with gladness in our hearts and words of praise on our lips for you have revealed the human face of your love in Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior. Through him, you have gifted us with the Breath of truth who enables us to be the human faces of your love wherever we worship, witness and serve you. As you have so graciously blessed us, may we bless others in Jesus’ name and through the power of the Paraclete, your everlasting Breath of truth. Amen
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
LITANY
Leader: O World of Mine, God has sent me.
People: Do not leave us alone!
Leader: My Breath of Truth, your Comforting Friend, will stay with you forever.
People: Do not leave us alone!
Leader: I will not leave you desolate. A time comes when the world will not see me, but you will recognize me. You will know that I live, and because I live, you shall live also.
People: Do not leave us alone!
Leader: In days soon to come you will well understand. I am in God. You are in me. I am in you.
People: Do not leave us alone!
Leader: Behold God sends Paraclete in my name! Receive the Counselor! Welcome her in!
All: Peace Christ leaves us; peace Christ gives us.
Let not our hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
CHILDREN’S MOMENTS
God, you are our wonderful Friend. Please remind us that whether it is daytime or nighttime, your Love is with us.
In our tears and in our laughter, your Spirit is with us.
At home or at school, in the playground or in church, your Breath of Truth is with us.
When we are with friends or when we are all alone, your Presence is with us.
Through Jesus Christ our Brother and Savior.
Amen!
WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS may be mailed to the church with thanks to you and our Lord. As you do so, pray, “All things come of thee of God, and of thine own have we given thee.”
HYMN “There’s Within My Heart a Melody” No. 380
Music is available by clicking here
GOSPEL LESSON John 14: 15-21
Scripture is available by clicking here
SPECIAL MUSIC “If Ye Love Me” Thomas Tallis
If ye love me, keep my commandments…and I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever. Ev’n the Spirit of Truth, ev’n the Spirit of truth.
The SPECIAL MUSIC is part of Rev. Harper’s sermon.
SERMON Rev. David Harper
Message from Rev Harper is available by clicking here
Today’s message includes the above mentioned SPECIAL MUSIC: “If Ye Love Me” (you won’t even have to click on a link to hear it)
CLOSING HYMN “Abide with Me” No. 700
Hymn is available by clicking here
BENEDICTION
Through the encouragement of Jesus, let the Breath of truth be the abiding reality in your sleeping and waking, working and relaxing, praying and laughing.
For in the God of Christ we live and move and have your being.
May the love of God be the strength of your mind and heart.
May the grace of Christ be the salve for your bruises and wounds.
May the friendship of the Paraclete be the joy of your resilient soul.
Now and ever more.
Yes, now and evermore. Amen!
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