April 20
April 20, 2008
Call to Worship & Welcome
Opening Song: “God Is So Good”
Opening Prayer for the Word
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 31 (The Message)
Discussion
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Call to Confession
Confession
One: For the ways we’ve distanced ourselves from you, forgive us, Gracious God.
Many: For the times we’ve indulged ourselves and ignored our brothers and sisters, forgive us, Holy God.
All: For lack of faith and neglect of prayer and praise, forgive us, God.
Many: Almighty God, wake us up to the world around us,
All: Let us act immediately with your profound love.
Silent Prayer
Hear the Good News
One: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.
All: Amen.
One: Since God has forgiven us through Christ, let us forgive each other. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
Many: And also with you.
Peace Song: “The Servant Song”
Passing the Peace
Praise Song: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (“Santo”)
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Prayer Song: “Cares Chorus”
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New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-10
Gospel Reading: John 14:1-14
Message: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”
Litany of Response
One: Jesus said he would go prepare a place for his followers, and that we would know the way.
Many: But we misunderstood and asked him for a map.
One: Jesus said we could know God, the Father, by knowing Jesus, the son.
Many: We asked him for an introduction to this “Father” we didn’t know.
One: Jesus was patient with us, with our “who’s on first” literalism.
Many: Jesus tried again. He said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”
One: If you can’t understand my words, Jesus said, look at your experience.
Many: We have felt this in-dwelling of spirit.
One: We know it when we feel it. Jesus felt that in-dwelling spirit most of the time.
Many: And he said if we trusted him, we could feel it too.
All: Amen.
Response Song: “We Are One in the Spirit”
Testimony as the Spirit leads
Charge to the people
Benediction
Closing song: “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”
Please meet for refreshments and fellowship downstairs following altworship
