“Then God said,’Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.’

God saw everything that God made, and, indeed, it was very good.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gathered as one in the presence of the Holy Spirit,

we gather in the unity of love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 24, 2020

Be glad and rejoice, for in our joy, we reveal God’s glory and Christ’s presence.

PRELUDE – “How Firm a Foundation” arr., J. Payne
~©2018 Lorenz Publishing Co.

CALL TO WORSHIP – Caelyn & Meghan Bunn
Rejoice and sing to God
We sing of the Risen Christ.
Clap your hands and shout for joy.
We rejoice in the living God.
Celebrate this day.
We celebrate with the Spirit who calls us here.

HYMN OF PRAISE – “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” arr., M. Patterson
Sanctuary Choir

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.
Our helper here amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate, on earth there is no equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right One on our side, the One of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbaoth, his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us.
We will not fear, for God has willed the truth to triumph through us.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill;
Yet truth abideth still; God’s kingdom is forever.

~Text and Tune by Martin Luther (PD)
Anthem ©2001 Chorister’s Guild

WELCOME TO WORSHIP – Rev. Aho

CHILDREN’S TIME – Rev. Robert Garrett

SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 47:1-9 – Mr. Rob Hill

TIME OF REMEMBRANCE
On Memorial Day weekend, it is our tradition to remember the members of our church family that have died in the previous year. We take a moment this morning to offer prayers of thanks for these beloved saints, and prayers of comfort and peace to the families as they continue to grieve.

Mr. Bobby Blackwell
Mrs. Michelle Gray Campbell
Ms. Nancylee Currin
Mrs. Gene Jones Finch
Mrs. Rebie Hancock
Ms. Nan Shearin
Mr. Bob Wainwright

PASTORAL PRAYER – Rev. Aho
Holy God, we celebrate your presence on this day and give thanks for these saints and the lives they lived among us.
We pray for continued healing and strength for all who shared life with them.
We are grateful for the gift of your ongoing presence in our lives as we rejoice and worship today.
We seek your forgiveness and mercy, that we may glorify you in all that we say and do.
Holy God, pour out your Spirit on us, restoring, empowering, and strengthening us that we might serve you well in the days ahead.
Amen

MUSIC MEDITATION – “The Gift of Love” arr., J.M. Stevens
Sam Hampton, violin
©2016 James M. Stevens Music ASCAP

MESSAGE – “The Call to Act” – Rev. Aho
Acts 1:6-14

RESPONSE “Lord, Be Glorified” B. Kilpatrick
Donna Perkins, solo

In my life, Lord, be glorified today.
In Your church, Lord, be glorified today.

©1978 Prism Tree Music

OUR OFFERINGS
Taking an offering is an act of worship and a part of our service each week. It is important to remember that our offering not only supports the ministry of the church but is an expression of our thankfulness for all God has given us. We give today because God first gave to us.

BENEDICTION
Called to be one, we go forth in unity and love.
Called to be strong, we go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Called in devotion to God, we go forth in ministry and witness to the world. Amen

POSTLUDE arr., D. Wagner
“Prelude in Classic Style”
©1966 Lorenz Publishing Co.

The Spirit of truth dwells among us. Bask in this awareness. In the Lord, we live and breathe and hove our being. Rest in this presence.

PRELUDE – “When Morning Gilds the Skies”
arr, J. Payne © 2015, Lorenz Publishing Co.
CCLI #1049296

CALL TO WORSHIP – Adison and Alyssa Sadler
(This may read in unison or shared between readers in your home)

From fire and storm, we come, O God.
Gather us in, and make us whole.

From suffering and pain, we come, Holy One.
Gather us in, and make us one.

From the highways of life, we come, Great Spirit.
Gather us in, and make us your disciples.

HYMN OF PRAISE   “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
Andy Archer, trumpet
HYMN TO JOY

“Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with light of day.

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring 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.
(PD)

WELCOME TO WORSHIP – Rev. Aho

SCRIPTURE READING – Psalm 66:16 – 20 – Mr. Greg Hicks

CALL TO PRAYER – “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
Haven Parrott, piano
arr., S. Pethel
© 2000, Broadman Press
CCLI #1049296

PASTORAL PRAYER – Rev. Aho

Hear our prayers, O God, as we gather for this time of worship.
Though, physically, we are apart; we are your church, united in spirit and truth.
Bless us with your steadfast love in times of peace and in times of trial.
Make your presence known to us this day, and receive our prayers and praise
as those who long to feel your presence.
Enliven us with your spirit of truth, and increase our faith,
even as we place our hope and trust in you. ~Amen

MUSIC FOR WORSHIP – “O God Our Help in Ages Past”
arr., D. Schwoebel
Sanctuary Choir
Anniversary Celebration 2018
© 2011 MorningStar Music Publishers
CCLI #1049296

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come.
Our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home.

Under the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure.
Sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame.
From everlasting thou art God, to endless years the same.

A thousand ages in thy sight are like an evening gone.
Short as the watch that ends the night before the rising of the sun.

Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all its sons away.
They fly forgotten as a dream dies at the op’ning day.

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guard while life shall last, and our eternal home.
~Text by Isaac Watts

MESSAGE – “Rediscovering God With Us”
Rev. Aho
Acts 17:22 – 31

OUR OFFERINGS
Taking an offering is an act of worship and a part of our service each week. It is important to remember that our offering not only supports the ministry of the church but is an expression of our thankfulness for all God has given us. We give today because God first gave to us.

BENEDICTION
We go in the name of God, the one who created all the nations of the earth.
We go in the name of Christ, the one who abides in love and abides in us.
We go in the name of the Spirit of truth, the one who advocates for us and guides us. Amen.

POSTLUDE – “Hymn to Joy”
arr., J. Payne
©2015 Lorenz Publishing Co
CCLI #1049296

Come to Christ, the living cornerstone. Come to rest on the foundation of God’s love.

Come to be strengthened and renewed in the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

PRELUDE “Here I Am to Worship” arr., C. Tornquist
~©2004 Word Music Publishers

CALL TO WORSHIP – Shelby and Savannah Talley
Once we were not a people,
but now we are God’s people.
Once we were alone,
but together we are the household of God.
Here in this time of worship, and later when we go forth to serve,
Christ is our cornerstone, strengthening us for the journey.
In our living and in our dying,
Christ is our sure foundation, strengthening us along the way.

HYMN OF PRAISE “For the Beauty of the Earth” DIX

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth over and around us lies.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flow’r, sun and moon, and stars of light.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the church that evermore lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

~©Public Domain

WELCOME TO WORSHIP – Rev. Aho

CELEBRATING OUR NEW BABIES

Hudson Thomas Cash, Parents Geoffrey & Victoria Cash
Evelyn Rae & Owen Gerald Denny, Parents Jake & Erika Denny
Cade Michael Whitehead, Parents Trey & Heather Whitehead
Thomas Currin Wilkins, Parents Christopher & Megan Wilkins
Owen Kyle Yarbrough, Parents Kyle & Katie Yarbrough

CHILDREN’S TIME – Mrs. Susan Satterwhite

SCRIPTURE READING – John 14:1-14 Rev. Aho

CALL TO PRAYER – “Open Our Eyes, Lord” – Kadence and Hailey Woodlief
~©1976 Maranatha Music CCLI#1049296

PASTORAL PRAYER – Rev. Aho

Loving God, you are our fortress and our rock, the foundation on which all things are built. You have made us one family and one people ~ precious in your sight.

On this day we lift our prayers for your children as we remember ~
. . . those whose hearts are broken over the loss of loved ones, we pray for strength and comfort to come to them;
. . . for those who are sick and recovering during this time,we pray for strength and healing, and we pray also for those providing their care during this time;
. . . for our friends alone in nursing homes and their own homes, please help them to feel your presence and to be encouraged through the support of family and friends;
. . . for healthcare workers and first responders who have been on the front lines risking their own lives to care for and save others during all these weeks; continue to provide strength and keep them safe in their efforts;
. . . for small business owners who are dealing with struggles and concerns for their businesses, please provide wisdom, guidance, and support;
. . . for teachers who are making every effort to keep their students engaged and learning so they can bring closure to this school year, thank you for their dedication and compassion for their students;
. . . for all of our families as they have turned their homes into schools, offices, and sources of entertainment and recreation,we pray for peace and patience;

We lift all these prayers to you, dear God, and pray that we might be strengthened and renewed through the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

MUSIC FOR WORSHIP – “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” – L. Dengler
Young Musicians 2019

Tell me the stories of Jesus, I love to hear. Things I would ask Him to tell me if He were here.
Scenes on the mountain top, tales by the sea, stories of Jesus tell them to me.
Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear.

Oh, let me hear how the children stood round His knee, as I imagine the blessings
He gives to me. Words full of kindness, deeds full of grace, and all the love that shines on His face.
Tell me the stories of Jesus, I love to hear.

I’d take my place with the children as Jesus rode by. Holding a branch of a palm tree waving it high.
One of His messengers, yes I would sing, loudest hosannas to Jesus the King
Tell me the stories of Jesus, I love to hear!

~©2018 Celebrating Grace Pub.
Text by W.H. Parker
CCLI#1049296

 

MESSAGE – Greater Gifts

This morning we begin on the other side of the world with the names “Chernobyl” and “Fukushima.” When those names are mentioned, what do you recall? Both are sites of nuclear power accidents. Chernobyl happened in 1986 in northern Ukraine. Fukushima happened during the 2011 tsunami on the north coast of Japan. Both disasters had a lasting impact on their respective regions. But for us in Oxford, the most significant impact was on the news cycle. As long as we stay away from these contaminated areas, there is little impact on our lives.

Now, let’s consider the difference between those meltdowns and our situation today. The COVID-19 coronavirus started on the other side of the world about five months ago, but since it can spread invisibly, it has reached Granville county to impact us in countless ways. One massive difference between a meltdown and a virus is location. One stays put while the other comes to us. As long as we avoid Chernobyl or Fukushima, we are fine. But from COVID-19, is there anywhere to hide? I hope this makes sense because it is time to take the parallel of these disasters’ impact and consider the ongoing ministry of Jesus in John 14.

John 14 is usually a text for funerals. From this passage, we draw strength and comfort because of Jesus’ promise to prepare a place for us. But do you notice how, after the familiar verses as the beginning of the passage, Jesus flips the conversation? Initially, Jesus addresses the disciples’ uncertainty, but he then shifts to the power his disciples’ will have through the Holy Spirit. A passage that starts as a consolation concerning loss shifts to one about motivation once Jesus moves from discussing his physical presence to the Spirit of God.

In this way (though this may border on heresy), Jesus’ physical presence 2000 years ago is a bit like the meltdown mentioned above. Jesus’ time on earth happened long ago and far away. We know about it as we know about the historical figures of Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great. Some historical figures, like Socrates, do shape society, bur events that happen far away often don’t have the power Jesus promises at the end of this passage. Jesus teaches the disciples they will be empowered to spread the ministry far beyond his physical reach, and this is the power of God at work. He lays the groundwork for the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. They will soon find that his ministry is not a localized event for the history books; it is a way of experiencing God that will spread to the ends of the earth. And today, some 2000 years later, we experience the power of God’s presence within us, don’t we?

So for us, will we allow Jesus’ resurrection to be a local problem, or will it’s impact spread like a virus? I hope that as people of faith, we can see that the power of God spreads beyond the physical ministry of Jesus. When we are empowered through the enlivening presence of the Holy Spirit, God’s love spreads to every corner of our lives. And because of that, we can have the wisdom of the Spirit along with the courage and enthusiasm of Jesus’ disciples to face today’s difficulties while carrying on the ministry of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. I believe those works and greater works will continue until we arrive at the place Jesus has prepared for us because today, the Lord is at work in us, and through us, for that we all can say, Thanks Be To God!

OUR OFFERINGS

Taking an offering is an act of worship and a part of our service each week. It is important to remember that our offering not only supports the ministry of the church but is an expression of our thankfulness for all God has given us. We give today because God first gave to us.

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE arr., D. Wagner. “You Shall Go Out with Joy”
©2014 Lorenz Pub.

CCLI#1049296

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 3, 2020

Make a joyful noise to God all the earth;
Sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!
~Psalm 66:1-2

PRELUDE – “All Creatures of Our God and King”  arr., G. Pollock

Haven Parrott and Cindy Joy

WELCOME TO WORSHIP                                                                                           Rev. Aho

CALL TO WORSHIP
(This may read in unison or shared between readers in your home)

Sing and shout with joy, for the God of hope is with us now.
Give thanks and praise to God, for the God of hope is always with us.
Come and see God’s deeds, and discover the miraculous power of unending hope.
Arthur & Frankie Marks; Steve & Ann Timberlake; Chip & Betty Fudge

HYMN OF PRAISE – “Worthy of Worship”  JUDSON

Worthy of worship, worthy of praise, worthy of honor and glory.
Worthy of all the glad songs we can sing, worthy of all of the offerings we bring.
You are worthy, Father, Creator. You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful; worthy of worship and praise.

Almighty Father, Master and Lord, King of all kings and Redeemer,
Wonderful Counselor, Comforter, Friend, Savior and Source of our life without end.
You are worthy, Father, Creator. You are worthy, Savior, Sustainer.
You are worthy, worthy and wonderful; worthy of worship and praise.
~© 1988 McKinney Music, INC, T. W. York and M. Blankenship
CCLI# 1049296

CHILDREN’S TIME  Mrs. Debbie Pittard

SCRIPTURE READING – Acts 2:42-47  Rev. Aho

CALL TO PRAYER – “Spirit of the Living God” D. Iverson
Evelyn Hann, soprano
© 1935, 1963 Birdwing Music    CCLI #1049296

PASTORAL PRAYER – Rev. Aho

The early disciples devoted themselves to prayer, the teachings of the apostles,
and sharing the bread of life. They were a people of prayer, who shared their
joys and concerns, their passions and sorrows, with one another and with the Lord.
For the burdens shared are burdens lessened,
and joys shared are joys enriched.
Come, let us follow their examples and lift up our prayers to God.

(take a few minutes for silent prayer and reflection)

God of all hopefulness, bring hope to our weary world and to our troubled hearts;
Ignite hope within our worship this day.
Strengthen our faith as children of hope,
that we may partner with you and share the good news
of your steadfast faithfulness with the world. Amen.

RESPONSE – “Spirit of the Living God”   D. Iverson
Spirit of the living God, move among us all.
Make us one in heart and mind, make us one in love.
Humble, caring, selfless, sharing.
Spirit of the living God, fill our lives with love.
(additional lyrics by D. Burroughs, used with permission)
CCLI #1049296

MUSIC MEDITATION  –  K. Hill
“Carry Me”  – 2019 Oxford Baptist Youth Choir

Carry me, Father God, on Your strong eagle wings of love.
Through the storm keep me safe; through the tears and all my shame, carry me.
This world is full of trouble, and in the night, I stumble,
But You never will forsake me.
You see me when I fall, You hear before I call,
And you’re always there to save me.
Carry me.
©2003, Allegis Music Pub.  CCLI #1049296

MESSAGE                                             “Still the Church”                                             Rev. Aho

All of my ministerial life, I’ve appealed to Acts 2.42-47 as a reason for the church to gather for worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service. I am not alone in this. Most churches root their congregational practices in these verses. This makes it strange to read these familiar verses amid the constraints imposed by COVID-19. Therefore, this week, I have tried to consider this passage with fresh eyes and ask, what does this passage tell us about being the church for all times? And, if these verses tell us how to be the church, how might we do that today and for the days ahead?

The first thing I see is the importance of gratitude.

Scripture tells us that “Awe came upon everyone,” as the Holy Spirit was at work in the lives of believers. Awe and wonder pushed everyone toward gratitude with glad and generous hearts. That was true then, and it can still be true today.

Every day, when I talk to folks, I sense gratitude. Though our conversations contain elements of sadness, frustration, and grief, gratitude is also present. As Christian people, we do well when our lives are marked with gratitude. No matter the circumstances, we give thanks because God is still with us and working among us.

Secondly, it is impossible to miss the importance of gathering in the temple.

The early church, without the constraints of a pandemic, found strength, support, and fellowship in their place of worship with fellow believers.

Of course, we cannot do that right now. But that is also why we film as much worship as we can from the church sanctuary. Filming in that space, we hope, provides visual cues to point us to the strength, support, and fellowship that comes through our worshipping church. So, even though we cannot join together physically, I hope that memories of our sanctuary point us to our supportive family of God.

And thirdly, Acts 2 points to the importance of carrying faith beyond the temple.

Though this passage is often a way ministers implore believers to gather, what follows is, “[they] broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts.” The implication here is that Christians take their faith from the temple to the world.

Therefore, as people eat at home (all the time!!!) right now, we still eat as people with experiences that have propelled us beyond the temple. Our gathered worship shaped our lives so that faith reaches every place we go.   

These days, we are limited, and we cannot do things the way we have always done them. And, this might continue for a while. To quote a member of our church from social media, “Everything will be ok, but it will not be the same.” But even though things will change, change is not new to the Lord’s church. The church, throughout history, has been through trying times, and it remains the Lord’s church. We are still followers of Jesus, called to gratitude, awe, and practices of faith. In the days to come, we will discover new ways to embody faithful practices and spiritual habits that profess the goodness of the Kingdom of God.

We can eat with thanks because of all that God has done for us.
We can look around with awe and gratitude because of God’s work through so many.
And we can imagine a day when we all reenter the sanctuary, not just because it’s Sunday, but because we need gatherings of faithful people that propel us in faith from the pews, into the world, as God’s faithful children.
Amen.

OUR OFFERINGS
Taking an offering is an act of worship and a part of our service each week.  It is important to remember that our offering not only supports the ministry of the church but is an expression of our thankfulness for all God has given us.  We give today because God first gave to us.

BENEDICTION
With faith in the Risen Christ, we go forth to share faith with the world.
With the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we go forth to serve.
With the love of God our Creator, we go forth to love. Amen.

POSTLUDE – “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”   arr., J. Payne
©2015 Lorenz Publishing Co.  CCLI #1049296

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
April 26th, 2020

I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my supplications.
~Psalm 116:1

INTROIT – Abby Kate Lumpkins
“I Love You, Lord” L. Klein, arr., J. Schrader

I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You. O my soul rejoice!
Take joy, my King, in what You hear. May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

~©1980, Maranatha! Music/Hope Publishing CCLI# 1049296

WELCOME TO WORSHIP Rev. Aho

CALL TO WORSHIP Miss Ali Wilson
Loving God, we gather to proclaim the risen Christ.
Whether we find him in worship, in the world, or along the road of life,
You hear our cries and respond in Your steadfast love.
We wait and watch for the promise of Christ to open our eyes;
we wait for the Holy Spirit to descend upon our hearts.
 As we enter this time of holy reflection, renewal, and forgiveness, we seek the
hope of the early church, the faith of the disciples, and the love of Jesus.
Alleluia, He is come!

HYMN OF PRAISE
“Praise the Lord! Ye, Heavens, Adore Him”  HYFRYDOL

Praise the Lord! Ye heav’ns adore Him; Praise Him angels, in the height.
Sun and moon, rejoice before Him; Praise Him, all ye stars of light.

Praise the Lord! For He hath spoken; worlds His mighty voice obeyed.
Law which never shall be broken for their guidance hath He made.

Worship, honor, glory, blessing, Lord we offer unto Thee.
Young and old, Thy praise expressing, in glad homage bend the knee.

All the saints in heav’n adore Thee. We would bow before Thy Throne.
As thine angels serve before Thee, so on earth Thy will be done.
~Anonymous, (PD)

CHILDREN’S TIME – Mrs. Julie Earnhardt

SCRIPTURE READING – Luke 24:13-35

PASTORAL PRAYER – Rev. Aho

Holy One, we long to recognize your presence, but the journey can be confusing.
In the midst of our confusion, reveal yourself with grace and love.
We yearn to hear your voice, but noisy distractions surround us daily.
Cut through the distractions that overwhelm us, and bring us the clarity of your wisdom.
We desire to touch the living water of your mercy and forgiveness.
Grant us this life-giving water and the power of your enduring word,
that we may know your forgiveness each and every day.
In the name of the risen Christ, we pray. Amen

MUSIC FOR WORSHIP – Tim Cottrell and Sam Hampton
“You Are My All in All”  arr., D. Phelps

You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek,
You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up, I’d be a fool.
You are my all in all.

Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name.

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame, rising again, I bless Your name.
Your are my all in all.
When I fall down, You pick me up. When I am dry, You fill my cup.
You are my all in all.

Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name.

~© 1991, Shepherd’s Heart Music CCLI# 1049296

MESSAGE – Rev. Aho

OUR OFFERINGS
Taking an offering is an act of worship and a part of our service each week. It is important to remember that our offering not only supports the ministry of the church but is an expression of our thankfulness for all God has given us. We give today because God first gave to us. You can give through the church online or by mailing contributions to the church office.

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE – “Praise Him! Praise Him!” arr. M. Hayes

This Psalm reading for worship this week is Psalm 116:1-4,12-19. May these words and this prayer guide us as we begin to look toward worship this weekend.

Thanksgiving for Recovery from Illness

I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
‘O Lord, I pray, save my life!’
……….

What shall I return to the Lord
for all his bounty to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful ones.
O Lord, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the child of your serving-maid.
You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
and call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

Today we pray again the Pastoral Prayer from Sunday and in the middle fo the prayer, take a few moments of silence to remember all those in your life, those in our community, and those around the globe who are in need of our prayers today. 
-Chris 

O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection,
teaching them to love all people as neighbors.
As his disciples in this age,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe
in which we are privileged to live
and our neighbors with whom we share it.

Take a moment of silence now to consider the prayers you have for yourself, your family, your community, your church, and our world. Offer those prayers to the Lord before concluding the Prayers of the People with:

Open our hearts to your power moving
around us and between us and within us,
until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy,
in communities transformed by justice and compassion,
and in the healing of all that is broken.
Amen.

 

O Holy God,
Open unto me
Light for my darkness
Courage for me fear
Hope for my despair.

O loving God,
Open unto me
Wisdom for my confusion
Forgiveness for my sins
Love for my hate.

O God of peace,
Open unto me
Peace for my turmoil
Joy for my sorrow
Strength for my weakness.

O generous God
Open my heart to receive all your gifts. Amen.
–Howard Thurman (1899-1981)