The Service of Worship Ninth Sunday after Pentecost / Dedication of Prayer Labyrinth July 26, :00 a.m.

Transcription

1 A Call to Quiet Meditation The Service of Worship Ninth Sunday after Pentecost / Dedication of Prayer Labyrinth July 26, :00 a.m. The congregation is asked to observe a time of silence during the prelude in preparing our hearts and minds for worship. Prelude Chiming of the Hour Greetings and Welcome The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. Concerns and Celebrations of the Church Fellowship Registration Please pass the fellowship pad found at the end of the row, record information, and return the pad to its starting point. Then please remove sheet and place in the offering plate when it is passed. Introit O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee *Call to Worship Look to the Lord, for God is faithful, giving us our food in due season. Call on the Lord, for God is near, ready to rescue us from danger. John Ogle *Hymn Heavenly Sunlight Walking in sunlight, all of my journey; Over the mountains, thro the deep vale; Jesus has said, I ll never forsake thee, Promise divine that never can fail. tune: George Harrison Cook Refrain: Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight, Flooding my soul with glory divine; Hallelujah, I am rejoicing, Singing His praises, Jesus is mine. Shadows around me, shadows above me, Never conceal my Savior and Guide; He is the light, in Him is no darkness; Ever I m walking close to His side. (refrain) In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing, Pressing my way to mansions above; Singing His praises, gladly I m walking, Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love. (refrain)

2 *Prayer of Confession John Ogle Merciful God, we confess that we have not followed your way. You are always faithful to us, yet we pursue our own desires. You are generous beyond measure, yet we jealously hoard your gifts. Forgive us, God of grace. Help us to comprehend the height and depth and breadth of your great love for all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. *Period of Silent Prayer In our Savior s name we pray. Amen. *Assurance of Pardon John Ogle Hear the good news: In Christ you are forgiven, your sins have been We can declare with confidence: we are forgiven. redeemed. *Congregational Response #775 I Want Jesus to Walk with Me (verse 1) WALK WITH ME I want Jesus to walk with me; I want Jesus to walk with me; All along my pilgrim journey, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me. Scripture Lesson Luke 24:13-35 pew Bible, NT, page 84 The Word of the Lord. large print, page 90 Thanks be to God. A Time for Young Disciples Bill Neely All children are invited to the front. Parents are welcome to come with younger children. For age-related opportunities after this time, see the announcement following the order of worship. Anthem Walk in the Light arr. André Thomas Scripture Lesson Genesis 3:1-9 pew Bible, OT, page 2 The Word of the Lord. large print, page 2 Thanks be to God. Sermon Carol Pierson Invitation to Discipleship To speak with someone about becoming a Christian, church membership or a special prayer need, please go to Room 133 following this service. The room is to your left when exiting the sanctuary. Prayer of Thanksgiving William K. Neely The Offering Offertory *Doxology with Alleluias LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ all people here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise Holy Spirit evermore, Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! *The Prayer of Dedication

3 (Please move outside in an orderly fashion as quickly as possible for the dedication of the Prayer Labyrinth.) Dedication of Prayer Labyrinth Music for Gathering Opening Statement Solo Amazing Grace In the Garden Steve Hawley, piper Words of Acknowledgement and Appreciation Rev. Bill Neely Eagle Scout John Baugher Chip Bailey Litany of Dedication A winding path that leads to a central space and then out again by the same path. "Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. (Psalm 25: 4) A wondrous pathway that may become a mirror for our own lives and a metaphor for our spiritual journey. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call on you, O God, for you will answer me. (Psalm 17: 5-6a) A circle and a spiral, each a powerful and ancient symbol of unity, wholeness and transformation. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. (Psalm 119:35) A tool of spiritual growth, healing and transformation of heart, body, mind and spirit. "Teach me your way, O Lord; and I will walk in your truth." (Psalm 86: 11a) A spiritual discipline of setting one foot in front of the other and following a path. "When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way. (Psalm 142:3a) A calling forth of our intuitive minds and creative meandering spirits. "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. (Psalm 16: 11a) A deeply healing container where we can touch our joys and sorrows. "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." (Psalm 119:32) A place where pilgrims, filled with questions, may discover a source of wisdom, power, and awe. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) God of all, grant that this labyrinth may bring together your faithful people in service to one another and to the world, and that your holy name may be glorified. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen. Special Music I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light HOUSTON

4 I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. Refrain: In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father. I m looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus. Prayer of Dedication (refrain) (refrain) Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of this labyrinth and the opportunity it gives us to walk with you. We thank you for the many hands and hearts that helped create it. We ask that you send your Holy Spirit to bless this labyrinth and all who walk its path. We pray that all who walk this labyrinth now and in the future may find what they seek and what they deeply need. May they find direction and wisdom, comfort and encouragement, a deeper sense of self, and an awareness of your presence within all creation. We ask that you bless everyone and anyone who walks this path searching for you, for deeper meaning in their lives, and for healing of their souls. May your Holy Spirit be with them sustaining them and may all who leave the labyrinth be strengthened to serve others in your name. Amen. Benediction Closing Music You Got to Walk this Lonesome Valley * Please rise either in body or spirit Bold print indicates congregational participation. Worship Leaders Carol Pierson, Associate Pastor William K. Neely, Pastor John Ogle, Elder Assisting in Worship Karrie Rushing, Director of Music Catherine Garner, Organist Brad Collier, Keyboard Steve Hawley, Piper About Today s Service The flowers in the sanctuary are given by Bobby Griffin in loving memory of Linner Griffin and in honor of their 51st wedding anniversary. The flowers in the prayer labyrinth are given in loving memory of Don Bailey by his family. Fellowship: Coffee, coffee-cake, cookies, and other goodies are available in the fellowship hall each Sunday after the 8:30 a.m. worship service.

5 Visitors: We welcome those visiting with us today. If you are a first-time visitor, stop by the visitors table in the Welcome Center to receive a gift. Prayer Shawls: The Prayer Shawl Ministry has placed prayer shawls in the narthex to the right of the center sanctuary doors. If you are chilly during the service, wrap up in a shawl and return it after worship. Broadcast: The 11:00 service is broadcast live on WNCT-1070 AM and FM radio (New Bern ; Jacksonville ) and streamed live at and First Presbyterian Church welcomes children of all ages in worship. A nursery is provided for infants and toddlers for all services. Following A Time for Young Disciples in the 11:00 a.m. service, ages four through six are invited to participate in Godly Play in Room 113. The Toddler s Church is available for two and three year olds in Room 116. Older children are encouraged to participate in worship. Portable hearing aids and large print Bibles, bulletins and hymns are available on the table by the entrance, or ask an usher for assistance. In Respect of All Worshippers, please turn off or mute cell phones, and disconnect your wifi because it interferes with our radio broadcast. Do not use flash photography during the worship service and please refrain from eating and drinking in the sanctuary during worship. Children s Worship Bags: Worship Bags for children are available to your right before entering the sanctuary. Please lift in prayer: Our Congregation Cares Church Family Sarah Allen, Connie Bond, Clara Carr, Beth Clark, Martha Coffman, Pat Evans, Mickie Ezelle, Thelma Flye, Ben Lattin, Clint Leinwebber, Sr., Genet Lilley, Elizabeth Lyle, Janice O Rear, Mary Smith, Rocky & Jean Soranno, Joe Sullivan, Odell Welborn Family and Friends: Will Fickling (grandson of Kurt and Sherry Fickling) Jackie Harrington (friend of Georganne Perry) Charlotte Harris (friend of Gerald & Thelma McGowan) Catherine Holt (friend of Cathy Moss) Jim Person (step-father of David Webb) Terri Reese (friend of Julia Nelson) Kara Ryan (niece of Gerald & Thelma McGowan) Mark Skees (friend of Cathy Moss) Military personnel and families; mission teams; our national, state and local leaders and people called our enemies. Our Congregation in Ministry MOC: Please join the Men of the Church for devotion and breakfast on August 4, 7:00 a.m. at the Seahorse Restaurant. Lemonade Gathering: This summer on the second Sunday of each month, the Membership Ministry invites members and visitors to stop by our lemonade stand in the Welcome Center following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Please join us on August 9 and enjoy a time to meet, greet, and catch up. Lingering: Join us today after worship for a lingering to honor Carol Pierson as she ends her year with us. We will collect a thank offering for Carol to show our appreciation for her work over this past year. Please help us give Carol a great sendoff!

6 Mudcats Game: The Youth group will be attending the Mudcats game on Wednesday, August 5th. If you would like to join us, please let Brian Dilday know at or We would like to thank the congregation and friends for the caring support you showed to our family upon Becky s death; whether it was with food to sustain us, flowers to remind us of God s creation, visits to console us, or prayers to comfort us. We truly appreciate your joining us in a joyful celebration of Becky s life. Mary Helen Stasavich and family