The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Service of Worship Sunday, September 2, 2018 Locust Valley First Church of God Established 1852 In the love of Christ, we welcome you to worship today. We are glad that you have decided to join us and hope that you will return. May those who are weary or sorrowful find comfort; may the unhappy and the troubled find joy and peace; and may we all find the sense of God s Presence in this holy place. This bulletin contains the order of worship for today s service. Restrooms are located at the back of the church near the parking lot. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or share!
We Gather to Worship The organ prelude accompanies the lighting of the altar candles and the pealing of the church bell, calling everyone to gather for worship. Call to Worship Spoken Responsively Psalm 34: 1-8 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. The Prayer of the Day Prayed in Unison Eternal God, author and giver of all good things, plant in our hearts the love of your name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. *Hymn of Praise O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing [21] *The Peace We greet one another in the Peace of Christ
Prayer of Confession Prayed in Unison Almighty God, you poured your Spirit upon gathered disciples creating bold tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith. We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us. We do not listen for your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ. Have mercy on us, O God. Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit, and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Prayers of the People The congregation may offer their praises or petitions to be remembered in prayer. Announcements of the Church Offertory / *Sung Response The Doxology [815] We Hear the Word Hymn of the Day God will Take Care of You [692] Scripture Lesson Mark 2: 1-12 The Sermon A Pattern for Ministry Pastoral Prayer We Go Forth to Love and Serve *Sending Hymn Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus [Insert] *The Benediction *Please stand as you are able.
Scripture Lesson and Sermon Guide The Gospel according to St. Mark 2: 1-12 When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven. Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone? At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Stand up and take your mat and walk? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins he said to the paralytic I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home. And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, We have never seen anything like this!
A PATTERN FOR MINISTRY Mark 2:1-12 Introduction: We can learn some important lessons from the story of the four (4) men who brought their friend to Jesus. Their efforts serve as a for ministry for us today. I. The of ministry What is ministry? A. for others and Christ with them B. Bringing to Jesus II. The of ministry A. Their qualities: 1. They had. 2. They had. 3. They were. B. Caring and concern will us to find possibilities. III. The of ministry A. The of ministry B. The of ministry C. The of ministry Conclusion: We can enjoy the of ministry. Jesus can and does more than we deserve or more than we expect. people patience persistence pattern priority caring possibilities sharing motivate purpose performance provide promise faith compassion organized
This Week s Announcements: Church Council The Church Council will today at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Visiting Pastor While Pastor Frederick is on vacation over the next two weeks, we will welcome Pastor John Shubert who will deliver the sermon in our worship services on September 2 nd and 9 th. Church Membership If you would like to formally join Locust Valley as a member, pick up one of the information sheets in the vestibule and see Pastor Frederick for guidance. Special Music Service Locust Valley will welcome vocalist Jessica Snyder for a special evening service of music, prayer, and fellowship on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 6:00 pm. This will be service not to be missed and we hope you will invite your family and friends to join us! Locust Valley First Church of God Welcoming everyone into the family of Christ, worshiping in spirit and in truth, and working to serve one another in God s Gospel message of unconditional love. Pastor Richard Frederick (717) 414-6583 rafvdf@gmail.com Learn more about Locust Valley Church www.locustvalleyfcog.org If you do not wish to keep this bulletin, please dispose of it in the recycling bin provided in the vestibule.