Sunday Service

July 20, 2008, 10:00 a.m.

10th Sunday after Pentecost

(Click on highlighted items to hear hymns and read scriptures)

But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift.    --Ephesians 4:7

PRELUDE

CALL TO WORSHIP

L:    A word spoken
P:    A voice heard,
L:    A dream revealed,
P:    A mission received.
L:    God calls
P:    Again and again
L:    God beckons us
P:    To follow,
L:    To love,
P:    To serve,
L:    To give.
P:    Again and again
L:    God invites us
P:    To embrace the lonely,
L:    To feed the hungry,
P:    To tell the Good News of Jesus, to sing songs of praise.

OPENING HYMN     'Ye Servants of God'     UMH No. 181

OPENING PRAYER
Compassionate God, your love for us is unquestionable, your grace is deeper than the ocean, your wisdom beyond measure. Yet, our response to your greatness is often shallow and hesitant. We fine-tune excuses and drum up questions. We miss your call to servanthood because we are looking for higher positions, better perks, lasting privileges. We long for recognition, for someone to say, “Thank you.” Holy God, teach us the joy of serving with glad and willing hearts. Remind us that no act of kindness is ever forgotten by you. Reassure us of your love that turns our hesitant witness into faithful discipleship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

TIME FOR CHILDREN
Children are invited to the front of the sanctuary before leaving for Sunday School in Anderson House.

RESPONSIVE READING     Psalm 139:1-12    UMH No. 854

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON     Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

SERMON     'A Prodigal Servant'     Terri Pagani

HYMN     'Here I Am, Lord'     UMH NO. 593

JOYS AND CONCERNS
HYMN OF PREPARATION     'Surely the Presence of the Lord'    UMH No. 328
MORNING PRAYER

OFFERTORY    
GIVING OF GIFTS, TITHES, OFFERINGS
(In response to God's love, we gather our gifts, reflecting on what God has done in our lives this week.)

DOXOLOGY    'Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow'     UMH No. 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Dear Lord, we present this offering in gratitude for your good gifts to us. We also offer our time and talents to the work of your church in the world. In Christ's name, Amen.

CLOSING HYMN     'O Jesus, I Have Promised'     UMH No. 396

CIRCLE OF LOVE

THE LORD'S PRAYER  read

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE