Once more, we are at home together. Thank you for your perseverance in faith, hope, and love.
In faith, that what we’re doing in this pause is being used by Jesus Christ, who has promised to continually build up his Body, the Church.
In hope, that this will not last forever. We are planning, by the grace of God, to meet together outside next Sunday to the east of our church. See this week’s bulletin for more information!
In love: love for our faithful, covenant God, and love for one another.
May God bless your worship with His presence, His peace, His power, this morning.
In particular, make time this weekend to observe Memorial Day. Thank God for those countless men and women who have given their lives in service to their country, and for their families. At the same time, pray for the ending of war, the reconciliation of enemies and divisions, and the healing of wounds.
— Pastor Cody
GOD GATHERS US
WE PREPARE OUR HEARTS
You are welcome to sing “Be Still My Soul” (#347) in worship and adoration.
GOD WELCOMES US TO WORSHIP
From Ephesians 1:17-21
One reads:
God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Give us Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding:
Open the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know Your immeasurable power toward us
in raising Christ from the dead
and seating Him at Your right hand.
Help us to see our Lord Jesus reigning
Over all rule and authority and power,
Over every name that is named,
now and forever. Amen!
WE LIFT UP OUR HEARTS
You are welcome to listen to and/or sing “Build My Life.”
OUR PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
You are invited at this time to pray to God all that is on your heart.
If it helps you to frame your thoughts, consider the fingers on your hand.
The thumb points up, to God.
Pray your adoration, your thanks, your worship, to God. What do you praise Him for today?
The pointer finger teaches and directs.
Pray for wisdom and understanding.
Pray for the church: for pastors, leaders, and teachers; for all disciples of Jesus.
Pray for counselors and therapists and chaplains, and for all those who are caring for others’ emotional and mental health.
The middle finger is longest, tallest.
Pray for the powerful, those in authority.
Pray for our national leaders, state leaders, and local leaders.
Pray for those in the armed services, and for their families, especially in light of Memorial Day.
Pray for medical workers and experts, who are racing to find answers.
Pray for firefighters, EMT’s, police officers, and all those who protect and serve and care.
The ring finger reminds us of our relationships.
Pray for those closest to you: family, friends, neighbors.
The pinky finger is smallest, weakest.
Pray for “the least of these,” the vulnerable: the sick and the dying, the poor and the hungry, the elderly and the lonely, inmates and prisoners, etc.
Pray for all the ministries and missionaries who care for these people in God’s love.
And, lastly, pray for yourself. Where do you feel weak today, in need of God’s grace and power?
Close with the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come;
Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours now and forever.
Amen.
GOD SPEAKS TO US
Watch Pastor Cody’s sermon video, “We Are: The Bride.” Pastor Cody will close our worship service with a benediction in the video.
GOD SENDS US
GOD SENDS US WITH HIS BLESSING
One Reads:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice! You are sharing in Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
— from 1 Peter 4:12-13, 14b; 5:7-8a, 9b-11 —
Cast all your anxieties on Him, because he cares for you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
EMMANUEL REFORMED CHURCH 