WELCOME TO WORSHIP
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED INTRODUCTION OF BISHOP CARTER SCRIPTURE — John 15:1-17 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON — “Connection and Purpose”
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY Alive and Breathing — Elle Limebear and Matt Maher DOXOLOGY #95 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — OLD 100th 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.
†
NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • OCTOBER 8, 2023 • 9:00AM
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS The gathering music signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices. †
Please stand as you are able
GATHERING MUSIC I Got Joy — McGhee, Armstrong, Scobie and Hill GREETING OPENING PRAYER Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and to give more that we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Almighty and most merciful God, from you comes every good and perfect gift. We give you praise and thanks for all your mercies. Your goodness has created us, your bounty has sustained us, your discipline has chastened us, your patience has borne with us, your love has redeemed us. Give us a heart to love and serve you, and enable us to show our thankfulness for all your goodness and mercy by giving up ourselves to your service, and cheerfully submitting in all things to your blessed will; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
†
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
†
HYMN
†
#57 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing — AZMON (Stanzas 1-5 & 7)
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
†
HYMN
†
#715 Rejoice, the Lord Is King — DARWALL’S 148th
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. BENEDICTION
†
BENEDICTION RESPONSE Everyone Needs a Little — Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash and Kari Jobe
†
CELEBRATION MUSIC Everything Glorious — David Crowder
†
PREACHING Bishop Ken Carter
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
Thank you for joining us in worship today.
LITURGISTS The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III, Senior Minister The Reverend Meg Peters, Assoc. Minister Tammy Pollock, Director of Youth Ministries
MUSIC Eddie Pollock, Band Leader Lydia Berger • Nathan Clark • Sam Clark Matthew Epermanis • Joanna Holden • Jacob Hollar • Larry Hollar • Amy Goodman • Lilly Robbins
The anthem texts are printed with permission. One License A-707342 By entering the Sanctuary, you grant to Centenary United Methodist Church unrestricted right to use and publish, transmit or telecast photographs or likenesses that might be taken of you this day for use in communications related to the church.