Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

11 AM Worship                     Sixth Sunday of Easter                      29 May 2011

 

GATHERING

   In Thee Alone, O Christ, My Lord                                                                        J. Pachelbel

 

GREETING AND WELCOME

 

INTROIT

   Come to the Waters                                                                                             G. F. Handel

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP  UMH 790

   Psalm 66:8-20

  

*HYMN

   Out of Deep, Unordered Water                                                                                   Promise

 

   Out of deep, unordered water God created light and land,

   world of bird and beast and, later, in God’s image, woman, man.

   There is water in the river bringing life to tree and plant.

   Let creation praise its giver: there is water in the font.

 

   Water on the human forehead, birthmark of the love of God,

   is the sign of death and rising; through the seas there runs a road.

   There is water in the river bringing life to tree and plant.

   Let creation praise its giver: there is water in the font.

 

   Standing round the font reminds us of the Hebrews’ climb ashore.

   Life is hallowed by the knowledge: God has been this way before.

   There is water in the river bringing life to tree and plant.

   Let creation praise its giver: there is water in the font.                                    Fred Kaan

 

*PRAYER  in unison

   O God, in mystery and silence you are present in our lives,

      bringing new life out of destruction,

      hope out of despair, growth out of difficulty.

   We thank you that you do not leave us alone

      but labor to make us whole.

   Help us to perceive your unseen hand in the unfolding of our lives,

      and to attend to the gentle guidance of your Spirit,

      that we may know the joy you give your people.  Amen.

 

ANTHEM

   Loving Savior                                                                                                       Lee/Wagner

 

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

 

GOSPEL READING

   John 14:15-21

 

EPISTLE READING

   1 Peter 3:13-22

 

   The Word of the Lord.

   Thanks be to God.

 

SERMON

   Earth, Wind & Fire: Baptism as Reception of the Holy Spirit

 

INVITATION TO HOLY BAPTISM

 

REAFFIRMATION OF THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT  UMH 50

 

HYMN  UMH 605

   Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters                                                             Beach Spring

 

SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS

 

PASTORAL PRAYER FOR MEMORIAL DAY

 

   If you would like to recognize a deceased loved one who served in the military,

   you are invited to speak their name in memory of their life and service.

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER  in unison

    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.

 

*THE PEACE

 

OFFERING

   Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying                                                                      J.G. Walther

 

*DOXOLOGY  UMH 95

 

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

 

*HYMN  UMH 437

   This Is My Song                                                                                                          Finlandia

 

*BENEDICTION

  

*GOING FORTH

   Unto All the World                                                                                                      C. Neal

 

*Those who are able are invited to stand.