Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

July 22, 2012

“Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see.”

- William Newton Clarke

*Those who are able are invited to stand

Gathering “Variations” A. DeCabezon

Greeting and Welcome

*Call to Worship:

One: God is at work.

All: Light pierces the darkness.

One: Love calms fear.

All: Joy tickles sadness.

One: Hope lifts up despair.

All: Peace disarms anger.

One: Kindness dances around hostility.

All: Music sings away troubles.

One: God is at work!

All: Rejoice!

*Hymn “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” #158

*Opening Prayer

*Passing the Peace

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns

Hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center” #2128 (TFWS)

Silent Prayer / Pastoral Prayer / 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.

Scripture 2 Samuel 7:1-14a

Children’s Sermon

Scripture Ephesians 2:11-22

Sermon Letter to Ephesus Rev. Kelly J. Smith

Offering our Gifts and Tithes

Offeratory “Intermezzo” F. Peeters

*Doxology

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.

*Offering Prayer

Great God of the entire universe, you remind us through the words of the prophets

that while humanity often builds attachments to things and possessions, you have

valued your attachment to us more than anything. When the Hebrew people sought

kings to rule them and palaces to house their kings, you sought only to dwell in a tent

so that you could be close to your people, living in covenant with them. As we give our

gifts this morning, help us to be those who value relationships above possessions,

compassion over status, and love over wealth. Help us to live this with our families,

with our neighbors, and with our global community. In the rich and powerful name

of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

*Hymn “In Christ There is No East or West” #548

*Benediction

*Final Chorus “Here I am Lord” (refrain only) #593

Going Forth “Toccata for The Elevation” G. Frescobaldi