April 28, 2019

 

*Those that are able are invited to stand

 

 

 

- Gathering into worship - 

 

Prelude

 

Welcome and Announcements

 

Introit                                    Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain”                                   Choir

 

*Call to Worship

One Voice: Praise the Lord!

Many Voices: Praise God in the sanctuary; praise God in the marketplace.

One Voice: Praise God for mighty deeds; praise God for greatness.

Many Voices: Praise God in the choir stand; praise God in the pews.

One Voice: Praise God with the sound of drums and cymbals.

Many Voices: Praise God with tambourine and stomping feet.

One Voice: Praise God with piano and guitar; praise God with organ and bass.

All: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

 

*Hymn                                        Christian People Raise Your Song”                          UMH  #636

 

*Opening Prayer

Today, along with Brother Thomas we confess that we are often slow to believe.

There are times that we refuse to believe unless we see the marks of Jesus’ nail-scarred hands…

 

Forgive us Lord… for the times we fail to recognize you in our midst.

(Silence)

 

Forgive us Lord… for demanding proof!

(Silence)

 

Forgive us Lord… for times when we would rather believe the shouts of Fear,

than the whispers of Faith.

(Silence)

 

Forgive us Lord and empower us to live lives of faith and witness.

(Silence)

 

*Words of Assurance

Hear the Good News:

when Thomas doubted the reports of his closest friends,

Jesus continued in his love for Thomas and made it possible for him to have faith.

YOU walk in faith and confidence –

even when doubt rears its ugly head,

remembering that God has promised to be with you to the end of the age.

AMEN.

 

 

- Meditation on God’s word -

 

Children’s Sermon

 

Scripture                                                                                                  John 20:19-31

 

Message                 He Told Us This Was Going to Happen         Mitchell Hortert

 

Hymn                         Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”                           UMH #500

 

Silent Prayer/Pastoral Prayer/Lord’s Prayer                        

 

 

- Sharing our blessings –

 

Offering our Gifts and Tithes

 

*Doxology                      “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”                     UMH #95

 

*Prayer of Thanksgiving

We are the Receivers,

         receivers of love

         receivers of grace

         receivers of Jesus.

We are the Givers,

         following God’s call,

         following Jesus,

         following our hearts.

Lord, we give these offerings for the work of your kingdom, with humble thanks for mercies received. Amen.

 

 

- Taking the Word to the World -

 

*Hymn                                                “Here I Am, Lord”                                        UMH #593

*Benediction

*Hymn                                               “Here I Am, Lord” (refrain)                         UMH #593

Here I am, Lord.  Is it I, Lord?  I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.  I will hold your people in my heart.

Postlude

 

 

 

 

Next Sunday is Native American Ministries Sunday.  The special offering we will collect benefits Native-American outreach within annual conferences and across the United States and provides seminary scholarships for Native Americans.

 

 

 

 

www.mifflinave.org

412-731-2511

905Mifflin Ave

 

 

Pastor: Rev. Kelly Smith

[email protected]

214-202-9291