BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH July 16, 2023

PRELUDE Debbie Harris
GATHERING WORDS Leader: This is the day the Lord has made People: Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Leader: May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. People: And also, with you.
OPENING SCRIPTURE John 15:14-17
You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

Welcome and Announcements

*Call to Worship (Colossians 1)
Leader: Come to Christ, the immortal One, who is worthy of honor and praise!
People: The Creator calls us here, to proclaim the glory of God’s mysterious love!
Leader: Come near to God, for we are welcome through this marvelous gift of grace.
People: How great is this mystery! How great is Christ’s love!
Leader: How great is our God!
People: Let us worship and praise!

*OPENING PRAYER
*OPENING HYMN: Praise The Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him #3

Be Seated

CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION O God, you say to hate evil, yet we seek to get even with those who hurt us. We are to love one another, yet we choose some over others. When it comes time to serve you we are not that zealous to act. We do not pray as we ought, nor do we seek your guidance often enough. (moment of silent confession). Forgive us, O God, our wayward behavior and help us to live in harmony with one another. Through your grace and mercy may we live peaceably with all. In Christ Name we pray. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Leader: Hear and believe the good news of the gospel People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

GLORIA PATRI #546
PSALM READING: Psalm 2

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

Stand and wave hello to those around you as the children go back to their seats.

PASTORAL PRAYER With Lord’s Prayer
SCRIPTURE READING
Old Testament Lesson: Amos 5:21-24
Epistle Lesson: Romans 12:9-20

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Take a minute to think about what this scripture says to you.
SERMON Amos

*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY #544
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
O God, may these gifts and our lives bear fruit in many good works, increasing among all people knowledge of God, patience and endurance, wisdom and understanding, love and joy. We would act with compassion toward one another and toward neighbors near and far. Thankful for your mercy, we pledge ourselves and these offerings to extend mercy to all. In the name of Christ, Amen.


*THE APOSTLES CREED

*CLOSING HYMN: Jesus Calls Us #269

*Charge
Leader: Be filled with all wisdom and spiritual insight.
People: We will lead lives pleasing to the Lord and worthy
of our calling.
Leader: Bear fruit in good works of every kind, grow in the knowledge of God.
People: We will be strong in the glorious might of the Lord who gives us power to endure everything with patience and joy.
Leader: Give thanks to the One who has rescued you from darkness!
People: That we might live forever in the realm of the light of Christ!

BENEDICTION

*Choral Benediction: Take My Life V1 #310