BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH July 2, 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
Malachi 3:1 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.

Welcome and Announcements

* CALL TO WORSHIP (Malachi 3)
Leader: Gather together, beloved people of God.
People: We are prepared to receive God anew into our lives.
Leader: Gather together, beloved people of God.
People: We are open to the light of God illuminating our lives.
Leader: Gather together, beloved people of God
People: We expect God to appear suddenly, for God always surprises us as we worship!

*OPENING PRAYER
*OPENING HYMN: There is a Place of Quiet Rest #318

Be Seated

CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy and loving God, we have dwelt in darkness and preferred it to the light; we have been proud of our accomplishments and despaired over our shortcomings. (moment of silent confession) Smooth down the mountains of our pride, and lift up the valleys of our doubts. Open a path in the wilderness of our lives that we might find our way to you again. Refine us and prepare us once again for life in your kingdom. In Christ’s saving grace we pray, Amen.

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

PSALM READING: Psalm 89:1-8

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
OldTestament Lesson: Matthew 11:7-15
Epistle Lesson: Romans 9:11-16

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 The Prophet Malachi

*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY #544
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
We rejoice, O God, in the new world you are creating around us and within us. We give thanks for the joy we find in the church as we draw water from the wells of salvation. It is our intention to share the joy, to proclaim your Word among all nations, to work quietly and enthusiastically for a world where your love reigns. To these ends, we dedicate our offerings. Amen.

*THE APOSTLES CREED

*CLOSING HYMN: When Morning Guilds the Skies #41

*Charge

Leader: May your love overflow, rich and wholesome in the world.
People: May we be found pure and blameless, having prepared a way and a place for the Lord in our hearts.
Leader: May you reap the bountiful harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.
People: To live for the glory and praise of God!


BENEDICTION

*Choral Benediction:
Take My Life V1 #310

BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH June 11, 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 1 Corinthians 7:17
However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches.

Welcome and Announcements

*Call to Worship (Psalm 62)
Leader: For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from the Lord.
People: God only is my rock and my salvation; I shall not be shaken.
Leader: Trust in the Lord at all times, O People: pour out your heart before God.
People: Our trust is in the Lord. Let us worship God’s holy name!
*OPENING PRAYER
*OPENING HYMN: Jesus Calls Us #269

Be Seated

CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, forgive us for the many things that keep us from becoming the people you created us to be; forgive us for the myriad of ways we neglect your presence as we go through our days. (moment of silent confession). Reform us into your likeness once again when we deny the imprint of your love and ignore your call on our lives. Oh God, hold us close that we might be a forgiven and forgiving people. In Christ’s grace, we pray. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON Leader: Hear and believe the good news of the gospel People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
PSALM READING: Psalm 119:105-112
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 OldTestament Lesson: 1 Kings 19:19-21
Gospel Lesson: Luke 9:57-62
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 You Never Know What the Day May Bring
- Elisha the Prophet

*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS *DOXOLOGY #544 *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Merciful God, you have made us for a purpose. We dedicate these gifts as we dedicate our lives to you, that you will make us obedient to our call from Christ. Amen.

*THE APOSTLES CREED

*CLOSING HYMN: Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord #306

*Charge
Leader: Repent and believe the good news!
People: God is with us and calls us for a purpose.
Leader: May the God of second chances renew your sense of call
People: And inspire us to go out and share

BENEDICTION

*Choral Benediction:
Take My Life V1 #310