A Service for the Lord’s Day
May 10, 2020
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Prelude
“Fairest Lord Jesus” - performed by Michael Collings
Call to Worship – Psalm 67
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Opening Prayer
Lord of life, by submitting to death, you conquered the grave. By being lifted on a cross, you draw all people to yourself. By being raised from the dead, you restored to humanity all that we had lost through sin. Throughout these days of Easter, help us to believe and live into the marvelous mystery of death and resurrection. For all praise is yours, now and forever. Amen.
Opening Song
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Prayer of Confession
Lord, we confess that the words of the prophet are true: all of us are like lost sheep who have gone astray. Through our self-exclusion and our exclusion of others, we live lives of separation and sin. Forgive us and restore us, we pray.
Assurance of Pardon
Friends, hear and believe the good news of the gospel: Jesus is the good shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep. In him we are forgiven and included as adopted sons and daughters. Thanks be to God!
Children’s Message
Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of the People
We celebrate you, the risen Lord, for you have included us in your great story of salvation. Rising from the grave, you appeared to terrified disciples. You spoke peace. You showed them your wounds. You gave the Holy Spirit and they were your witnesses. So, help us to be your witnesses in this unusual time. Help us to see that you are near. Grant us generous, compassionate, and courageous hearts. Show us our parts to play with the gifts you have given us. Keep calling us to pursue the truth, and to act in love in all we say and do. Trusting in your presence with us, we now offer you our prayers:
For mothers (by birth, adoption, and friendship), may you bless those women who reared us and loved us and cared for us. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who wish to be mothers yet cannot be, please care for them and surround them with your love and the love of your people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who are suffering in mind or body (especially __________), may they know your healing, comfort and care. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who provide care (especially __________), give them strength, courage, and rest. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For those who are grieving (especially __________), may they lament and receive comfort in your love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For all those in public office, may they use their authority to safeguard the well-being and dignity of human life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For scientists and public health leaders, may you help them apply their skill with integrity to prevent and heal the effects of the virus. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For leaders in business and finance, may they lead with wisdom and compassion, remembering all those ho are affected by economic decisions. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
For the church, that our willingness to love others in your name would bring hope to our world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We lift up these prayers, trusting that you hear us. And we pray now as Jesus taught us:
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Tithes and Offerings
With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779. Thank you!)
Offertory
“Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi” - performed by Becki Veach
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Closing Song
“Give Me Jesus”
Benediction
May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.