A Service for the Lord’s Day
July 12, 2020
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Prelude
Call to Worship – from Psalm 119:105-112
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
I have suffered much;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Opening Song
Prayer of Confession
God of grace, we confess that we have failed to be an obedient church: we have not done your will; we have broken your law; we have rebelled against your love; we have not loved our neighbors; we have ignored the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Silent confession)
Assurance of Pardon
While it is true that we have sinned, it is a greater truth that we are forgiven through the grace of God in Christ. To all who humbly seek the mercy of God, we say: in Jesus Christ your sin is forgiven. Thanks be to God!
Children’s Message
Scripture Reading
Sermon – Salvation, Grumbling, and the Glory of God – Rev. Blake Daniel
Affirmation of Faith – The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your constant faithfulness. When we turn from you, you do not turn from us. When we grumble and complain, you show us a better way to live and love. When we seek our own glory, you remind us who it is that sets the stars in the night sky. We thank you that we know these things are true because of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we continue to wind our way through this season of uncertainty, we ask for the special leadership, guidance, and direction of your Holy Spirit. Please stem the tide of the spread of this virus. Please help us to do our part in mitigating infection. Please grant your comfort and care to all who are sick, all who love and support them, all who work in healthcare and other helping professions, and all whose lives are clouded by fear and anxiety. Please surprise us with joy in the midst of sorrow and hope in the midst of despair, that we might carry out the work you have given us with integrity and perseverance.
In humility and in hope, we also offer our prayers to you today for:
Creation and its care… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Our nation, its leaders, and its people… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Our community, its leaders, and our neighbors… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
The church universal as it works on your behalf… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Our local church in its ministry… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Friends and family with particular needs… 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
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
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.