Dear Salem Church Family and Friends,
I pray each of you have discovered the beauty of this spring season which continue to invite us to extend our worship and gratitude to God who has wonderfully order all things.
I invite you to join to me today at 10:00 am as we continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Today our focus falls on Romans 7:1-25.
I also you to unite your hearts in worship today. I have recorded the second message in our “Lessons by the Lakeshore” series which is based around Matthew 13:1-9. I also included hymns via YouTube in an effort to enhance our worship.
In partnership with our sister churches, Salem UMC remains committed to being the church even when we are not at church. Let’s continue to hold one another and our community in persistent prayer.
Now, praise and worship of our good God ring out in our homes and across our community.
….
Order of worship for Sunday, May 3rd
Call to Worship: Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; and His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Opening Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Opening prayer:
Holy God, your word goes out and does not return empty. By your Spirit, open our hearts and minds to your word today, that we may grow as your children. Let our mouths open with your praise and our lives bear the fruit of faith in every season for we are sustained and satisfied by your goodness and abundant grace. All this we ask in the name of Savior, Jesus. Amen.
First Lesson: Isaiah 55:6-13
Pastoral Prayer:
God of Wonders, Lord of life, we approach your presence, humbled by love and in awe of your constant grace. All creation is budding with beauty and life, inviting us to celebrate the rich and abundant life you provide through Jesus Christ.
You have choose us to belong to you and through the cross you have redeemed us as your children. Today we prayer for another. Continue to keep us united by your love.
We prayer for those who are sick and those who care for them. May your grace abound in each to bring healing and peace. We pray for our world and communities leaders. Grant them wisdom and discernment in the midst of unprecedented uncertainty.
Provide your protection to those who are on the front lines of the pandemic and the frontlines of conflict. Use them as your agents of peace and hope. Ignite our heart to become creative in compassion and extravagant in sharing your matchless love that we may be equipped to spread your grace across our neighborhoods and communities.
All this pray today as we now offer our hearts in the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. . .Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and glory, forever. Amen.
Second Lesson: Matthew 13:1-9
Message: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Closing Hymn: Hymn of Promise
Benediction:
May the peace of Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness and 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. God bless each of you. Amen.
Salem United Methodist Church
Weaverville, NC
(828) 803-3597-mobile