Good Morning Salem Church. I look forward to worshiping with you today, either in person on the lawn or in your personal worship online.
Next Sunday, October 4th we will return to the sanctuary for worship at 10:00am. Thank you for your prayerful support as our church leaders have discerned together the best practices that will unite us in worship and keep one another safe.
Come, Now is the time to Worship,
-Pastor Kent
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Order of Worship for Sunday, September 27
Call to Worship: Psalm 31
Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me. Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Hymn: Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Opening Prayer:
Almighty God, with humble adoration we turn our hearts toward you. We are reminded of your faithful and steadfast love offered through Christ our Savior. Renew us today with your word and Holy Spirit. Make us fit to follow Jesus, carrying your light into our community. Receive this our gift of worship, for we long to honor you with our praise. In the name Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture Lesson: Psalm 1:1-6
Psalm 1 (NRSV):
1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Pastoral Prayer:
Gracious Lord, the hymn writer was correct when he wrote, “I need you every hour.” You are evermore quick to listen than we are to pray. You remain aware of our presence even when we fail to recognize your grace at work in our lives. Your love for us is constant and abundant. Hear our prayer today and allow us feel the embrace of your grace.
Our families, our friends, our world needs your healing presence. We know that your desire is to see your children whole and complete. Continue your good work though our doctors, nurses, and care givers that all who are sick, hurt, and broken may receive your compassion and comfort while they heal. Open our hearts to the needs of our neighbors and grant us the courage to respond to each with an expression of your love. Tenderize the hearts of our leaders and those persons in position of power that they may use their influence to bring about good, being mindful of those who are often marginalized and overlooked.
Protect those who serve among us – who often are called into volatile situation to bring healing and peace. Watch over our children, fill them with wonder and curiosity that creates a desire to understand how you are at work in our world. Strengthen your church that we may radiate with hope and encourage one another to draw ever closer to you. All this we ask in the name of Jesus, who taught his disciples 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.
Scripture lesson: Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:1–12 (NRSV): 5 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Message: Finding the Right Road
Hymn: Blessed Assurance
Benediction:
May the peace of Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May He guide 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. Amen.
Kent Smith, Pastor
Salem United Methodist Church
Weaverville, NC
(828) 645-6014
