Good Morning Salem Church. Our month long celebration of God’s faithfulness and our history as a faith community community continues today. Recall that this Sunday is “Mission Sunday” Please bring souvenirs, reminders, and memorablia from mission trip you have been on in the past either through Salem Church or another group.
Our recipe is alway underway. Bring a favorite recipe and swap it for a favorite from another household. I look forward to seeing all who are able to join me for outdoor worship. Below you will find a brief order of worship as guide for your personal worship.
Come, Now is the time to Worship.
Blessing,
-Pastor Kent
….
Call to Worship: Psalm 104
Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works.
I will sing to the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. Praise the Lord O my soul.
Opening Hymn: I Need Thee Every Hour
Opening Prayer:
Holy God, you are light and in you there is no darkness at all. Capture our heart and shift our focus today- away from whatever is false to that which is true; from whatever is vulgar to that which is honorable; from whatever is corrupt to that which is just; from whatever is inauthentic to that which is pure; from whatever is detestable to all that is pleasing and commendable. I long to live in your light and walk in your peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.
Scripture Lesson: Romans 8:31-39
Romans 8:31–39 (NRSV):
31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Pastoral Prayer:
Almighty God, with humble hearts we seek to be filled your grace and strengthened by your love. We are your children and long to be faithful disciples of Jesus – to be his witness in our world. We are grateful for your steadfast love and the care you show for all you have created. Our diverse world is a reflection of your creativity.
O Lord, we know that too often your children turn from your teaching, we close our hearts and eyes to the needs all around us, and allow the cares of this world to rob us of your heavenly grace. Forgive us, we pray. Unite our hearts once again and fill us anew with your Holy Spirit. Mend our brokenness and grant your healing presence to all who are sick today. Empower those who serve us in the critical moments of life to be your ambassadors and agents of peace.
Sanctify our leaders in your truth that we may strive live in harmony with our neighbors near and far. May all who hurt feel the embrace of your compassion as we surround them with our love and support. Undergird your church with your love that we may grow in your goodness and follow Jesus as we walk in discipleship. Make holy all for which we pray – the poor, the sick, your church, and your world. You are our God and you are good in every way. In the name of Your Son, our Savior, we pray, Amen.
Scripture Lesson: Philippians 4:4-9
Philippians 4:4–9 (NRSV):
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Message: The Lord is Near
Closing Hymn: Something Beautiful
Benediction:
Go Rejoicing in the Lord always. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. Do not worry. With thanksgiving, speak with God sharing your needs and the needs of this world. Ponder what is pleasing and excellent. Rejoice always. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
Kent Smith, Pastor
Salem United Methodist Church
Weaverville, NC
(828) 645-6014
