We Gather In the Presence of Life’s Shepherd

Silent Prayer of Preparation

Shepherd and guide us in every way, O God, as we walk the sometimes-frightening journey of life.  In the name of the Great Shepherd, even Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord.  Amen.

Chimes

Organ Prelude                                                                              Yvonne Barnes, Organist

* Gathering Song     Blue Hymnal #438          “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”           dennis

Blest be the tie that binds  Our hearts in Chris-tian love:

The fel-low-ship of kin-dred minds  Is like to that a-bove. 

* Greeting One Another, Welcome and Concerns of the Church

Choral Introit

Call to Worship     [Psalm 23, paraphrased.]

Let us worship God….  With the Good Shepherd as guide, we shall want for nothing.

God leads us along peaceful paths, restoring our souls.

Even in life’s dark shadows, we fear no evil.

For the Good Shepherd walks with us day and night.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow all the days of our lives.

And we shall dwell in God's house forever.

* Hymn   Blue Hymnal #175             “The Lord’s My Shepherd”                                  evan

Introduction to the Service

Prayer                                                                                                     Patty Neidert, DCE

Great shepherd-God, in whose fold we now gather:  we give you praise for your goodness in our lives.  For you sustain us daily with the food we find in green pastures; you quiet our anxieties by leading us to still waters of the soul; you keep us from stumbling as you guide us along right paths; you reassure by your presence beside us in life’s darkest moments; you give us strength for the most trying days.  Surely this same goodness will follow us all our days, as we dwell in your house and walk in your ways – where we seek to be all our life long, and beyond.  Through Jesus Christ, who revealed himself as Shepherd of our lives.  Amen. 

Children’s Moment                                                                               Patty Neidert, DCE

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world:  red and yellow, black and white,

they are precious in his sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world

Sermon                                 "The Lord Is My Shepherd"

Mileposts to Renewal

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus.  [Phil. 3:14]

*Renewal Hymn  Blue Hymnal #344 (v. 1)           “Christ of the Upward Way”

 

 

1.  God Supplies My Needs Completely

Scripture                                     Psalm 23:1-2 & John 10:1-5

The Word of the Lord. ? Thanks be to God!

Meditation                                                                                                            Rev. Nash

* Hymn   Blue Hymnal #244        “Let Us with a Gladsome Mind”                    monkland   

2.  God Cares for Me Wholly

Scripture                                      Psalm 23:3 & John 10:7-10

  The Word of the Lord. ? Thanks be to God!

Meditation                                                                                                            Rev. Nash

  Hymn (seated)  Blue Hymnal #261 [vv. 1, 3]  “God of Compassion”   o quanta qualia

3.  God Guides Me Faithfully

Scripture                                   Psalm  23:4-5 & John 10:11-15a

        The Word of the Lord. ? Thanks be to God!

Meditation                                                                                                            Rev. Nash

* Hymn Blue Hymnal #282 [vv. 1, 3]  “If Thou but Trust in God” wer nur den lieben gott

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer                    Blue Hymnal p. 16, “Traditional”

After each petition:  Lord, in your mercy ? Hear our prayer.

Choral Response

4.  God's Preserves Me Eternally

Scripture                                 Psalm 23:6 & John 10:15b - 18

The Word of the Lord. ? Thanks be to God!

Meditation                                                                                                            Rev. Nash

Hymn (seated)   Blue Hymnal #275 [vv. 1, 3]              “God of Our Life”             sandon

Offering

Offertory Anthem     “How Great The Love” by Mary Kay Beall     Chancel Choir

          *Response Blue Hymnal #591                                                                  doxology

          *Prayer of Dedication

We Depart in the Care of Life’s Shepherd

 *Hymn  Blue Hymnal #172    “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”            resignation

 *Pastoral Blessing

 *Choral Response

Organ Postlude                                                                                         Yvonne Barnes, Organist

 

Choral Anthem- “How Great The Love”

How great the love that held him there upon a cruel, lonely tree.  That he would die for even me.

How great the pain he had to bear, the bitter cup, the agony.  How great the love that he would

die for even me.  How great the debt of love I owe for sins forgiven, soul set free.  How great the debt of love I owe for now and all eternity.  How great the love that held him there!  How great the cost of victory!

How great the gift!  How great the love, that he would die would gladly die for even me.

 

Liturgist- Elder Joe Kendron

 

How to Join the Church

We warmly welcome new members!  If God is calling you to consider membership in this church,       please do one of the following, and your journey into membership will begin:  (1) check the appropriate box on the register of friendship; (2) tell the pastor at the door; or (3) call the church office – you

 can leave a message 24/7.  Christ needs you as an active, committed member of his church.