Prelude “This is My Father’s World ” Sarah Park
[Chalice Hymnal, #59 ]
Welcome to the Mantua Center Christian Church
Good Morning!
Welcome to the Mantua Center Christian Church
We are a community seeking to have open minds, open hearts, and open arms.
Greet with your neighbors…
Thank you for joining us here in the house and online. Welcome to everyone!
Scripture Reading Psalm 85:10-13 Katie Baird
10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
12 The Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase.
13 Righteousness will go before him,
and will make a path for his steps.
*Welcoming Song “Here We Gather” #294
Here we gather as God’s people with our friends from far and near;
Let our voices sound with praises knowing Christ has called us here.
Now we seek and greet each other, now in joy approach our friends.
Here we mingle, bound together as to all our love extends.
*Call to Worship Katie Baird
ONE: Come, let us seek the presence of God.
ALL: We come with hearts open, listening for the whisper of
God’s voice.
ONE: The Lord speaks peace into the hearts of the people.
ALL: We are ready to hear God’s promise of love and redemption.
ONE: Come, let us worship the One who walks with us through every trial.
ALL: With joy and gratitude, we lift our voices in praise!
*Opening Hymn God of Grace and God of Glory #464, vs. 1, 3
1 God of grace and God of glory,
On Thy people pour Thy power;
Crown Thine ancient church's story,
Bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.
3 Cure Thy children's warring madness,
Bend our pride to Thy control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss Thy righteous goal,
Lest we miss Thy righteous goal.
Invitation to Generosity
Invitation Katie Baird
Offertory
Music: “Give Thanks ” Sarah Park
[Chalice Hymnal, #528]
*Response Accept, O God, The Gifts We Bring #379, 2 lines
Accept, O God, the gifts we bring of spirit and of clay,
transform them into blessings on those we serve today.
Offering Prayer Katie Baird
Children’s Moment Rick Painley
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer Rev. Allen V. Harris
Communion
Meditation Carol Buzbee
Communion Hymn Here at Thy Table, Lord #384, vs. 1-2
1 Here at thy table, Lord, this sacred hour,
O let us feel thee near, in loving power;
calling our thoughts away from self and sin.
As to thy banquet hall we enter in.
2 Sit at the feast, dear Lord, break thou the bread;
fill thou the cup that brings life to the dead;
that we may find in thee pardon and peace;
and from all bondage win a full release.
Prayer RuthAnne Ruehr
Words of Institution Ruth Anne Ruehr
Music: “I Need Thee Every Hour ” Sarah Park
[Chalice Hymnal, #578 ]
Scriptures Haggai 2:1-9 & Luke 17:20 & 21 Rev. Allen V. Harris
Sermon Rev. Allen V. Harris
“The Best Is Yet To Come!… Or Is It Already Here?”
*Closing Hymn Precious Lord, Take My Hand #628, vs. 1-2
1 Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand;
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
2 When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near,
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.
Benediction Rev. Allen V. Harris
Postlude “The Lord Bless You and Keep You ” Sarah Park
[Chalice Hymnal, #446]