PRELUDE: Prelude on “Middlebury” by Dale Wood
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
HYMN: Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above [Mit Freuden Zart]
PRAYER
INTROIT: Hope of the World by Taylor Davis
Hope of the world, thou Christ of Great compassion, speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent. Save us, thy people from consuming passion, who by our own false hopes and aims are spent. Hope of the world, God’s gift from highest heaven, bringing to hungry souls the bread of life, still let thy spirit unto us be given, to heal earth’s wounds and end all bitter strife. Hope of the world, afoot on dusty highways, showing to wandering souls the path of light, walk beside us lest the tempting byways lure us away from thee to endless night. Hope of the world, O Christ, over death victorious, who by this sign didst conquer grief and pain, we would be faithful to thy gospel glorious; thou art our Lord! Thou dost forever reign. Hope of the world. [Georgia Harkness]
PRAYER
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 22:1-14
ANTHEM: The Wedding Banquet by Sister Miriam Therese Winter
I cannot come to the banquet, don’t trouble me now, I have married a wife, I have bought me a cow. I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum. Pray, hold me excused, I cannot come. A certain man held a feast on his fine estate in town. He laid a festive table and wore a wedding gown. He sent invitations to his neighbors far and wide but when the meal was ready, each of them replied: I cannot come. The master rose up in anger, called his servants by name, said: “Go into the town, fetch the blind and the lame, fetch the peasant and the pauper, for this I have willed, my banquet must be crowded, and my table must be filled.” When all the poor had assembled, there was still room to spare, so the master demanded: “Go search everywhere, to the highways and the byways and force them to come in. My table must be filled before the banquet can begin.” Now God has written a lesson for the rest of mankind; if we’re slow in responding, He may leave us behind. He’s preparing a banquet for that great and glorious day. When the Lord and Master calls us, be certain not to say: I cannot come. [Based on Matthew 22]
SERMON: “Will the Welcomed In, Join In?”
HYMN: I’m Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table [Welcome Table]
PRAYER
BENEDICTION
RESPONSE: Father, Give Thy Benediction by Clarence Dickinson
Father, give Thy benediction, give Thy peace before we part: still our minds with truth’s conviction, calm with trust each anxious heart. Let Thy voice with sweet commanding, bid our grief and struggles end: peace which passeth understanding on our waiting spirits send. Amen, amen. [Samuel Longfellow]
* * *
For information regarding church programming, please email Pastor Adele at [email protected].
The flowers are given today in memory of Hubert F. & Agnes Lloyd by Hubert Lloyd.
Write a comment: