May 12, 2024

MAY 12, 2024 - SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
REV. KENDRA BALLIET
JAMES ROSS, ORGANIST

Prelude - Love's Divine, All Love's Excelling-Joel Raney

Welcome

*Call to Worship
Leader: Again, the disciples gathered in Galilee, this time at the mountain where Jesus had directed them to go.
All: Whether at sea level or on the mountaintop, we follow Jesus.
Leader: They saw Jesus and worshiped him, yet they doubted.
All: We recall our own experiences of deep devotion and yet we are aware of times of great doubt. Both are essential elements of engaged faith.
Leader: Jesus instructed the disciples to go and make disciples, baptizing in the holy names and teaching as he had taught.
All: Despite our frailty at times, Jesus invites us to be a part of the ministry of serenity, bringing good news to those who suffer.
Leader: Jesus offered reassurance with his parting words: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
All: When our own lives are in turmoil and when we see those around us struggling, we can offer comfort to others and tender compassion to ourselves– seeking calm in Divine presence.
Leader: This is a Word of Hope for the people who long for it.
All: Thanks be to the Living Word.

*Opening Hymn “Christ for the World We Sing” #568

*Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, Rise up in us and we will rise
From death into a newfound life:
From bondage freed, from harm released,
From illness healed, as one in peace.
When all is lost our hearts are warmed,
Our hope restored, our lives transformed.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Amen.

Confession of Faith: Apostles’ Creed #881

Gloria Patri

Children's Chat

Music Ministry and Offertory - Verset-Leon Boellman

Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude

Scripture Matthew 28: 16-20

Sermon Series “Resurrection Stories”
Sermon: “Serenity”

Joys/Concerns

Hymn "Be Still, My Soul" #534

Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer

Closing Hymn “I Love to Tell the Story” #156 with 5 verses
Verse 5: The Savior of our stories
has brought his peace to you;
now go and tell the story,
for others need it too.
To ev'ry one who’s hurting
ring out the gospel call;
proclaim that Christ is risen
and grants his peace to all.

Action Steps & Benediction

Postlude - Deon Gracias - Daniel Burton

The flowers on the altar today are given by Dick & Joyce Minnis in loving memory of our mothers Norma Minnis and Ruth Smith.

Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org