Prayer for Peace & Lighting of Peace Candle
You are invited this morning to think of a situation in the world or in your own life where Christ’s peace is needed. Hold that situation in silent prayer before God.
-moment of silence-
Call to Worship VT 859
God of every place,
some of us see you today from
mountains of joy and confidence,
mountains of gratitude and praise.
Some of us seek you today
from valleys of grief or doubt,
valleys of loss or exhaustion.
And in all places,
there you are with us,
nudging us onward.
When we descend
from the heights,
show us your presence
on the ground.
When we rise from the depths,
show us the light of your way.
Meet us all on the path
made by Jesus.
Alissa Bender (Canada), © 2015 Alissa Bender
Presentation of Bible to Tucker
Tucker, it is our tradition to present new Bibles to 3rd graders, and this morning it is a special joy to present you with the gift of this Bible from our church. Our hope for you is you become acquainted with this new Bible, with the stories contained in it, the special verses and passages, and the words of Jesus and that it may become an important part of your Christian life. Let’s close with a prayer: Our Heavenly Father, We ask that you bless Tucker and be with him as he grows in his Christian faith. Be also with our church as we strive to teach and be models of Christian love for him and others in our lives. We ask this in your name. Amen.
Opening Hymn In the bulb there is a flower VT 670
Sharing and Prayer – See Thursday’s announcements
Add your own prayers.
Sharing and Prayer
God of the journey, we dwell in your Presence through the abundance of your steadfast love. Receive these words of joy and gratitude. (God of life . . . we give you thanks.)
God of the wilderness, in the morning we plead our case to you. Receive our prayers for those we love and for this beloved world. (God, in your mercy . . . hear our prayer.)
Blessing of the Offering
Children’s Story – “We Plant a Seed”
Scripture John 12:20-33
0 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people[a] to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Sermon “The Death of a Seed” by Dr. Jim Somerville, Pastor of Richmond First Baptist Church, VA
Copy and paste this link on your browser for the sermon: https://asermonforeverysunday.com/tag/john-1220-33/
Hymn of Response Now the green blade rises VT 353
Benediction VT 1066
May the Christ who walks
on wounded feet
walk with you on the road.
May the Christ who serves
with wounded hands
stretch out your hands to serve.
May the Christ who loves
with a wounded heart
open your hearts to love.
May you see the face of Christ
in everyone you meet,
and may everyone you meet
see the face of Christ in you.