Just Follow the Manual (2)

July 23, 2023
Pastor Jacob Lee
Worship

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Service of Worship

Be Lifted Up
Ross Anderson
© 2001 Lorenz Publishing Company
Used with Permission. ONE LICENSE # A-401420

Leader: Despite hardship, our ancestors dared to dream God-sized dreams. 
People: Praise God for hope-filled dreams.
Leader: Do it again, Lord. Dream big dreams through us today! 
People: Praise God for new dreams for our generation.
Leader: Invisible God, be visible through our faith today. 
People: Praise God who empowers us with faith to see what others miss.
Leader: Will we stop building a better future because of evil?
 People: No! Our God will deliver us from evil!
Leader: Will we concede our neighborhoods because evil walks the streets? 
People: No! God will judge all evildoers!
All: Come now, Lord, and fulfill your dreams in us today!

(Written by Kwasi I. Kena, The Africana Worship Book)

Opening Hymn — #145 “Morning Has Broken”

1. Morning has broken
like the first morning;
blackbird has spoken
like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing
fresh from the Word!

2. Sweet the rain’s new fall
sunlit from heaven,
like the first dewfall
on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
of the wet garden,
sprung in completeness
where his feet pass.

3. Mine is the sunlight!
Mine is the morning
born of the one light
Eden saw play!
Praise with elation,
praise every morning,
God’s re-creation
of the new day!

Morning Has Broken (Bunessan)
Elenor Farjeon | Carlton R. Young
© 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House
CCLI License # 656051

Pastor’s Time With the Children – Rev. Jacob Lee

Joys and Concerns, Pastoral Prayer, Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and glory forever. Amen.

For those who are called and able, gifts and tithes can still be made through online giving, by mailing them in, and by dropping them off to the office through the secure mail slot to the left of the double door entry to the church hallway.

Offertory – P.A.L.A. Singers

One Bread, One Body
Dennis Lewallen
© 1999 Broadman Press

This arrangement is not covered by copyright licensing and cannot be streamed.

Doxology

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow (Old 100th)
Louis Bourgeois | Thomas Ken
Public Domain

Offertory Prayer

Holy God, we are living in days of division and polarization, and we regretfully confess that your church is not exempt from that statement. Regardless of where we stand, it is far too easy to look at those who see things differently and see them as weeds, stunting the good fruit we could bear. As we bring our offerings to you, the temptation to focus on our own agenda is strong. Help us to give generously without judging. Give us the faith to put them to your use, and humility to know that only you can see clearly what is wheat and what is weed. We pray in the name of Christ who knows all hearts. Amen.

(Matt 13:24-30, 36-43)

Scripture Readings — Isaiah 41:10-13; Philippians 4:6-7 (NRSV)

Isaiah 41:10-13
10 do not fear, for I am with you,
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

11 Yes, all who are incensed against you
shall be ashamed and disgraced;
those who strive against you
shall be as nothing and shall perish.
12 You shall seek those who contend with you,
but you shall not find them;
those who war against you
shall be as nothing at all.
13 For I, the LORD your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Do not fear,
I will help you.”

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Word of the Lord:
Thanks be to God.

Choral Anthem — Chancel Choir

Lift Every Voice and Sing
James Weldon Johnson | J. Rosamond Johnson
Public Domain

Sermon — Rev. Jacob S. Lee
“Just Follow the Manual (2)”

Closing Hymn — #584 “Lord, You Give the Great Commission” (v. 1, 2, 5)

1. Lord, you give the great commission:
“Heal the sick and preach the word.”
Lest the church neglect its mission,
and the gospel go unheard,
help us witness to your purpose
with renewed integrity.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us
for the work of ministry.

2. Lord, you call us to your service:
“In my name baptize and teach.”
That the world may trust your promise,
life abundant meant for each,
give us all new fervor, draw us
closer in community.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us
for the work of ministry.

5. Lord, you bless with words assuring:
“I am with you to the end.”
Faith and hope and love restoring,
may we serve as you intend
and, amid the cares that claim us,
hold in mind eternity.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us
for the work of ministry.

Lord You Give The Great Commission (Abbot’s Leigh)
Cyril Vincent Taylor | Jeffery Rowthorn
Words: © 1978 Hope Publishing Company
Music: © 1942. Renewed 1970 Hope Publishing Company
Used by Permission. CCLI License # 656051

Benediction

Postlude – Hani

Sing the Mighty Power of God
Traditional | Arr. Alice Jordan