Twists & Turns and Clear

July 30, 2023
Pastor Jacob Lee
Worship

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Service of Worship

I Will Lift Up My Eyes
Gary Davidson
© 2000 Lorenz Publishing Co.
Used by Permission. ONE LICENSE # A-401420

Leader: We come to worship the Triune God who creates, redeems, and sustains us all. 
People: We come to worship God who never leaves us and yet whose purposes often seem hidden.
Leader: As the bulb hides the flower, as the seed hides the tree, as the cocoon hides the butterfly, so too does God bring forth life even when we cannot see it.
 People: We gather today to learn how to watch, wait, and anticipate the season when God’s unrevealed work will come into the open.
Leader: As silence gives way to song, as night gives way to dawn, as the past flows through the present into the future, so too does God tirelessly persist in bringing about the abundant life of the kingdom of heaven.
 People: We gather today to learn how to join in God’s dance as partners who prepare for the season when God’s unrevealed work comes into the open.
Leader: As our end meets our beginning, as our time meets infinity, as our doubt meets our believing, so too does God meet our brokenness with persevering love, unfolding a new reality of flourishing for all creation. 
People: We gather today to learn how to love as God loves so that we may be part of bringing God’s unrevealed work into the open. Amen.

(Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries)

Opening Hymn — #2088 (Faith We Sing) “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”

Sing three times

Lord, I lift your name on high;
Lord I love to sing your praises.
I’m so glad you’re in my life;
I’m so glad you came to save us.

You came from heaven to earth to show the way,
from the earth to the cross  my debt to pay,
from the cross to the grave,
from the grave to the sky,
Lord I lift your name on high.

Lord I Lift Your Name On High
Rick Founds
© 1989 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing
Used by Permission. CCLI License # 656051

The Sacrament of Baptism — The United Methodist Hymnal, p. 39

Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons now before you in your care?

With God’s help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround these persons
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their service to others.
We will pray for them.
that they may be true disciples
who walk in the way that leads to life.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
[who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and will come again to judge the living and the dead.]

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
[the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.]

Members of the household of God,
I commend these persons to your love and care.
Do all in your power to increase their faith,
confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.

We give thanks for all that God has already given you
and we welcome you in Christian love.
As members together with you
in the body of Christ
and in this congregation
of The United Methodist Church,
we renew our covenant
faithfully to participate
in the ministries of the church
by our prayers, our presence,
our gifts, and our service,
that in everything God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ.

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.

The offertory wasn’t recorded due to a technical difficulty.

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

God of all blessings, Jesus inspired us through his teaching to see your kingdom as a place where small things can have a mighty impact: a tiny mustard seed planted, or a bit of yeast mixed into the flour. We ask you this day to bless the gifts we offer, so that they may have a powerful impact when used according to your purposes. Bless us that we might see glimpses of your kingdom through our giving and grow in generosity in the process. In name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.

(Matt 13:31-33, 44-52)

Vacation Bible School Presentation

The Vacation Bible School presentation could not be posted. The copyright for pre-recorded music does not allow for streaming or podcasting.

Scripture Readings — John 1:1-5 (NRSV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

The Word of the Lord:
Thanks be to God.

Sermon — Rev. Jacob S. Lee
“Twists & Turns and Clear”

Closing Hymn — #191 “Jesus Loves Me”

1. Jesus loves me! This I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.

Refrain
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

2. Jesus loves me! This I know,
as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee,
saying “Let them come to me.”

Refrain

3. Jesus loves me still today,
walking with me on my way,
wanting as a friend to give
light and love to all who live.

Refrain

Jesus Loves Me
Anna Bartlett Warner | William Batchelder Bradbury
Public Domain

Benediction

Postlude – Hani

Allegro assai from “Drottningholmsmusiken”
J.H.Roman
Public Domain