GATHERING TO PRAISE GOD Sunday, October 16, 2022

Prelude

Praise Song

Welcome

The People Gather
L: We come before God recognizing we are the body of Christ.
P: We thank you for the Church and our place in it.
L: We give thanks that there is nothing that will stand in the way of your Church.
P: We recognize our responsibility from generation to generation to pass on the faith.
L: We are called to nurture the next generation of Christ Followers.
P: Thanks be to God who trusts us and empowers us. AMEN.

Hymn

The People Pray
Lord, everywhere we look we see the imprint of your creative love. The wondrous works of nature show your majesty. Your Church gives witness to your great love for us shown most powerfully in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Prepare us to work for your Church so that the generations that follow may find you . AMEN.

Special Music

Children’s Moment

The People Confess Their Sin Based on 2 Timothy 3-4
From the least of us, to the greatest, Lord, we want to know you; we desire to follow where you lead us; we need your guidance.
But often we neglect our responsibility to work for the future of Your Church, distracted by the needs of the present.
Holy One, open our hearts and minds.
By your Spirit, encourage us as only you can; teach, correct, and inspire us in the ways of your salvation. Amen.

Words of Assurance
When we cry out, God is there. Listening and empowering.
Do not lose heart, for the Lord forgives our iniquity and remembers our sin no more.

The Word of God for the People of God

Scripture
Acts 9:26-28
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him. They didn’t believe he was really a disciple. 27 Then Barnabas brought Saul to the apostles and told them the story about how Saul saw the Lord on the way and that the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them about the confidence with which Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus.28 After this, Saul moved freely among the disciples in Jerusalem and was speaking with confidence in the name of the Lord.

Message From Generation to Generation

Pastoral Prayer

The People Bring Their Gifts
There are baskets in the back or use your online app

The People Go into The World

Praise Song

Benediction

Postlude

Questions to ponder:
• Have we defined our exchange zone?
• How are we creating a space in which all youth can feel they belong, those with piercings, tattoos, dress all in black, are furries, GLBTQ, artists and athletes. How are we creating a safe to explore their faith?
• What are we doing to support youth as they learn to grow and live out their faith?
• Have we looked at the needs oof youth in our community?
• What plan do we have to address those needs.
• Have you left it to others, or are you engaged?