Sunday Sneak Peek – April 30, 2023 – St. John's United Church of Christ

Join us for the Fourth Sunday of Easter at 915am (in-person and live stream when available)

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“The Good Shepherd’s Voice”

Thank you for worshiping online with us. We are so glad that you are spending part of your day with us!

Order of Service

Worship Service Participants

Rev. Scott Siefert
Organist: Penny Rolf
Liturgist: Sarah Schneewind
Choir: YOU!

Ringing of the Church Bell

Announcements

Greeting

Rev Scott: Jesus said: I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me, and I in that person, will bear much fruit. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.

Call to Worship

Sarah: We are gathered in the presence of the risen Christ, who remains with us for ever.

All: When we abide in the love of Christ, love, joy, and peace grow.

Sarah: We are rooted in Christ’s love that we may bear these fruits together with all God’s people.

All: With the faithful of every race, tribe, people, and nation we sing: Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, and might be to God for ever and ever. AMEN.

*Opening Hymn: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (The Hymnal #184)

Sarah: Holy God, the earth is full of your glory, and so we worship you. Our hearts are on fire with the awareness that Christ is with us, and so we thank you. Our fears have been calmed in the bright light of the Resurrection Day, and so we praise you and worship you.

All: Let us abide for ever in the assurance of your love; through the grace of Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Prayer of Invocation

All: Let us abide for ever in the assurance of your love; through the grace of Jesus Christ. AMEN.

Prayer of Confession

Rev Scott: With all the signs of new life in Christ around us, we still cling to our old ways. Let us confess to God and to one another. When we do not accept as our sisters and brothers in Christ those who are different from us, forgive us O God. When we oppose you by opposing those who disrupt our routines and challenge our assumptions, forgive us O God.

All: God, in your mercy, restore us to newness of life. Bind together your church universal through the coming of the Holy Spirit. Empower us to witness your courage to the presence of Jesus Christ among us. AMEN.

–Time of Silent Confession-

Assurance of Grace

Rev Scott: Take heart: God’s Spirit empowers us to move from the ways of death to the ways of new life. We are forgiven. Let us forgive one another in the joyful community of the risen Christ.

All: Thanks be to God!

Scripture Readings

Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10

“Message for the Young and Young at Heart: “Joys, Concerns, and Blessings”

Pastoral Meditation

Hymn of Response: “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” (The Hymnal #461)

Prayers and Concerns

Joys – Concerns – Blessings

Please share any special concerns, joys, and blessings.

Silent Prayer – Pastoral Prayer – Lord’s Prayer

ALL: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.

Collection and Presentation of the Offering

Invitation to the Offering

Rev Scott: Lord, You have given us Your grace and love. You have given us this Church. Accept at this time, our offering of love. You give us the warmth of summer. You give us the colors of autumn. You give us the chill of winter. You give us the new life and growth of springtime, with the reminder of new life in Christ. Lord of heaven and earth, accept now our gifts and our lives that the world and all people may praise your name.

*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)

*Prayer of Dedication

All: Eternal God, all we have is because of You. May the gifts we give this day become a blessing for Your church, Your community, Your state, Your nation, and Your world, empowering us to do the work to which You call us. May our faithful giving be used wisely with each one’s gift cherished and each one’s needs met. May these gifts strengthen the bodies and nourish the spirits to bring glory to You. AMEN.

Closing and Blessing

*Closing Hymn: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (The Hymnal #272)

Benediction and Blessing

Ringing of the Church Bell

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall and ZOOM
TODAY – Fellowship & Coffee Hour hosted by Cheryl and Michelle Bachmann – following worship
TODAY – Building & Grounds Team Meeting – following worship
TODAY – Bongards Farmers Market Team Meeting – following worship

Fruit of the Spirit. April focuses on world-wide food insecurity with donations to benefit Feed My Starving Children. A special collection vessel is at the entrance of the sanctuary.

God uses everyone’s talents. Check out the most current Team Up flier for ways to share your time and talents to inspire and uplift our community.

Live Streaming. We want to train others on live-streaming and recording services. If you can make a post on Facebook from your computer, you can do this. Contact Michelle Bachmann if you’re interested.

Looking for a church community? If you have been led to St. John’s looking to be more than a visitor, we welcome you openly and would love an opportunity to chat. Contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.

The Word To Go: Find Sunday morning worship services on our Facebook Page, St. John’s UCC of Bongards. Worship will also be live-streamed on Facebook, when available.

Bongards Buzz: Submit items for the newsletter by the 1^st of each month to Michelle Bachmann or sjuccbongards@gmail.com.

For Pastoral Care. Please contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.

We’ve partnered with easyTithe so you can use your bank account for a direct ACH, debit card, or a credit card to make a secure one time or reoccurring gift.