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
- 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
One: 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.
One: 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: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (The Hymnal #1)
Prayer of Invocation
One: 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 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 31:1-5, 15-16 and John 14:1-14
Pastoral Meditation: “The Way”
Hymn of Response: “Take My Life and Let It Be” (The Hymnal #253)
Holy Communion
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: Rev Scott: God blesses us abundantly. Let us respond to the great grace and offer things to God with thanksgiving and devotion.
*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
*Prayer of Dedication
All: Holy God, we have received so much blessing from you in the past week and throughout our lives. We are grateful for the blessings that You have given us, and we return some of them to You. Please use them for Your work. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
Closing and Blessing
*Closing Hymn: “Nearer My God to Thee” (The Hymnal #318)
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall and ZOOM
- May 9th – Faith & Service Team meeting – 6pm via ZOOM
- May 14th – Mother’s Day
- May 21st – Worship & Gather Team meeting following worship
- May 28th – Pentecost “Wear Red” with Coffee & Fellowship hosted by Pastor Scott
Fruit of the Spirit. May focuses on Christian Education and Literary with donations to benefit St. John’s Literacy Library at the Farmers Market. 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 1st 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.
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St. John's United Church of Christ 
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