Worship Service (at home)
July 5, 2020 (during the season of COVID-19 Virus Quarantine)
Faxon-Kenmar United Methodist Church, Williamsport, PA
July 5, 2020 Order of Worship
((Prepare for worship. As a part of our July 4th weekend, we honor our United States and give thanks for our freedom. Today we celebrate Holy Communion. Please gather bread (or cracker) and juice for this time. Open your heart to the presence of God. Collect your bible so that you can follow along with the scripture passage.)
PRELUDE “America the Beautiful” – Mark Hayes
CALL TO WORSHIP
L: Something new is stirring in our church, O Lord.
P: A different voice comes to us.
L: Make us ready to receive this new Word
P: Open our hearts and renew our spirits.
L: Let us be the voice of welcome, the spirit of joy.
P: Let us be those who bring the life-giving waters to others. AMEN.
OPENING PRAYER
Lord of hope, when the dark clouds assail, you ask us to bear the light of your love and truth. When fears seem to immobilize us, you give us courage and strength to bear your witness. We thank you for your call to us. We praise you for your sustaining love for us. We honor you with our lives and our service to you; for it is in Christ’s Name, we offer this prayer. AMEN.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Patient God, each and every day you offer to us new hope and special blessings. From the rising of the sun to its descent, the light of your love pours on your creation. We love all these things, but we want to hold onto each of your blessings just for ourselves. Teach us to share openly and willingly with others. Forgive our selfishness and turn it to selflessness in service to you. Clear our minds and spirits from sadness to a sense of joy and adventure; for we offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Hear the good news! God has again blessed our lives with hope and joy. Be at peace, dear ones, for God is with us. AMEN.
Meditation “Reflection on “America” – Douglas Wagner
MORNING PRAYER
Gracious God of mercy, we thank you for your presence with us. As we gather in this community to share our faith, we open our hearts to the future of this church. We ask that you make us a blessing Prepare us to serve and celebrate the ministries you place before us. Giver of everlasting life, fill us again with your spirit, for it is in Christ’s name we pray. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE Matthew 10:40-42
MESSAGE and HOLY COMMUNION
GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERING
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Generous God, you have abundantly blessed each one of us; cause these gifts to be a blessing as they are put to work in your world. AMEN.
BENEDICTION
God of peace and mercy, send us into your world with confident joy. Help us to reach out to others and care for them as you always care for us. AMEN.
POSTLUDE “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” – Mary McDonald
Rev Susan Halverstadt, Pastor
David Koskey, Director of Music
Faxon-Kenmar UMC is using CCLI Streaming License 3356248 Exp. 3.31.21.
