March 23 — Open Invitation

We are blessed by this opportunity to gather here together. May today’s worship offer you
an opportunity to quiet your soul in the loving presence of God.

Thank you to Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell for leading worship this morning.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Ann Molyneaux
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Brokenness can be healed and wholeness restored.
One: God offers humankind the joy of salvation.
All: Let us accept the new spirit God offers.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation.
All: Praise God!

*HYMN — More Love to Thee — #428

More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee;
This is my earnest plea:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
Moe love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Ann Molyneaux
Gentle Healer; Mighty Savior; the power to make new is yours.
This day, we come to you, Holy God, seeking relief from earthly demands. We praise you for blessing us with holy rest and healing. God of steadfast love and mercy; we come, asking for your help. At times, instead of devoting ourselves to serving you, we become absorbed with the many distractions and complexities of daily life. Forgive us, we pray. God of patience; thank you for receiving us as we are. Renew our trust in you. We seek to turn away from sin and turn toward you. When we fail, we will call on you for grace, Christ Jesus. When, by your grace, we do follow you faithfully, we will exalt your sacred name. Amen.

*RESPONSE — He is Our Peace — #454

He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

Cast all your cares on Him,
For He cares for you,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 27 — Ann Molyneaux

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD — Luke 13:31-35 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — I Have Decided to Follow Jesus — #427

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

One: Go in the name of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
All: God is our home; our life; our joy.
One: Take heart!
All: Jesus Christ is our light; our hope; our all in all.
One: Be strong.
All: Blessed be God, now and forever. Amen.

*POSTLUDE