Be En-Couraged

July 9, 2023
 
Prelude
Stephanie Shorden

Greeting
Rev. David Petty

*Call To Worship
Betsy Meikle

Leader: Encouraging God, we hear your invitation into the future and we look to you for courage.
People: Open us to know your presence as we
embark together on new adventures.
Leader: Lord, Calm our fears,
People: and animate our spirits for ongoing discovery.
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!

*Gathering Song
God of Grace and God of Glory
UMH #577
WORDS:  Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930 By permission of Elinor Fosdick Downs
 
1. God of grace,
and God of glory,
on thy people
pour thy power;
 
crown thine ancient
church’s story;
bring her bud
to glorious flower.
 
Grant us wisdom,
grant us courage,
for the facing
of this hour, (of this hour)
for the facing of this hour.
 
2. Lo! the hosts
of evil round us
scorn thy Christ,
assail his ways!
 
Fear and doubts
too long have bound us;
free our hearts to
work and praise.
 
Grant us wisdom,
grant us courage,
for the living
of these days, (of these days)
for the living of these days.
 
3. Cure thy children’s
warring madness,
bend our pride
to thy control;
 
shame our wanton,
selfish gladness,
rich in things
and poor in soul.
 
Grant us wisdom,
grant us courage,
lest we miss thy
kingdom’s goal, (kingdom’s goal)
lest we miss thy
kingdom’s goal.
 
4. Save us from
weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
 
let the search
for thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
 
Grant us wisdom,
grant us courage,
serving thee
whom we adore, (we adore)
serving thee whom we adore.
 
Mystery Box

Prayer Song
Standing in the Need of Prayer
UMH #352
WORDS: African American spiritual 
 
Refrain
It’s me (it’s me),
it’s me, O Lord,
standing in the
need of prayer. (Hallelujah,)
 
It’s me (it’s me),
(Lord, it’s me!) 
it’s me, O Lord,
standing in the
need of prayer.
 
Pastoral, Silent and, The Lord’s Prayer
Pastor Donnie Sturgill

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever.
Amen

Prayer Response
Standing in the Need of Prayer
UMH #352
WORDS: African American spiritual 
 
Refrain
It’s me (it’s me),
it’s me, O Lord,
standing in the
need of prayer. (Hallelujah,)
 
It’s me (it’s me),
(Lord, it’s me!) 
it’s me, O Lord,
standing in the
need of prayer.

Invitation to Offering
Betsy Meikle

Offertory

Prayer of Thanks and Dedication
Rev. David Petty

*Doxology
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
 
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 
Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! 
 
Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Scripture Reading
Matthew 14:22-31a The Message
Betsy Meikle

the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared to death. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand.

Prayer for Illumination

Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Message
Rev. David Petty

*Hymn
He Has Made Me Glad
TFWS #2270
WORDS: Leona Von Brethorst (Ps. 100:2, 4; 118:24)
MUSIC: Leona Von Brethorst
© 1976 Maranatha Praise, Inc., admin. by The Copyright Co.
I will enter his gates
with thanksgiving
in my heart,
I will enter
his courts with praise.
 
I will say,
“This is the day
that the Lord has made.”
I will rejoice,
for he has
made me glad.
 
Refrain 
He has made me glad,
he has made me glad.
I will rejoice,
for he has made me glad.
 
He has made me glad,
he has made me glad.
I will rejoice,
for he has made me glad.
 
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

Postlude
Stephanie Shorden