The Seventh Sunday after Trinity – July 23, 2023
The Ninth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
Are You “The Love of Your Life”
or, is the LORD your first love?
In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter from Thespiae in Boeotia (central Greece). He was known for being incredibly, almost other-worldly, handsome. His mother was cryptically warned one day by a prophet that her son would live only as long as “he never knows himself.” When the handsome Narcissus reached his young adult years he was never attracted enough to any young woman to reciprocate her love. (He left in his wake a long trail of distressed and broken-hearted women). One day he happened to see his own reflection in a pool of water and experienced the ultimate in unrequited love. Narcissus fell hopelessly in love with himself. Naturally, this one-way relationship could go nowhere. But Narcissus was simply unable to draw himself away from staring adoringly at his own reflection in the pool. In despair, he pined away for himself until, finally exhausted from thirst and starvation, Narcissus fell head-first into the pool of water and drowned. The legend about him adds that, after he passed way, in the very place from which Narcissus fell into the pond, a flower sprouted up that today bears his name.
The mythological story of Narcissus has given us the origin of the term “narcissism,” which refers to a sinful, self-absorbed fixation with oneself. Regrettably, there is a little (and sometimes a rather big) narcissist in every one of us…sinners that we all are! Too often you and I are hindered in our lives of faith and love for God and others, by our narcissistic feelings of arrogance, pride, self-obsession, stubbornness, self-righteousness and the like.
In some people, this sinful quality of self-obsession, becomes magnified into something known as “narcissistic personality disorder.” Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably (and intolerably) high sense of their own importance. They need and demand an excessive amount of attention, often expecting people to admire them, and even regard them as indispensable – regardless of the (often poor and arrogant) way they treat the people who are part of their lives. Individuals with this disorder typically lack the ability to understand or truly care about the feelings of others. Their lives are inordinately focused on themselves…..and – characteristically – any room that the narcissist makes for anyone else is dependant upon how useful that person is to him/her. Sadly, behind the mask of superiority and arrogance that most narcissists wear is the reality that the narcissist – deep down – is a person who feels insecure and inadequate …..as is evidenced by the fact that narcissists are often easily upset and deeply hurt by even the slightest criticism or disapproval.
Narcissistic personality disorder not only causes problems in many areas of life for those individuals afflicted with it, but it is also a affliction for the people who have to associate with the narcissist…..particularly those in close relationships with the narcissist. People with narcissistic personality disorder are, in general, unhappy and disappointed with life and with the people whose lives touch theirs…and they usually let them know it! Narcissists typically get upset when they’re not given the special favors, respect or the admiration that they believe they rightly deserve. The majority of their relationships are troubling and unfulfilling – for all parties. Characteristically, they are intolerant of others, harshly critical, and tend to regard themselves as the smartest individual in the room (no one can tell them anything)….expecting everyone else to always agree with them and bend to their wishes. Is it any wonder, then, that most people do not at all enjoy being around a narcissist?
Interestingly, narcissistic personality disorder typically affects more males than females. It often begins to present itself during the teenage and early adult years. Most experts on this disorder maintain that it is almost always incurable (unless the Holy Spirit works a miracle in them). The experts also typically advise that those persons who are forced to interact with the narcissist (be they a spouse, parents, children, a friend, etc) ultimately have only one of two choices to make…..either to endure the narcissist’s abusive, arrogant behavior (without expecting him/her to change), or to give up the relationship because of the narcissist’s characteristically unbending, self-absorbed and oppressive nature.
While symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder – and how severe those symptoms are – can vary from person to person, here are a few of the more common characteristics of this affliction. 1) People with the disorder typically have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require almost constant, excessive admiration and affirmation. 2) They feel that they – especially – deserve certain “behavioral allowances” and other special treatment. 3) They tend to regard their personal accomplishments and abilities (as well as their burdens) as greater than they really are, and themselves as superior to (or more oppressed than) others. 4) They are often obsessed with their success, power, brilliance, financial situation, and beauty, among other matters. 5) They can be insensitively, harshly critical of others. 6) They tend to become upset when others question their behaviors or motives. 7) They – often callously – take advantage of others to get whatever they want. 8) They are characterized by the inability (or unwillingness) to recognize and to care about the feeling and needs of others. 9) They envy the success of others….all the while feeling that others also envy them (and often are “against” them). 10) They behave in an arrogant way, frequently bragging about themselves. They tend to come across to others as very conceited. 11) They often insist on being first, demand being waited on, and expect others to approve of any- and everything they do or think. 12) They also are very impatient, often angry individuals, who are quick to taken offense at any and everything they perceive to be a slight. 13) They have difficulty managing their emotions and behavior. 14) They are typically stressed whenever anything doesn’t go their way, and they have major problems adapting to change – particularly any changes that serve others ahead of themselves. And, finally, 15) They are frequently moody, often withdrawing from others when they don’t get their way, or when they feel that they are unappreciated (because the world doesn’t properly accommodate or understand them).
+ + + + + + + + + +
As I mentioned earlier….there is a little (and sometimes a lot of) narcissism in each one of us. Narcissism is always sinful, and so it always needs to be repented of. But for us to repent of this arrogant, prideful, self-obsessed, unChristian attitude, and the behaviors and effects that often result from it, you and I will need to recognize its presence within us AND we need to be disgusted with it! Consequently, so that you and I might grow in godly humility, compassion and selflessness (following in our Savior’s footsteps), today in our Scripture Lessons we’re going to consider what God’s Word has to say about the sins of selfishness, self-obsession, arrogance, and conceit – among others. We’ll particularly talk about the Christ-inspired motivation we have to be less “narcissistic,” and the Holy-Spirit empowered remedies for that sin and for our other sins.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
In today’s Psalm we hear the Psalmist David expressing his distress because of arrogant, evil people who are slandering him. He asks God to deal with and to discipline them. Finally, he praises God for His favor and protection.
Our Old Testament Lesson covers an event in King Saul’s reign over Israel that occurred early in his 42 year rule. Saul is planning to go into battle against a numerically and militarily superior Philistine force. His troops are understandably afraid. Saul had been directed by God to wait for the prophet Samuel to arrive, so that Samuel could present offerings to the LORD appealing for success against Israel’s Philistine enemies. But Saul arrogantly and impatiently took matters into his own hands by offering the sacrifices himself, before Samuel’s arrival. When Samuel finally did arrive, he rebuked Saul for his arrogance and disobedience. Instead of repenting, Saul attempted to justify his disobedience of the LORD’s command. Now, we’ll never know what might have happened had Saul humbled himself and repented….which, of course, he didn’t do. And so the Lord announced through Samuel that, while Saul would remain as Israel’s king, his family would not succeed him on Israel’s throne. Instead, God had already chosen another individual to lead His people in the future – a man “after the LORD’s heart – whom we know as David.
Today’s Epistle Lesson comes to us from James, chapter 4. Here the inspired writer addresses some of his readers’ sins: being in conflict with one another; being selfish and worldly; and being proud. He urges them to repent and submit to God, as well as to resist the Devil. James also encourages them to stop boasting and behaving arrogantly – of acting as if they were able to plan out and control their lives independent of God – rather than humbly trusting in God’s will for their lives.
Next, in today’s Gospel Lesson we’ll hear the story of a man who approaches Jesus with a question that – on the surface – seems sincere enough: “What good thing do I need to do to have eternal life?” Jesus points out that only God is truly good/perfect, but that he needs to keep God’s commandments. Immediately the man’s arrogance erupts. He tells Jesus that he’s kept all God’s commandments since he was a child. Expecting a commendation from Jesus, he asks if there’s anything else he needs to do to acquire eternal life. (Now, please note that the man’s faith is not in Jesus as his Savior, but in himself and his accomplishments.) Jesus tells him he still has one thing more to do….to seel everything that he has and give the proceeds to the poor so that he might have the treasure of heaven. But the man loved himself and his wealth (and Jesus knew this) more than God or his fellow man. In the end, he walks away sadly from Jesus because his priorities actually were earthly rather than eternal. Jesus notes to His disciples that it is hard for people with wealth to truly love God more than their possessions. His disciples, dismayed (because materialism is a sin that afflicts us all), ask Jesus “then who can be saved?” Jesus says that it’s impossible for man to save himself, but salvation is possible with – and through – God.
In today’s Children’s Lesson we’ll briefly talk about how an angel named Lucifer turned into the Devil. It was due to Lucifer’s pride, or conceit. Apparently he felt that he should not have been subordinate to God. He convinced some of the other angels to agree with him and rebel against God. But God defeated him and threw him out of heaven. Our point today will be to admit that we can be conceited too…..and that we need to humbly repent of our pride, arrogance and conceit…..and instead humbly submit to God, trusting His will for us, and trusting in His way of salvation for us in Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Finally, through our Sermon, based on Jesus’ words in Luke 17, we will consider the maladies of our own sinful pride, about the hearts within us that – at times – are unwilling to forgive others who sin against us, and about our need to carefully watch our own Spiritual lives (and the lives of others around us), so that we might remain faithful to the Lord…..NOT to earn heaven (which we can’t do, as sinners), but because faithfulness is what God expects from us as His children.
Pre-Service Prayer –
Dear Lord, thank You for another day of grace, and for bringing me safely to this house of worship today. As I hear Your Word proclaimed to me, enable me through Your Spirit, to truly repent of all my sins – especially my sins of impatience with You and others. May I also fully recognize and appreciate the love You have shown me by laying down Your life for me and by the way Your guiding and protecting hands constantly enfold me with Your love – though I do not deserve it. May I respond to that mercy now and always by faithfully living for You here, until I live with You in heavenly glory. All this I ask in Your name and for Your sake. Amen.
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Silent Prayer
Pre-service music
The Introduction and Welcome to Worship
We Praise Our God
At the Pastor’s invitation, the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
We begin this service in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our Psalm Reading for Today Psalm 5
P: Turn your ear to my words, O Lord. Understand me when I sigh.
C: Pay attention to my cry for help, my King and my God, + for to you I pray.
P: Lord, in the morning you hear my voice. In the morning I lay out my requests in front of you, and I watch for your answer.
C: For you are not a God who takes pleasure in evil. + With you the wicked cannot dwell.
P: The arrogant cannot stand before your eyes. You hate all evildoers.
C: You put to death those who speak lies. + The Lord is disgusted with bloodthirsty, deceitful men.
P: But as for me, by your great mercy, I will enter your house.
C: I will bow down toward your holy temple with reverence for you.
P: Lord, lead me in your righteousness. Because of those who slander me, make your way straight before me.
C: Nothing reliable comes out of their mouth. + From within them comes destruction. + Their throat is an open grave. +With their tongue they flatter.
P: Declare them guilty, O God! Let them fall because of their own schemes.
C: For their many treacherous deeds banish them, + because they have rebelled against you.
P: But let all who take refuge in you be glad. Let them sing for joy forever. You cover them with protection, so those who love your name rejoice in you.
C: Yes, you bless the righteous, Lord. + You surround them with your favor as a shield.
After which the Congregation may be seated for
The Opening Hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”
Joyful, joyful we adore You, God of glory, God of love!
Heav’n and earth bow down before You,
Praising You, our Lord above.
You our Father, Christ our Savior,
With the Spirit faith provides,
Life eternal we’ve been granted,
gracious gift that e’er abides.
You are giving and forgiving, Ever glorious, Ever blest.
Source of every kind of blessing, Giver of eternal rest.
You have claimed us as Your children
Heaven’s heirs through faith alone —
In the Rock of our salvation,
Jesus Christ, our Lord, Your Son.
Lord, receive our prayers and praises,
weak and humble though they be.
Yours the power, Yours the glory, Both today and endlessly.
None beside You, None before You,
God of mercy, full and free.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, ever blessed Trinity. AMEN.
after which the Congregation will rise as
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor Brothers and sisters in Christ: the Word of God urges us to confess to our Lord all our sins of thought, word, and action. This is something that ought to be daily part of our spiritual lives, and should come forth from every heart that is humble and penitent. But we should especially do this when we meet together in His house to thank God for all that He has done for us, to praise Him, and to hear His life-giving Word. Therefore, come with me now, to our Heavenly Father’s throne of grace, and let us confess our sins together.
Congregation Miserable person that I am, + I confess and lament to You, O most holy God, + that I am a weak and sinful creature, + guilty of every sin, of unbelief, and of blasphemy. + I also confess that Your Word has not brought forth good fruit in me. + I hear it, but do not receive it earnestly. + I do not show works of love toward my neighbor. + I am full of anger, hate, and envy. + I am impatient, greedy, and bent on every evil. + Therefore my heart and conscience are heavy. + Lord, I ask You, free me from my sins, + strengthen my faith, + and comfort my weak conscience by Your divine Word, + that I may obtain Your promised grace.
Pastor Having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, now be strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life. God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent. Therefore, rest assured that your sins have been fully covered by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ your Savior. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Now, in the peace of God’s forgiveness, let us together praise our gracious and glorious Lord!
The Congregation responds by singing:
“All Glory Be To God On High”
sung to the melody of “Almighty Father, Strong To Save”
All glory be to God on high! We praise, we thank, we glorify,
And worship You, Who gives earth peace,
Whose love and favor never cease.
Lord God, our King, on heaven’s throne,
Our Father, the Almighty One.
O Lord, the Sole-begotten One.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son,
O Lamb of God, You take away
The sin of all, now hear us pray.
You rule at God’s right hand this day,
Have mercy on us, Lord, we pray.
You only are the Holy One;
O’er all things You are Lord alone.
O Jesus Christ, we glorify You only as the Lord Most High,
Who with the Spirit e’er shall be
One in the Father’s majesty. AMEN.
After which the Congregation will be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The Old Testament I Samuel 13:1-13
Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-two years. 2 Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul at Mikmash and in the hill country near Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. He sent the rest of the people to their own tents.
3 Jonathan struck the Philistine garrison that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. Saul blew the ram’s horn throughout the land and said, “Let the Hebrews hear!” 4 All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines and that Israel had become a stench to the Philistines. The people were summoned to meet Saul at Gilgal.
5 The Philistines assembled their forces to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They came up and camped at Mikmash, east of Beth Aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble because their army was under pressure, the people hid themselves in caves, in thickets, among the rocks, in dugouts, and in cisterns. 7 Some of the Hebrews had gone across the Jordan River to the territory of Gad and Gilead, but Saul remained in Gilgal, and all the people who remained with him were shaking with fear. 8 He waited there seven days, the time specified by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were starting to scatter from Saul. 9 So Saul said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offering.” He then presented the burnt offering.
10 No sooner had he finished presenting the burnt offering than Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet him and greet him with a blessing. 11 But Samuel said, “What have you done?”
Saul said, “I saw that the people were scattering from me, that you did not come within the set number of days, and that the Philistines had assembled their forces at Mikmash. 12 So I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself to offer the burnt offering.”
13 Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly. You have not kept the command which the Lord your God gave to you. The Lord would have established your kingship over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingship will not continue. The Lord has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and the Lord has appointed him to be ruler over his people, because you have not obeyed the command the Lord gave you.”
The Epistle Lesson James 4:1-16
Where do conflicts and quarrels among you come from? Don’t they come from your cravings for pleasure, which are at war in the parts of your body? 2 You want something but do not get it, so you murder. You desire something but cannot obtain it, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask, and yet do not receive, because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on what gives you pleasure.
4 Adulterers, don’t you know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or, do you think that Scripture has no reason for saying that the Spirit, who lives in us, yearns jealously? 6 But he gives greater grace! That is why it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.”
7 So, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded people. 9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be changed into mourning and your joy into gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.
11 Do not speak against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother is speaking against the law and judging the law. But if you judge the law, you are not one who does the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver and judge. He is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into this or that city, spend a year there, do business, and make a profit.” 14 You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? Indeed, it is a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears. 15 Instead, it is better for you to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live, and we will do this or that.” 16 But right now you are boasting in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So, for the one who knows the right thing to do and doesn’t do it, this is a sin.
After which the Congregation will rise in respect for the words of Jesus
The Gospel Lesson Matthew 19:16-30
16 There was a man who came to him and said, “Teacher, what good thing should I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only one is good. But if you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
18 “Which ones?” the man asked him.
Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. 19 Honor your father and mother.’ And, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these. What am I still lacking?”
21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had many possessions. 23 Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen I tell you: It will be very hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?”
26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
27 Then Peter answered, “Look, we have left everything and followed you! What then will we have?”
28 Jesus said to them, “Amen I tell you: In the renewal, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 Everyone who has left homes or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, because of my name, will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”
The Apostles’ Creed to the melody of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
I believe in God the Father, Maker of the heav’ns and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, our Savior,
God’s own Son, of human birth.
Virgin born, the Lord incarnate,
Whom the Spirit did conceive,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; Our salvation to achieve.
Crucified, was dead and buried, Down to hell in victory;
From the dead He rose the third day;
Up to heav’n triumphantly.
There at God’s right hand He’s ruling,
By His will the world is led.
He will come to judge the nations,
Both the living and the dead.
I believe in God the Spirit, In His Church, His chosen band.
They are joined in close communion,
Holy in His sight they stand.
I believe in sins forgiven; That the dead will rise again;
I believe in life eternal. Amen! Amen! A – – men!
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Children’s Lesson I Timothy 3:6
He must not be a recent convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the same condemnation as the Devil.
How BIG Is Your Head?
The Sermon Hymn Hymn 403 “I Know My Faith Is Founded”
1 I know my faith is founded On Jesus Christ, my God and Lord;
And this my faith confessing, Unmoved I stand upon his Word.
Man’s reason cannot fathom The truth of God profound;
Who trusts in worldly wisdom Relies on shifting ground.
God’s Word is all-sufficient, It makes divinely sure,
And, trusting in its wisdom, My faith shall rest secure.
2 Increase my faith, dear Savior, For Satan seeks by night and day
To rob me of this treasure And take my hope of bliss away.
But, Lord, with you beside me I shall be undismayed;
And led by your good Spirit, I shall be unafraid.
Abide with me, O Savior, A firmer faith bestow.
Then I shall bid defiance To ev’ry evil foe.
3 In faith, Lord, let me serve you; Though persecution, grief, and pain
Should seek to overwhelm me, Let me a steadfast trust retain.
And then at my departure, Lord, take me home to you,
And let me there inherit All you have promised me.
In life and death, Lord, keep me Until your heav’n I gain,
Where I by your great mercy The end of faith attain.
The Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge
of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Sermon Text Luke 17:1-10
Jesus said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for that person if a millstone would be hung around his neck and he would be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Watch yourselves.
“If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6 The Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 Which one of you who has a servant plowing or taking care of sheep will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at the table’? 8 Won’t the master tell him instead, ‘Prepare my supper, and after you are properly dressed, serve me while I eat and drink. After that you may eat and drink’? 9 He does not thank the servant because he did what he was commanded to do, does he? 10 So also you, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants. We have only done what we were supposed to do.’”
Lord, Increase our Faith!
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship.
However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash) to the church address: (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) You can donate on our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
the Congregation will please rise as the offerings are brought to the altar
We Offer Our Prayers to the Lord
Today’s Prayers
Included in our Prayers today:
A Prayer of Intercession on behalf of
Kent Swogger, who is continuing to recover at home from a surgical procedure last month
The Lord’s Prayer
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; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Blessing
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The LORD look with favor upon you, and give you His peace. Amen.
Closing Hymn “The Time Has Come”
The time has come O Lord,
for us to leave this place.
Tend Your sheep, Good Shepherd,
and lead us in Your grace.
Wherever life may take us
as we go our separate ways,
Help us share with others
the things we’ve shared today.
May the peace of God the Father,
and the Love of Christ, His Son,
Guide us in the days ahead,
and strengthen us, each one.
May the blessings of the Spirit
fill us from within.
God bless us and return us.
to this fellowship…..Once again.
Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Announcements, Post-service music
+ + + Thank You + + +
For being a part of our worshiping assembly this morning.
We invite you to join those around you for some good conversation
and fellowship at the conclusion of today’s announcements.
We also invite you to join us for coffee, juice, tea,
and other refreshments in our gymnasium/fellowship hall.
Finally, we encourage you to remain afterward with us
for further growth in God’s Word through our Bible Class
and Sunday Classes.
May the comfort of God’s love and His forgiveness through Jesus Christ
be with you throughout this day and this week.