NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

La Feria, Texas

May 5, 2024

6^th Sunday of Easter

GATHERING

Call To Worship (Bob)

Leader:     

Sing to our God a new song.

People:  

God has done marvelous things!

Leader:     

Make a joyful noise to the Lord!

People:  

Break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Leader:     

Let the sea roar and all that fills it.

People:  

Let the world and its people sing together for joy!

Opening Hymn –

GTG #526 – “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ”

Opening Prayer (Jeri)

Let us pray.

Loving God, help us to love others as Christ has loved us. Bring us into the spiritual joy of living our lives as your friend, and teach us to abide in your love, that we may show that love to the world.

(All God’s children say) Amen.

Call to Confession (David)

We have been called to follow Christ by obeying his one commandment: that we love one another as he has loved us. Let us confess how we have fallen short of that love.

Confession and Prayer (David)

Loving God:

                   We have not loved you or each other with our whole hearts. Forgive us, we pray, and lead us toward wholeness that we may be filled with your joy.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

(All God’s children say) Amen.

Personal Confession 

   Please take a moment for your private prayers of personal confession.

(Water pours to break the silence)

Assurance of Pardon (Bob)

Christ loves us so much that he laid down his life for us and calls us his friends.   If we can forgive our friends, how much more does Christ forgive us!

(All God’s children say) Amen.

Passing the Peace (Bob)

Having been reconciled with God, let’s be reconciled with each other. All God’s children say:

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

Gloria Patri

GtG #581 – “Glory Be to the Father”

WORD

Prayer for Illumination (Linda)  

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, O God, in the reading of your Word, that we would hear what you have to say to us today. May your Holy Spirit be poured out upon us; through Jesus Christ.

Amen.

First Reading (Linda)             

A reading from Acts 10:44-48

The Word of the Lord.     Gracias a Dios.

Second Reading (Linda)

A reading from 1 John 5:1-6

          The Word of the Lord.     Gracias a Dios.

Gospel Reading (Bob)

A reading from John 15:9-17

          The Word of the Lord.     Gracias a Dios.

Sermon:

“We Are Called: Friend”                                Bob Dymond

God is Good, All the Time!

Todo el Tiempo, Dios es Bueno!

Hymn      

GtG #465 – “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

Affirmation of Faith – the Apostle’s Creed

Preacher of the Day leads all to read together.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary,

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead.

He ascended to heaven

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic* church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen

*That is, the true Christian church of all times and all places.

Prayers of the People (Linda, with Charley taking notes)

Prayers of Praise:

Lord in your Love and Grace, Hear our Praise!

Prayers of Intercession:

Lord in your Mercy, Hear our Prayer!

OFFERING

Invitation to Give (Erik)

Let us show our friendship with Christ and our love for our neighbors by giving generously so that we may bear the lasting fruit of Christ’s love.

Special Mission Offering for May: (Erik)

Loaves and Fishes

Giving to New Hope (Erik)

Doxology (Erik)

Let’s sing a song of praise for all that God has given us!

Let’s sing the Doxology together.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Dedication of the Offering (Erik)

Holy God, in Christ you have chosen us to be your friends and to know your will in the world. Therefore, we pray in Jesus’ name that these tithes and offerings spread your love near and far. (all God’s children say) Amen.

SENDING

Invitation to Join (Terri) if guests are present

Blessing (Bob)

May the righteous fairness of God,

the loving friendship of Christ,

and the gift of the Holy Spirit go with you all.

Now to Him who is able to keep you

Who is able to keep you from stumbling

And to make you stand in God’s presence

Full of glory, blameless with great joy

To the only God our Savior

And to Jesus Christ our Lord

Be all glory, majesty, dominion, and power

Before all time and now and forever.

Amen and Amen

Amen and Amen

Amen and Amen

Amen and Amen and Amen.

Charge (Bob)

Live in the joy of Christ’s love and in all the marvelous things that God is doing!

Hymn

GtG #629 - “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee”

 Announcements (Bob) 

Thank you to our dedicated Worship Contributors: Erik Breden, Norma Cordero, Linda Davis, Natalie Rae Davis, David and Jeri DeWeese, Bob Dymond, Terri Ericson, Susan Kerens, Charley Kidder, Julia Todd Stone, Angelica and Helenavi Sumilong, and Teaching Elder, Rev. Mary Breden (H.R.)