Smithville United Methodist Church
PO Box 293, 505 N Hwy 169
Smithville, MO 64089
816-532-3200
Celebrating Life through Divine Worship
COMMUNION SUNDAY
10:00 AM August 7, 2011
The time of centering: Welcome! Some of us are here to seek relief from heavy pressures. Others are reaching out for comfort in sorrow. Still others are here to thank God for recent or ongoing blessings. What we all have in common is a great desire to know God and to be enabled to do His will each day. Join us in our quest! Welcome!
PRELUDE Worship begins as the music is played
ENTRANCE OF THE LIGHT
INVOCATION
Merciful God, whose care never ceases, we come to you as we are. We may be tired from trying to do more than we can manage. We may be anxious about problems which go unresolved. We may be worried about events beyond our control. We do not easily let go. We come this day praying for recovery of strength and enthusiasm. We pray for fullness of life, generous hearts, and contented souls. In your mercy, restore us and lead us this day. Amen
WELCOME
*SONGS OF PRAISE This is the Day
CALL TO WORSHIP
LEADER: God, we fill our lives with so many things that there is scarcely room left for each other and for you.
PEOPLE: “There is no time!” we protest.
LEADER: “I know you’re busy.” we assume.
PEOPLE: “Get ahead!” we urge our children as our lives become a dizzy flurry of distractions, deadlines, and duty.
LEADER: Slow us down, God.
PEOPLE: Forgive our busy-ness which destroys our openness,
LEADER: Forgive our preoccupation which leaves us unaware of the gentle breeze of your Spirit,
PEOPLE: Forgive our self-absorption which makes us ignore the cries of our brothers and sisters.
LEADER: We are here, in this hour, and you are with us!
PEOPLE: Help us embrace and reflect your joy and peace and love this day and every day.
ALL: Let your Spirit flow in each one and through us all as we gather here to share this time and this space for worship. Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC CHILDREN’S SERMON TIME OF PRAYER
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
OUR DISCIPLESHIP OF GIVING
Offering
*Doxology
*Prayer of Dedication
*HYMN OF PREPARATION "Take Time to be Holy" No. 395
SCRIPTURE Psalm 118: 24
MEDITATION Generosity: Time and Energy
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Unison Prayer of Preparation
God of love, we confess that our silence is noisy, our minds filled with distracting chatter and our thoughts focused on problems. How hard we find it to be still and rest in your holy and healing presence. How hard we make it by driving ourselves to busyness and fatigue. God of love, usher us into your holy presence. Teach us the words to pray and the silence to keep. Re-fashion our days and hours so we may walk in constant thanksgiving of your amazing grace. Amen
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
RECEIVING COMMUNION
*HYMN FOR GOING FORTH "I Need the Every Hour" No. 397
TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD
BENEDICTION
May the peace of God rest upon our busy lives so we may be quieted into prayer and alive with hearts for service. May your days be filled with holy moments of love and peace and joy. Amen.
POSTLUDE
*Please stand if you are able when indicated by an asterisk
