LOVELY LANE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B
MAY 5, 2024
11:00 A.M.
† Stand as you are able
Organ Prelude
Welcome and Announcements John Strawbridge, Lay Leader
Choral Introit “He is Lord” trad, arr. Moore
He is Lord; He is risen from the dead and He is Lord.
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess
Jesus Christ is Lord!
† Call to Worship
Holy God, in humble reverence, we gather to worship You,
To honor and exalt your name, O Mighty One.
Righteous God, with joyful hearts, we assemble to worship You,
To celebrate your triumph over all darkness and evil.
Faithful God, with hearts full of gratitude, we unite to worship You,
To lift our voices in songs of praise to the God who is forever faithful.
† Opening Hymn “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood” UMH 622
A Reading from the Psalms Psalm 22:25-31 NRSV
O sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm have gotten him victory. The LORD has made known his victory; He has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
The word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Commitment
Holy God, before time you named us through time you redeem us You call us, precious in your sight.
May we love as you love.
Holy One, through the turbulent waters, make us steady, your hands holding strong the fragile and weak.
May we love as you love.
Gracious God, may the fruits of our lives be food for the hungry, bread, clothing, shelter, fire, water, Word
May we love as you love.
God of justice, remove the chaff of our lives that keep us from hearing, following, Your call
May we love as you love.
Loving God, take this day our fears our worries, distractions, and all turn them into wheat, heart food
May we love as you love. Amen
Passing of the Peace
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Choral Response “Cares Chorus” TFWS 2215
I cast all my cares upon You
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet
And anytime that I don’t what to do
I will cast all my cares upon You
† Gospel Lesson John 15:9-17 NRSV
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
The Gospel of our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Sermon Rev. Levon D. Sutton, Pastor
Invitation to Offering
Offertory “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” O’Hara
I walked today where Jesus walked
In days of long ago;
I wandered down each path He knew,
With reverent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed,
A sweet peace fills the air.
I walked today where Jesus walked
And felt His presence there.
My pathway led through Bethlehem,
Ah, memories ever sweet;
The little hills of Galilee
That knew those childish feet;
The Mount of Olives – hallowed scenes
That Jesus knew before;
I saw the mighty Jordan roll
As in the days of yore.
I knelt today where Jesus knelt,
Where all alone He prayed;
The Garden of Gethsemane
– My heart felt unafraid!
I picked my heavy burden up,
And with Him by my side,
I climbed the Hill of Calvary,
Where on the Cross he died!
I walked today where Jesus walked
And felt Him close to me.O wonder of the world withstood!
Offering Prayer
Gracious God, we offer these gifts to you, recognizing your abundant blessings in our lives. Bless them and multiply their impact on your kingdom’s work. May our giving be a reflection of our gratitude and love for you. Amen.
Holy Communion UMH 9
The Great Thanksgiving
Lord’s Prayer
† Closing Hymn “It is Well with My Soul” UMH 377 v.1
† Benediction
May the steadfast love of the Divine Gardener surround you, guiding you with unending mercies and eternal faithfulness. Go forth in the assurance of forgiveness and the promise of new life. Amen.
† Choral Benediction “Hallelujah, Amen” Mason
Hallelujah, Amen.
Ringing the Bicentennial Bell
Organ Postlude