SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR A
MAY 10, 2026
† Stand as you are able
Organ Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Choral Introit “Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!” Maker
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Risen. our victorious Head!
Sing His praises! Alleluia!
Christ is risen from the dead.
†Call to Worship
God’s love is not an idea; it is a life given and a Spirit poured out.
We come to worship the God who abides with us.
Christ calls us to love—not in word only, but in truth and action.
We come to be formed as a people of love.
Let us worship God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
†Opening Hymn “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” UMH 500
Prayer of Illumination
Risen Christ, open our hearts and minds to your living Word. As the stone was rolled away, remove every barrier that keeps us from seeing your truth. Let your resurrection light awaken us, renew us, and draw us into the life you promised. Speak, Lord, your servants are listening. Amen
A Reading from the Old Testament Ezekiel 34:1-7 NRSV
The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: To the shepherds—thus says the Lord God: Woe, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat; you clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatted calves, but you do not feed the sheep. You have not strengthened the weak; you have not healed the sick; you have not bound up the injured; you have not brought back the strays; you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep were scattered; they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill; my sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with no one to search or seek for them. Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord:
The word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Congregational Prayer
Abiding God, we thank you for your steadfast presence. When we feel alone, remind us that you do not leave us orphaned. When we struggle to love—when patience runs thin, when resentment grows, when compassion feels costly—pour your Spirit into our hearts again. Teach us the love of Christ: humble, truthful, and courageous. Bless families and households this day—however they are formed—and strengthen this congregation to be a spiritual home for those seeking belonging. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Passing of the Peace “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” UMH 334
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Choral Response “Alleluia” UMH 186
†A Reading from the Gospel John 14:15-21 NRSV
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you. “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while, the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live, you also will live. On that day, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me, and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
The Gospel of our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Sermon Reverend. Levon D. Sutton, Pastor
Responsive Hymn “Because He Lives” UMH 364
Invitation to Offering
O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heavenly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave has lost its sting!
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way.
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
An angel clad in white they see,
Who sit and speaks unto the three,
“Your Lord will go to Galilee.”
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
On this most holy day of days
Be laud and jubilee and praise:
To God your hearts and voice raise.
Alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Offertory “Sons and Daughters of the King” Smith
Offering Prayer
God who abides, receive these offerings. Let them become a blessing for households, for children and elders, for neighbors and strangers—signs of your love in action. Amen.
†Closing Hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” UMH 384
†Benediction
Go in peace. Christ goes ahead of you, making a way. Walk in hope, and let your life proclaim God’s promises. Amen.
†Benediction Response “Hallelujah” Trad., Caribbean, arr. Moore
Hallelujah
Ringing the Bicentennial Bell
Organ Postlude