May 31, 2020 Worship
Responsive Prayer of Approach
[Have one person lead this prayer; all others respond by praying the words in bold aloud.]
Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life: At the beginning of time you moved over the face of the waters; you gave every living thing the breath of life.
Come, Spirit of God, and renew the whole creation.
Holy Spirit, voice of the prophets: You enflame men and women with a passion for your truth, and through them you call your people to the ways of justice and compassion.
Come, Holy Spirit, and burn in our hearts.
Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Living God: By your power Jesus came to bring good news to the poor and release to those held captive.
Come, Spirit of God, and free us from the powers of sin and death.
Holy Spirit, Advocate, Teacher: You speak to us of our Lord and show us the depth of his love.
Come, Holy Spirit, abide in us and lead us in the way of Jesus Christ.
Words of Approach
[Have one person read these words aloud.]
The Spirit gathers us to worship God and builds us up in faith, hope, and love so that we may go into the world to proclaim the gospel and work for justice and peace. Let us worship God together.
Song of Approach
Come Thou Almighty King
Come, thou Almighty King, help us thy name to sing, Help us to praise. Father, all glorious, o’er all victorious, Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days.
Come, thou Incarnate Word, gird on thy mighty sword, Scatter thy foes. Let Thine almighty aid our sure defense be made, Our souls on thee be stayed; thy wonders show.
Come, Holy Comforter, thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour. Thou who almighty art, now rule in ev’ry heart, and ne’er from us depart, Spirit of power.
To the great One in Three eternal praises be, Hence evermore. His sov’reign majesty may we in glory see, and to eternity love and adore.
Lyrics: Anonymous
Music: Italian Tune
Public Domain
Invitation to Confession
[Have one person read these words as an invitation to confession of sin and brokenness.]
The Spirit of the Lord fills the world and knows our every word and deed. Let us then open ourselves to the Lord and confess our sins in contrition and faith.
Prayer of Confession
[All should pray this prayer aloud, together.]
Gracious God, who pours out freely the gift of your Holy Spirit: we confess before you and each other that we have failed to recognize this most precious gift. We have been satisfied with ordinary things, suspicious of unfamiliar things, and blind to spiritual things. Cleanse us, O God, with your heavenly fire. Burn away our presumptions and self-sufficiency, and enable us to receive the renewing touch of your hand.
Silent Confession of Personal Sin & Brokenness
[Spend a moment in silent confessing prayer. If you are not sure what to pray here is a sample prayer to use as is or as a template:]
Father of Mercies, I make so many mistakes; I turn away from you so often. I need you so much. Thank you that you so loved the world that you sent Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins. Amen.
Words of Grace
~ from Romans 8:1-2, 11
[Have one person read this passage aloud as a declaration of our pardon of sin.]
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life sets us free from the law of sin and death. And if the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, God who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies through the Spirit, who lives in us.
Song of Celebration
You Are My King (Amazing Love)
I’m forgiven because you were forsaken. I’m accepted, You were condemned. I’m alive and well. Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again. I’m forgiven because you were forsaken. I’m accepted, you were condemned. I’m alive and well. Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again
Amazing love, how can it be? That you, my king. would die for me. Amazing love, I know it’s true. It’s my joy to honor you. Amazing love how can it be? That my king would die for me. Amazing love, I know it’s true. It’s my joy to honor you. In all I do I honor you.
I’m forgiven because you were forsaken. I’m accepted, you were condemned. I’m alive and well. Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again.
Amazing love how can it be That you, my king would die for me. Amazing love, I know it’s true. It’s my joy to honor you. Amazing love how can it be? That you, my king, would die for me. Amazing love, I know it’s true It’s my joy to honor you. In all I do I honor you.
You are my king! You are my king! Jesus, You are my king! Jesus, You are my king!
Amazing love, how can it be? That you, my king. would die for me. Amazing love, I know it’s true. It’s my joy to honor you. Amazing love how can it be? That my king would die for me. Amazing love, I know it’s true. It’s my joy to honor you. In all I do I honor you. In all I do honor you.
Songwriter: Billy James Foote
© Shepherd’s Heart Music
CCLI #360938/#20167508
Offering
Our giving is an act of worship. It is a response to who God is and to God’s grace. Giving is a way that God invites us to participate in His work. If you would like to give a tithe or offering today, you can do so by clicking: www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
Prayers for God’s Protection, Provision, and Guidance
[Spend a season in prayer as a group. Have one person serve as leader, offering the opening prayer, the lead into each petition, and the conclusion of the prayer. Pause after each petition. Any/All in the group should pray as the Spirit leads related to the particular petitions:]
Spirit of fire, who came as a rushing wind breathing life and hope into dead bones and cold hearts, we praise you for the comfort and guidance you have given the church throughout the ages:
- for your work through the church universal . . .
- for your sanctifying work in our lives . . .
Holy Spirit, we pray for your comfort, guidance, and power…
- among those who are suffering; experienced recent loss; etc. . . .
- as we extend the hope of Christ to our community and to our neighbors . . .
- for the nations of the world . . .
We pray in the name of the Father and the Son, who live and reign together with you, one God forever and ever. Amen
Meditation on God’s Word
Scripture: Mark 4:35-41
[Have one person read this passage aloud. Then have one person, or several people, pray for the Holy Spirit to speak through this Word and message.]
Message: When Life’s Storms Threaten Us
Rev. Camper Mundy, Associate Pastor
Song of Dismissal
Isaiah 43
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, And the waves will not Overcome you. Do not fear, For I have redeemed you; I have called you by name. You are Mine.
Chorus:
For I am the Lord your God (I am the Lord your God), I am the Lord your God (I am) The Holy One of Israel; Your Savior (2x)
I am the Lord (do not fear) I am the Lord (do not fear) I am the Lord (do not fear) I am the Lord (do not fear)
When you walk through the fire, You’ll not be burned, And the flames will not Consume you. Do not fear, For I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, You are Mine.
(Repeat chorus)
Songwriter: Unknown
Public Domain
Benediction
***
NOTES:
Passage Next Week:
Matthew 7.1-5
Worship Leaders Today
- Piano/Guitar/Vocals: Isaiah Day
- Vocals: Jamie Field
- Message: Rev. Camper Mundy, Associate Pastor
- Benediction: Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
- Video/Sound/Tech: Tim Nargi
Special Note on Supporting the Mission & Work of Grace Covenant:
During these extraordinary times, the life and ministry of our church will continue – even when we are not able to meet corporately for worship. We humbly but boldly ask the people of Grace Covenant to continue to give generously for the benefit of God’s kingdom here in Williamsburg and beyond.
You can make your gifts in two ways:
1) Online at www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
2) Sending your check to the church offices at 1677 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg VA 23185
If you would like to make a special gift to help those from our church and community who are in need during this crisis, please write “Mercy Ministries” on the memo line of your check or select that fund when making a gift online.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 