June 7, 2020
Words of Approach
[Congregation should respond to each Affirmation by declaring the words in Bold]
As followers of Jesus Christ, living in this world – which some seek to control, and others view with despair – we declare with joy and trust: Our world belongs to God!
From the beginning, through all the crises of our times, until the kingdom fully comes, God keeps covenant forever: Our world belongs to God!
God is King: Let the earth be glad!
Christ is victor: His rule has begun!
The Spirit is at work: creation is renewed!
Hallelujah!
~ from Our World Belongs to God, Articles 1-2
Song of Approach
Holy Holy Holy
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name In earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Words: Reginald Heber
Music: John Dykes
Public Domain
Prayer of Approach
Invitation to Confession
Apart from grace we prove each day that we are guilty sinners: we fail to thank God, we break God’s laws, we ignore our tasks. Looking for life without God, we find death; grasping for freedom outside the law, we trap ourselves in Satan’s snares; pursuing pleasure, we lose the gift of joy.
~ from Our World Belongs to God, Article 15
Responsive Prayer of Confession
[This is an interactive prayer. Congregation should respond praying words in Bold.]
Lord, you showed us true humility by becoming one of us, yet too often we practice pride.
You cried alongside your friends and for the city of Jerusalem, yet too often we rush past the pain of others and are careless about our cities.
You loved those who were weak, despised, or cast out, yet too often we love those who are strong, respected, or popular.
You freely forgave and healed, yet too often we hold grudges and cause pain.
You lived a perfectly holy life, yet too often we do not yearn for righteousness.
You prayed that we who believe in you should be united with each other and you, yet too often we focus on the differences that separate us from other believers.
You were mocked, whipped, and even killed for us, yet too often we deny you – if not with our words, with our actions and our inaction.
You call us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, yet too often we blend into or hide from our culture.
Forgive us, Lord! Make us to shine with your glory.
Silent Confession of Personal Sin & Brokenness
[Spend a moment in silent confessing prayer. If you are not sure what to pray consider any ways in which the points of the corporate confession above may be true of you.]
Words of Grace
~ Isaiah 53:4-6
Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Prayer for God’s Protection, Provision, and Guidance
Meditation on God’s Word
Scripture: Matthew 7.1-5
Message: Why Don’t We Notice Our Own Stuff
Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
[After the pastor prays following the message, the congregation will join in and we will offer the Lord’s Prayer together.]
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. – Amen.
Song of Dismissal
Jesus I My Cross Have Taken
Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee. Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be. Perish every fond ambition, All I’ve sought or hoped or known. Yet how rich is my condition! God and heaven are still my own.
Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Savior, too. Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like them, untrue. O while Thou dost smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might, Foes may hate and friends disown me, Show Thy face and all is bright.
Go, then, earthly fame and treasure, Come disaster, scorn and pain In Thy service, pain is pleasure, With Thy favor, loss is gain I have called Thee Abba Father, I have stayed my heart on Thee Storms may howl, and clouds may gather; All must work for good to me.
Soul, then know thy full salvation Rise o’er sin and fear and care Joy to find in every station, Something still to do or bear. Think what Spirit dwells within thee, Think what Father’s smiles are thine, Think that Jesus died to win thee, Child of heaven, canst thou repine.
Lyrics: Henry Lyte
Tune: Bill Moore
CCLI #360938/#20167508
Benediction
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NOTES:
Passage Next Week:
Mark 10.35-52
Worship Leaders Today
- Piano/Guitar/Vocals: Isaiah Day
- Vocals: Jamie Field
- Drums: Peter McHenry
- Message: Rev. W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
- Liturgist: Rev. Camper Mundy, Associate Pastor
- Congregational Prayer: Steve Tewksbury
- Video/Sound/Tech: Tim Nargi
Special Note on Supporting the Mission & Work of Grace Covenant:
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. During these extraordinary times, the life and ministry of our church will continue – even when we are not all able to meet together 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 any of three ways:
1) Online at www.gracecovpca.org/resources/giving
2) Sending your check to the church offices at 1677 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg VA 23185
3) Bringing your gifts with you to worship. We will not be passing an offering plate in our service for the foreseeable future, but an offering box is available for you to place your gift before or after each service.
If you would like to make a special gift to help those from our church and community who are in need, please write “Mercy Ministries” on the memo line of your check or select that fund when making a gift online.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 