First Presbyterian Church of Niles Morning Worship
Baptisms
10:00 A.M. April 21, 2024
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(* = stand if you are able)
PRELUDE
REFLECTION TEXT 1 John 3: 16-20
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love not in word or speech but indeed and truth. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us, for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Prelude Boelly
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Our Good Shepherd has led us to this place.
He leads us beside still waters; he restores our soul.
Even though we walk through dark valleys, even though we are fearful and in need of comfort,
Our cup overflows with God’s goodness and mercy;
we shall dwell in the house of the Lord
our whole lives long.
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN I Greet You, Sure Redeemer TOULON
I greet you, sure Redeemer, with my heart, glad for the saving love that you impart,
Who pain did undergo for my poor sake; I pray you from our hearts all cares to take.
You are the life, by which alone we live, and all our substance and our strength receive.
Sustain us by your faith and by your power, and give us strength in every trying hour.
You have the true and perfect gentleness, no harshness have you and no bitterness;
Grant us the grace that flows in you so free that we may dwell in perfect unity.
Our hope is all in you and you alone; we trust the promise that your word makes known.
O dear Redeemer, make us calm and sure, that in your strength we evermore endure.
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (In Unison)
Savior God, you guide us, but we are slow to follow and stubborn. You welcome us to your fold, but we make others feel as if they don’t belong. Forgive our life-alienating ways, our exclusion and judgment; the way we evaluate and compare, demean and degrade. Redeem us. Restore us. Help us be faithful as your flock. Amen.
MOMENT OF SILENT AND PERSONAL CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Responsive)
Christ forgives. Christ transforms. Christ renews. Christ leads us down the path of new beginnings. We are a new creation, ready to sing God’s glory and testify to God’s grace. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
PASSING THE PEACE
As God has forgiven us in Christ let us also forgive one another.
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
Please share the sign of peace with one another.
The sharing of Christ’s peace.
RESPONSE Peace is Flowing Like a River TRADITIONAL
Peace is flowing like a river flowing out of you and me.
Flowing out into the dessert, setting all the captives free.
His love is flowing like a river flowing out of you and me.
Flowing out into the dessert, setting all the captives free.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Acts 4:5-12
SPECIAL MUSIC Shepherd of My Soul Dengler
Shepherd of my soul, keeper of my heart, guardian of each step I take, lead me in Your way. Shepherd of my soul, keeper of my heart, author of each plan I make, lead me in Your way. The Lord will always be my shepherd. The Lord will always be my guide. He leads me into pleasant places, and keeps me safe by His side. When I am lost, my shepherd finds me and brings me back into the fold. He speaks to me with words of comfort, and shelters me from the cold.
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING John 10: 11-18
MESSAGE “Bringing Everyone into the Fold” Rev. Christopher Mergener
*HYMN 187(Vs. 1, 2, 4) Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us BRADBURY
Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care.
In your pleasant pastures feed us; for our use your fold prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us: we are yours.
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, you have bought us: we are yours.
We are yours: in love befriend us; be the guardian of our way.
Keep your flock: from sin defend us; seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear your children when we pray.
Early let us seek your favor; early let us do your will.
Blessed Lord and only Savior, with your love our spirits fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us; love us still.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (In Unison)
We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.
BAPTISMS
PRESENTATION
PROFESSION OF FAITH
RENUNCIATIONS
*PROFESSION (Responsive)
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We give you thanks, Eternal God…
…To you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God,
be all praise, honor, and glory,
now and forever. Amen
THE BAPTISM
WELCOME (Responsive)
…Let us welcome the newly baptized.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you into Christ’s church to share with us in his ministry, for we are all one in Christ.
CALL FOR THE OFFERING
Offertory The King of Love My Shepherd Is Arr. Angerman
*DOXOLOGY Easter Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PREPARATION FOR PRAYERS Jesus – The Very Thought to Me ST. AGNES
Jesus the very thought to me with sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far your face to see, and in your presence rest.
No voice can sing, no heart can frame, nor can the memory find
A sweeter sound than your blessed name, Savior of humankind.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Respond after each prayer)
Guide us, Good Shepherd,
Hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (In Unison)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy 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 thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
*HYMN 549 May the Love of the Lord SOON TI
May the love of the Lord rest upon your soul.
May God’s love dwell in you, throughout every day.
May God’s countenance shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May God’s Spirit be upon you as you leave this place.
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
All music is reproduced under permission from ccli.com License #11146543.
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