Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
July 11, 2004
Worship 10:00 am

  Morning Praise (9:45 am)
  Announcements
  Prelude

  Call to Worship                         Psalm 92:1-4

*Hymn                                  "Morning has broken"                                    648

*Opening Prayer  (#C-7)

  Scripture                                 Colossians 1:1-14

  Receiving a new member

  Hymn                          "We are people of God’s peace"                            407

  Celebrating and Renewing Baptismal Vows
                                         (Pre-schoolers then leave for Sunday School)

  Quartet                             "All Day Sunday Singing"                   Bolling/Pethel

  Scripture                                   Psalm 25:1-10

  Sharing a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise

  Hymn                                "Great is thy faithfulness"                                  327

  Pastoral Prayer

  Returning our Tithes and Offerings

  Offertory

*Response                   (refrain to) "Great is thy faithfulness"                          327

*Dedication

  Scripture                                  Luke 10:25-37

  Message                             "Crossing the road"

*Hymn                         "O Master, let me walk with thee"                           357

*Benediction

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Receiving a new member

         Our new friend in Christ, you have previously made confession of your faith and have been a member of his church. We rejoice in your decision to become a member of this congregation, in full covenant relationship with the believers who worship and serve God in this place.

         Do you still believe that Jesus is God’s Son. Do you still trust him as your Savior and Lord? If so, say, "I do."

         Will you turn away from all sin and endeavor by God’s grace - today! - to freely live according to the example and teachings of Jesus? If so, say, "I will."

         Will you be loyal to the church, upholding these people through your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service? If so, say, "I will."

Leader: This person now presented to you
                 has witnessed to his faith in Jesus Christ
                 and offers himself as a companion in our obedience to Christ.
              It is our privilege and joy to welcome him into our family of faith.

People: We freely receive you, even as Christ has received us.
             We open ourselves to fellowship with you
                    in worship, study, service, and discipline.
             We pledge our willingness to give and receive counsel,
                    to offer and accept forgiveness in the redeemed community.
             We joyfully accept you as partners,
                    both in the care of our spiritual family,
                    and in our mission to the world.

#794 - by John H. Mosemann, adapted from The Mennonite Hymnal,
copyright©1969 Faith & Life Press/Mennonite Publishing House.
(first part changed to fit)

         As we sing our next hymn, would those of you who joined the church during the month of July down through the years please come forward. We want to celebrate the day you stood before us - like Eric just did - and made your vow to the Lord. We also wish to give you the opportunity to renew those vows.   ("We are people of God’s peace")
   

Celebrating and Renewing Baptismal Vows

         1932, 1964, 1967, 1984, 2001 - these were important years for this congregation because that’s when you decided to become more fully involved in our fellowship. Whether it happened out in the stream on Prigel’s farm or in this baptismal pool; whether you were making a first-time public declaration of your faith or recommitting your life to Christ and his church, the day you joined your life with ours was a resurrection day. The same is true of today.

         We are blessed by God whenever two or more are gathered in Jesus’ name, and you have been part of that blessing over the years. Thank you for whatever ministries you have been involved with us in, large or small. May the Lord continue to gift you with the ability to answer your "I do," your "I will" with his grace, peace, and power for as long as you have breath.

         We’ve already heard the vows our brother previously made in joining this congregation this morning. Are you prepared to respond to the same, and renew the committment you made long ago? Then let me ask you.

         Do you still believe that Jesus is God’s Son. Do you still trust him as your Savior and Lord? If so, say, "I do."

         Will you turn away from all sin and endeavor by God’s grace - today! - to freely live according to the example and teachings of Jesus? If so, say, "I will."

         Will you continue to be loyal to the church, upholding these people through your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service? If so, say, "I will."

         Praise God! Each of you received a letter which included a pledge form, an opportunity to respond with some vows specific to you, involving your time and talents, as well as your substance. If you have felt moved to pledge in this way, I invite you to place it in the basket on the worship table, then return to where you were sitting.
   

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver..." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

         Are you a "cheerful giver?" A smile couldn’t hurt, you know. Ushers, as you pass the plates, why not begin the good cheer? See how many smiles we can bring forth by just kindly looking at each other and smiling as we return our offerings. Ushers?
   

Benediction