Worship - August 15, 2004

         So begins the 18^th Psalm. In personal terms, this prayer of faith continues, affirming that "The LORD is
                     my rock,
                     my fortress,
                     my deliverer,
                     my God,
                     my rock in whom I take refuge,
                     my shield,
                     the horn of my salvation,
                     my stronghold."

In these words, do you hear some of the lyrics of your own song of praise? If so, let us also, "call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised..."

If you are able, please stand and together let us lift our voices in praise.

Opening Prayer

Our song of praise begins and ends with your love, O Lord. Like bookends to every good work on our part, it is your compassion behind and before us which helps us to stand. Without your love first and foremost, our words and actions become hollow and have little meaning and impact. Therefore, in these beginning moments of worship, we open the book of our lives that you might write your name upon our title page, and underline what is most important for us. Forgive the scribblings of sin that draw our attention from you, and turn our eyes instead toward what you are doing in the lives of others, that our hearts and hands may join with yours. And when our time together this morning reaches the final page, send us forth with the awareness that what we do in this world is an open book that others may read and be drawn to you. This we pray in the name of the One who first loved us. Amen.

Celebrating and Renewing Baptismal Vows

I marvel at the story of how two tiny girls came into this world, each so small they could fit into the palm of their father. And over the years they grew into women of faith, who stepped into the waters of baptism during this month not all that long ago. (refers to once "premie" twins being recognized this day) The story of the others who stand before us this morning are just as much a marvel. Once upon a time these men of faith were but babes in their mother�s arms, can you imagine? And here they are today, just a few years (in the larger course of things it really has been but a blink of the eyes) down the road from when they chose to take that significant step of faith during this month, confessing their faith and either being baptized or transferring their letter from another congregation.

Regardless of how or when, we are thankful that God brought you into our fellowship. You are important to us. In your own way you add spice to our fellowship, you help us to become more organized, you open our ears to what we would not have heard if not for you, opening your very home to those in need has extended the outreach of our church, you provide wisdom as someone to whom we know we can always turn. Thank you each just for being you.

Brothers and sisters, let me extend the opportunity just now to renew the vows you once made, that today might be, for you, a fresh beginning to another year of faith. Here goes.

     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, while we sing "Fairest Lord Jesus" #117.

Pastoral Prayer

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

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Jesus said, "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love" (John 15:8-9)... Let�s glorify God through our tithes and other offerings. Will the ushers come forward to serve.

Dedication

As simple as those words sound, O Lord, greater truth can hardly be spoken. With these offerings we simply seek to abide in that love. May it bear fruit in the work of your church. Amen.

Benediction