Call to Worship

         On this fourth Sunday of the season of Easter, we begin with these words from the apostle Paul. Listen!
         "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."        (Philippians 2:5-11)
         If you are able, stand, and crown him Lord of all. "All hail the power of Jesus’ name." #285

Opening Prayer

         We praise you, Lord God, and lift up the name of your Son. Through your Holy Spirit, direct us to not only speak the words, but to live as if they are true - to "crown him" Lord of our own lives. We confess that, on our own, we stumble and fall. We tarnish that crown with impure thoughts and thoughtless actions. Empower and guide us to walk by faith as those who are forgiven - step by step, day by day. Bless, O Lord, the promises made this hour, for they are grounded in your faithfulness to us. Yes, indeed! "All hail the power of Jesus’ name." And God’s people said,    (everyone: "Amen!")

Vows of Commitment

Minister: Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and do you receive him as your Savior and Lord?

Candidate: I do.

Minister: Will you turn away from all sin and will you endeavor by God's grace to live according to the example and teachings of Jesus?

Candidate: I will.

Minister: Will you be loyal to the church, upholding it by your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service?

Candidate: I will.

Congregation: "With joy we receive you as part of this congregation. With you we renew and reaffirm our vows of faith. We promise to surround you with the love and encouragement that will enable you to grow strong in compassion, vigorous in service, and sure in the way of Christ."
           ("congregation" part by Carol A. Wise, For All Who Minister, ©1993, Brethren Press, Elgin IL)

Minister: Let's go and prepare for baptism.

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

         Lord, it is our deepest desire not only to bear the name of your Son, but also to become like him. This is not something we can do on our own, however. Whether your Holy Spirit fully enters our lives at the moment of baptism, or comes with power at a later time, is not really ours to decide. All we can do is continually seek your kingdom, to place it first and foremost, as Jesus said and did. Continue to grace us with your courage and love, your faith and hope, as we rise again with Christ this day. Yes, Lord, make us instruments of your peace. In the name of the lamb of God, who was slain, who has already begun his reign. Amen.
         Would the ushers come forward to receive our offerings, as we live out our promise to "be loyal to the church, upholding it by our prayers and our presence, our substance and our service."

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
                  Where this is hatred, let me sow love;
                  Where there is injury, pardon;
                  Where there is doubt, faith;
                  Where there is despair, hope;
                  Where there is darkness, light; and
                  Where there is sadness, joy.
         O Divine Master,
                  grant that I may not so much seek
                           to be consoled as to console;
                           to be understood as to understand;
                           to be loved as to love.
                                    For it is in giving that we receive;
                                          It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
                                    and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.