Call to Worship (Revelation 21:1-6)

1 - On this day of fresh starts,
2 - when one of our youth will be baptized;
1 - On this first day of a brand new week,
2 - let’s begin worship by turning to the end of the Bible.
1 - Listen to this revelation of John:

2 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth;
1 - for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,
2 - and the sea was no more.
1 - And I saw the holy city,
2 - the new Jerusalem,
1 - coming down out of heaven from God,
2 - prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
1 - And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
2 - ‘See, the home of God is among mortals.
1 - He will dwell with them as their God;
2 - they will be his peoples,
1 - and God himself will be with them;
2 - he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
1 - Death will be no more;
2 - mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
1 - for the first things have passed away.’
2 - And the one who was seated on the throne said,
1 - ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’
2 - Also he said,
1 - ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’
2 - Then he said to me,
1 - ‘It is done!
2 - I am the Alpha and the Omega,
1 - the beginning and the end.
2 - To the thirsty I will give water
1 - as a gift from the spring of the water of life.’"

2 - Wow! What a vision!
1 - Come, we that love the Lord
2 - and let our joys be known.
1 - We’re heading toward this new heaven and earth
2 - We’re marching upward to Zion!

Opening Prayer

Lord God,
         our alpha and omega, our beginning and our end;
                  who has defeated sin and death
                           through your Son Jesus Christ;
                  who wipes the tears from our eyes even now,
                           with the promise of a future
                                    where tears will only be for joy;
     We praise you, O Lord, and love you
                     with heart, soul, and mind.
            May this worship be like a spring
                     of cold, clear water,
                              refreshing, cleansing, renewing, living,
                                       and pleasing in your sight.
                                                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.

Congregational Vow

As we now receive you into the fellowship of the church, 
     we make this covenant with you 
     as we renew our own covenant with God: 
          to bear each others' burdens, 
          to assist in times of need, 
          to share our gifts and possessions, 
          to forgive as Christ has forgiven us, 
          to support each other in joy and sorrow, 
              and in all things to work for the common good, 
          thus making known Christ's presence among us 
              to the glory of God
As we unite with each other now, 
     may we all be joined with Christ, our Lord.

Hymnal #777 - Adapted from The Mennonite Hymnal, copyright©1969 Faith & Life Press/Mennonite Publishing House, based on Anabaptist baptismal vows, 16th c.

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

         Earlier we started learning some words in Spanish to a new hymn. We hope to sing it with our guests from the Dominican Republic in July. Last week Izzy invited us to share a special offering toward the expenses of hosting these guests. Thank you for sharing toward this, in addition to your regular offering. Let’s first pray.
         Lord, thank you - not only for providing for our daily needs, but also for tuning us in to what you are doing elsewhere in this world. Continue to help us turn our "spiritual" radios on, that we might hear and respond to your call. In Jesus’ name, Amen.