Responsive Call to Worship
Psalm 130 (RSV pew Bible p.538)
(one - vs. 1-2; all - vs. 3-4; one - vs. 5-6; all - vs. 7-8)

         Please find the Bible in your pew, and turn to Psalm 130, which can be found on page 538 (pause). We will read this responsively as our Call to Worship. I will read the first two verses, then you will follow with verses 3 and 4. I will take verse 5 and six, and then we all will read the last two verses. If for some reason you are unable to read - the print is rather small - just listen and join with us in spirit.

{1}       Out of the depths I cry to thee, O LORD!
{2}             Lord, hear my voice!
              Let thy ears be attentive
                   to the voice of my supplications!

{3}        If thou, O LORD, shouldst mark iniquities,
                   Lord, who could stand?
{4}        But there is forgiveness with thee,
                   that thou mayest be feared.

{5}        I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
                    and in his word I hope;
{6}        my soul waits for the Lord
                    more than those who watch for the morning,
                    more than those who watch for the morning.

{7}       O Israel, hope in the LORD!
                   For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
                   and with him is great power to redeem.
{8}        It is he who will redeem Israel
                    from all its iniquities.

         As it says above the Psalm, this is "A Song of Ascents." Therefore, look up - brothers and sisters - to the One from who every blessing flows. Let our hearts be tuned to sing of God’s grace and mercy. Hope in the Lord! Sing a song of praise to our redeemer. #521, "Come, thou fount..."

Time for Children
"Preparing for Tiffany"

         A young woman in our church is hearing impaired. She is able to hear a bit with the help of hearing aids, though she is quite proficient at reading lips. Through "Fidos for Freedom," she now has an assistance dog named Tiffany to help her 24/7. In the home, this dog can help her hear when her toddler son needs her. At work, Tiffany can assist her work in the classroom with special ed. students. In public - like here in church - this dog will help her "hear" what she needs to hear.
         Next Sunday will be Tiffany's first time in church, and we have set aside this time to talk with the children about Tiffany - what she does, and what we should and should not do around her. Being "at work," this dog is not to be petted, for instance. Such distractions can counter the many hours of training she has received.
         Unless plans change, Pastor Pete will "interview" this special woman in our church. Except for the youngest, the children will all be in the front pews ready to sing their anthem. We will give plenty of opportunity for them to ask questions. Somewhere along the line we will view in how the Holy Spirit is also always with us, assisting us, that we can be free to live and serve the Lord.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings
(quotes Anthem)

Indeed,
           "Savior, teach me day by day love’s sweet lesson to obey.
            Sweeter lesson cannot be, loving Him who died for me."

You are invited to respond to this love with your tithes and offerings.
      Will the ushers come forward to serve.

Dedication Prayer

         Thank you, Lord, for your amazing love. It seems that, day by day, we are only scratching the surface of it. Assist us through your Spirit, as you have promised, to fully live in your love. Yes, this offering - as well as any gift we might give - is far too small in comparison with what you have done and continue to do. Still, we ask your blessing upon it, and upon us - as your "sweet lesson" encompasses all that we are. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.