Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
May 2, 2004
Worship 10:00 am Sunday School for all ages 11:15 am

Fourth Sunday of Easter

  Morning Praise (9:45 am)
  Announcements
  Prelude

  Call to Worship

*Hymn                                    "Thine is the glory"                                       269

*Opening Prayer

  Scripture                                      Psalm 23

  For Children                         "One Spring Day"        a book by Shigeko Yano
                                             (Pre-schoolers leave for playful worship)

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

  Song                                           "I Believe"                               Alleluia Choir

  Pastoral Prayer

  Scripture                                  John 10:22-30

  Moment for Mission              Shepherd’s Spring

  Returning our Tithes and Offerings

  Offertory

  Hymn                          "Savior, like a shepherd lead us"                            355

  Scripture                                   Acts 9:32-43

  Message                       "As graceful as a gazelle"

*Hymn                              "Thou true Vine, that heals"                                373

*Benediction

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Call to Worship
Revelation 7:9-12

One - I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there - all nations & tribes, all races & languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes & waving palm branches, standing before the Throne & the Lamb, & heartily singing:

One - And all who were standing around the throne - angels, elders, animals - fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,

Opening Prayer

Risen Lord,
     You walk through this earth
            using the feet of even imperfect disciples;
                  may every race and generation take time
                        to look up and see you,
                              draw nearer, listen, and worship,
                                    and turn to follow you. Amen.

from For All Who Minister, ©1993, Brethren Press, p.49.
from With All God’s People: The New Ecumenical Prayer Cycle
(Orders of Service), compiled by John Carden.
©1989, World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland.
     

"I Believe"
musical anthem by Margaret R. Tucker

basic text:

"I believe in the sun even when it is not shining.
I believe in love even when I do not feel it.
I believe in God even when God is silent."
  

Pastoral Prayer

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

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

The sheep know the voice of their shepherd.
That’s what Jesus said.

         We pray that this outdoor ministry center can be a place where children and adults learn to listen to the voice of their true Shepherd. We pray the same thing for this indoor ministry center, this church. Our true Shepherd calls us to be faithful with our finances. Are you listening? Please join me in prayer.

Lord, bless the giver and bless the gift,
with these offerings help us to lift
those who need your care,
not just here, but everywhere.
Christ the Lord is risen today,
and in his name just now we pray.
Amen.

         Ushers?
   

Benediction