Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
June 27, 2004
Worship 10:00 am

  Morning Praise (9:45 am)
  Announcements
  Prelude

  Hymn                               "We give thanks unto you"                                 161
                                                                (listen to the music)

  Call to Worship                       Psalm 77:11-20

*Hymn                                  "O worship the King"                                       66

*Opening Prayer

  Scripture                                   Luke 9:57-62

  For Children                       "Don’t look back"
                                         (Pre-schoolers then leave for playful worship)

  Chorus          "Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart..." (vs. 1)              444

  Celebrating and Renewing Baptismal Vows

  Chorus                  "Lord, I want to be more loving..." (vs. 2)                      444

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

  Chorus                   "Lord, I want to be more holy..." (vs. 3)                        444

  Pastoral Prayer

  Returning our Tithes and Offerings

  Offertory

*Response                "Lord, I want to be like Jesus..." (vs. 4)                        444

*Dedication

  Scripture                                Galatians 5:13-25

  Message       "Just another word for nothing left to lose?"

*Hymn                              "Make me a captive, Lord"                                539

*Benediction

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Opening Prayer

         Bless, O Lord, these moments of worship. Forgive our sin and dwell within through your Spirit. We freely open our hearts and minds to your Word. Give us your hope even as you shatter our illusions, your peace which passes our understanding, your abundant life made known in Jesus Christ. It is in his name that we have gathered and pray, holding on to your promise. Amen.
   

For Children
"Don’t look back"

         In this kids sermon, borrowed from Ruth Gilmore, Scolding the Snakes, p.84, we'll explore Luke 9:57-62 by having volunteers walk a straight line, first by looking straight ahead (not looking down), then by turning their head when called and looking back while still going forward. Not easy to do! The point is to keep our eyes on Jesus and not look back.
   

Celebrating and Renewing Baptismal Vows

         "‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40) That’s what Jesus said.

         This morning, we want to celebrate the anniversary of decision based in that love. Over the years, several persons among us made a public statement of faith during the month of June. Perhaps it was the initial step of baptism. Maybe it was a recommitment to Christ and his church, coming from another congregation. Whatever the case, you joined your life with ours in Christ. You know who you are. I invite you now to come forward.

         We thank God for you, for bringing you into this fellowship. As your badge says, you are a "special person" to us. Whether or not you were raised in this family of faith, it was your decision to follow Jesus with us. That’s a joy, evidence that God has been moving in your life. Thank you for the ways in which you have responded to his call. May you keep walking with Christ! It’s our desire as a church to keep walking beside you along his way. Forgive us when our steps falter, as we seek to do the same with 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 "Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart" (#444, vs. 2).
   

Pastoral Prayer

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

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         Once our offerings have been gathered by the ushers, we’ll stand and sing, "Lord, I want to be like Jesus." Think about those words before you sing them. What did it mean this past week for you to "be like Jesus?" Were there times when your "want to be" like him actually became "I was" like him? If not this past week, what about this coming week? Are there upcoming events that bear the potential for you to let your light shine, to love another as he has loved you, to "be like Jesus?" Make this "want to be" part of the offering you return to the Lord just now.

Will the ushers now come forward to receive what we have to share.
   

Dedication

         Lord God, we trust in your salvation. We aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel of your deliverance in Christ. We’re just seeking to bring to the surface and live out the salvation you have already worked in to our lives. Therefore, take our "want to be’s" and help us - through your wisdom and strength - to become "I was" like Jesus. Bless these offerings in his name. Amen.
  

Benediction