Worship - June 12, 2005

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
June 12, 2005
Worship 10:00 am

"Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Romans 5:1)

Morning Praise (9:45 am)
Announcements
Prelude

*Responsive Call to Worship (Psalm 100) 821

*Hymn "When in our music God is glorified" 44

*Opening Prayer

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

Pastoral Prayer (Pre-schoolers then leave for playful worship)

Scripture Romans 5:1-11

Message "Peace with God"

Hymn (vs. 1&6) "Just as I am, without one plea" 516

Baptismal Vows

Congregational Response 777

Hymns (as needed)            "O Jesus, I have promised"                               447
                                      "Lord, I want to be a Christian"                            444
                                                 "Lead me, Lord"                                       538

Baptism

Hymn "We know that Christ is raised" 443

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory

*Hymn (vs. 1&4) "When we walk with the Lord" 544

*Benediction 763

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Responsive Call to Worship
Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
        Serve the Lord with gladness!
        Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his;
        we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
        and his courts with praise!
        Give thanks to him, bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
        his steadfast love endures forever,
        and his faithfulness to all generations.

#821 (Revised Standard Version)

Opening Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

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

Baptismal Vows
(After candidate is introduced to the congregation by a member)

Today you are being received into this community of faith and into the Church of the Brethren. As part of the whole church of Jesus Christ, we offer you our rich heritage and invite you to share fully in our life and mission.
As you are received into the Long Green Valley Church, we intend to be a true family of faith to you. We commit ourselves to be for you a loving fellowship, to be a means of grace in your life, and to offer opportunities for worship, study, and service. One of the happiest times in our life as a church is when new people choose to become members. We welcome you with joy.

Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and do you receive and trust him as your Savior and Lord? (I do.)

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? (I will.)

Will you be loyal to the church, upholding it by your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service? (I will.)

from For All Who Minister, �1993, Brethren Press, p.135-137.

Congregational Response

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,
�1969 Faith & Life Press/Mennonite Publishing House,
based on Anabaptist baptismal vows, 16th c.

*Baptism*
___________, upon your confession of faith made before God and these people, you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
	As each name of the Trinity is spoken, the minister shall immerse the candidate forward, pushing the head gently and fully into the water. Then, laying both hands upon the head of the kneeling person, the minister shall pray:
O God, we are thankful for the commitment made today by (name) May (she/he) experience your forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. Send your Holy Spirit upon (her/him) to guide and to empower. Enable (her/him) to walk in newness of life, using (her/his) gifts in praise to you and in service to others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
	Then the minister shall help the baptized person rise, extend the hand of Christian fellowship, speak a word of blessing, and assist the person in leaving the water.
from *For All Who Minister*, �1993, Brethren Press, p.137-138.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         Our "Amen," our "yes" to God is not the first word, nor is it the last. Our vow to God is a response to God's promise. Without the Lord's faithfulness, how could any vow on our part last? It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we live in Christ....
         As you return your offering, which is part of your "yes" to God today, ponder all the ways you have heard and seen God's "yes" this past week. Pray for the continued ability to live out of this "yes" - for yourself, as well as for those we have just baptized.
         Will the ushers now come forward to serve...

Benediction

Leader: We came to worship.
People: We go now to serve.
Leader: We have been given the light.
People: We go now to let it shine.
Leader: We have been blessed by God's love.
People: We go now to share it.
Leader: We are Christ's disciples.
People: We go now to witness to all.

#763, by Jimmy R. Ross,
from We Gather Together,
� 1979 Brethren Press.