Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
May 6, 2007
Worship 10:00 am, Sunday School 11:10 am

Fifth Sunday of Easter

  Morning Praise (9:45 am)
  Announcements
  Prelude

*A Gathering Hymn        "Come, we that love the Lord"                                  14

*Psalm 148 (read responsively)                                                                     684

*A Song of Praise                  "Let the Redeemed"
                                                                      (chords, clip)

*Opening Prayer

  Scripture                                  John 13:31-35

  Children’s Story                 "No Matter What"
                                                                    (by Debi Gliori)

  Returning our Tithes and Offerings

  Offertory (Please sign the attendance pad and pass it on)

*Response           "They’ll know we are Christians by our love" (vs. 3)

"We will work with each other; we will work side by side.
We will work with each other; we will work side by side.
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity, and save each one’s pride.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

by Peter Scholtes
©1966 F.E.L. Publications
Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company
(a div. of the Lorenz Corporation)
CCLI #1347096

*Dedication

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

  Hymn                               "New earth, heavens new"                                   299

  Pastoral Prayer

  Scripture                                Revelation 21:1-6

  Message                         "Do you see what I see?"

*Hymn                                   "Beyond a dying sun"                                       323

*Benediction

*Postlude

Psalm 148

Praise God from the heavens
         praise God in the heights;
praise God all you angels;
         praise God all you heavenly hosts.
Praise God, sun, and moon;
         praise God, all you shining stars.
Praise God, you highest heavens
         and you waters above the heavens

Let all praise the name of God,
         Who commanded and they were created.

God established them forever and ever
         and gave a decree which shall not pass away.
Praise God, all the earth,
         you sea monsters and all depths,
         fire and hail, snow and frost,
         stormy winds that fulfill God's word.
Praise God, you mountains and all hills,
         fruit trees and all cedars,
         wild beasts and all tame animals,
         creeping things and flying birds.
Let the rulers of the earth and all peoples
         and all the judges of the earth -
         men and women alike,
         old and young together -
let them praise the name of God
         whose name alone is exalted;
         whose majesty is above the earth and heaven.
         and who has raised the fortunes of the people.

May this God be praised by all the faithful ones.
         by the children of Israel, the people close to God.
Alleluia! Praise God!

Hymnal #684 - Psalm 148.
Adapted from Psalms Anew,
edited/paraphrased by Nancy Schreck and Maureen Leach,
©1984 Saint Mary's Press, 702 Torrance Heights, Winona, MN 55927.
Also adapted from New Revised Standard Version
   

Opening Prayer

         This is your house, O Lord. We are your people. You are our God. It is you who, in Christ, have paid our debt and set us free. It is you who have broken the chains of our bondage to sin. It is you who have reclaimed and restored us by the blood of the lamb. Help us never to forget that you are our Redeemer, and therefore we are "the redeemed of the Lord."
         When we insist on going our own way, remind us of your way, and lead us back on track. Forgive us and live in us. When we continue to beat ourselves over the head for sins we have already repented and you have long ago forgiven, refresh us with your Word, "Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by my name, you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1). Empower us to live in Christ. Not tomorrow (manana), but today. This is your day. This is your house, O Lord. We are your people. You are our God. Amen!
   

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         "Just as I have loved you," Jesus said, "you also should love one another" (John 13:34). The question is, will we love, "no matter what?"
         In the gospel of John, right after Jesus gives his disciples this "new commandment" to love each other, Peter asks where Jesus is going. Our Lord replies, "where I am going, you cannot follow me now." When Peter boldly disagrees, saying, "I will follow you (no matter what!)," Jesus speaks of how this disciple will soon fail at love - three times denying our Lord - before a rooster crows... (John 13:36-38). Love gets tested.
         I invite you to return your offering just now as a response to God’s love. You don’t have to earn this love. No amount of money could ever buy it. God’s love is given to you free of charge, with a challenge to live out of that love, to share it freely with others. Are you willing? It’s not always easy. In fact, it may be the hardest thing you ever do. But remember this, even if you fail, God still loves you, no matter what!
         By the way, in John’s gospel, after Jesus mentioned Peter’s upcoming denial, he answered his question. "Where am I going? I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may also be" (John 14:2b,3). Ponder that promise as the offering plates are passed. Ushers?
   

Dedication

         Because you have first loved us, and have promised - no matter what - to continue to do so, O Lord, we will walk with each other and work side by side in your love. May these offerings be a reflection of your promise. In Christ Jesus. Amen.
   

Pastoral Prayer

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

Benediction