The stoning of Stephen
Worship
LECTIONARY WORSHIP AIDS
Call to Worship
Pastor: The message of Christ was proclaimed by the early church, even when persecution cost their lives.
People:
We remember the commitment of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who gave his life for the cause of Christ.
Pastor:
We remember Stephen, also because he prayed tor his persecutors, among whom was Saul, who later became a great missionary.
People:
We praise God for the faith of the early Christians which produced a growing fellowship of believers in spite of persecution.
Collect
Eternal God, our Father: Your church has survived the storms of persecution, flourishing on the very forces that would destroy it. Deepen our commitment to your church, that our faith and conduct may turn the indifference of our generation into a growing fellowship of believers. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Dear Father, we rejoice in the fact that your church is alive in our world today. We know that it could not be if it were not for the sacrifices of apostles who knew your church would outlast the forces that opposed them. Forgive us when we have not seen the real forces we are striving with today. Give us the courage of those engaged in serious battle, that we may give your church renewed growth in our society. We pray through Christ. Amen.
Hymns
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
"Faith Of Our Fathers"
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Second Lesson: 1 Peter 2:2-10
Theme:
Rid yourselves of evil and be God's people
Call to Worship
Pastor:
Consider the sins that remain a part of your life-style, and get rid of them!
People:
We have experienced the Lord's kindness, and need to grow in Christian living.
Pastor:
Let God use you to establish his kingdom on earth, that others who do not know God's mercy may receive it.
People:
We are God's people whom he has called out of sin to proclaim his good news to our world. May our lives give glory to Christ our Savior.
Collect
O God our Father: You have called us from death to life; from darkness to light; from sin to righteousness! Give us power to come alive in our witness to your wonderful deeds; that we may become your temple where Christ is honored as Lord and Savior. In his name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
By grace, you have saved us from sin, Father. But by poor commitment, we return to the sins which keep us from growing in Christ. Forgive us for abusing your mercy, and continuing in our old ways. Lead us out of our darkness into your marvelous light, where we can become living stones in the church of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through whom we pray. Amen.
Hymns
"Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation"
"Lord, I Want to Be a Christian'
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
"O Jesus, I Have Promised"
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Gospel:
John 14:1-14
Theme:
Jesus prepares the disciples for his departure
Call to Worship
Pastor:
It was a sad experience for the disciples when Jesus spoke of leaving them.
People:
They could not understand why Jesus had to leave, or how they could find their way to God.
Pastor:
They soon learned that Jesus had to leave so he could return and minister through his church, bringing many into God's presence.
People:
The risen Lord continues to do wonderful works for those who believe. It is through him that we find God.
Collect
Heavenly Father, whose Son is the only way by which we can find you: Reveal yourself to us through Jesus; that we may have the assurance of your presence enabling us to do the work our Lord has directed us to do. In our Savior's name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Our Father, we too, have spent much time with Jesus, but have the same feeling that we know too little about you. Forgive us for separating the ministry of Jesus from your self-revelation in him. Open our minds and hearts to the faith you are trying to establish in us; that we may be effective in our ministry on your behalf. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymns
"Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine"
"O Son of God Incarnate"
"Spirit of Faith, Come Down"
"Thou Art the Way: To Thee Alone"
Pastor: The message of Christ was proclaimed by the early church, even when persecution cost their lives.
People:
We remember the commitment of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who gave his life for the cause of Christ.
Pastor:
We remember Stephen, also because he prayed tor his persecutors, among whom was Saul, who later became a great missionary.
People:
We praise God for the faith of the early Christians which produced a growing fellowship of believers in spite of persecution.
Collect
Eternal God, our Father: Your church has survived the storms of persecution, flourishing on the very forces that would destroy it. Deepen our commitment to your church, that our faith and conduct may turn the indifference of our generation into a growing fellowship of believers. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Dear Father, we rejoice in the fact that your church is alive in our world today. We know that it could not be if it were not for the sacrifices of apostles who knew your church would outlast the forces that opposed them. Forgive us when we have not seen the real forces we are striving with today. Give us the courage of those engaged in serious battle, that we may give your church renewed growth in our society. We pray through Christ. Amen.
Hymns
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
"Faith Of Our Fathers"
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Second Lesson: 1 Peter 2:2-10
Theme:
Rid yourselves of evil and be God's people
Call to Worship
Pastor:
Consider the sins that remain a part of your life-style, and get rid of them!
People:
We have experienced the Lord's kindness, and need to grow in Christian living.
Pastor:
Let God use you to establish his kingdom on earth, that others who do not know God's mercy may receive it.
People:
We are God's people whom he has called out of sin to proclaim his good news to our world. May our lives give glory to Christ our Savior.
Collect
O God our Father: You have called us from death to life; from darkness to light; from sin to righteousness! Give us power to come alive in our witness to your wonderful deeds; that we may become your temple where Christ is honored as Lord and Savior. In his name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
By grace, you have saved us from sin, Father. But by poor commitment, we return to the sins which keep us from growing in Christ. Forgive us for abusing your mercy, and continuing in our old ways. Lead us out of our darkness into your marvelous light, where we can become living stones in the church of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through whom we pray. Amen.
Hymns
"Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation"
"Lord, I Want to Be a Christian'
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
"O Jesus, I Have Promised"
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Gospel:
John 14:1-14
Theme:
Jesus prepares the disciples for his departure
Call to Worship
Pastor:
It was a sad experience for the disciples when Jesus spoke of leaving them.
People:
They could not understand why Jesus had to leave, or how they could find their way to God.
Pastor:
They soon learned that Jesus had to leave so he could return and minister through his church, bringing many into God's presence.
People:
The risen Lord continues to do wonderful works for those who believe. It is through him that we find God.
Collect
Heavenly Father, whose Son is the only way by which we can find you: Reveal yourself to us through Jesus; that we may have the assurance of your presence enabling us to do the work our Lord has directed us to do. In our Savior's name we pray. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Our Father, we too, have spent much time with Jesus, but have the same feeling that we know too little about you. Forgive us for separating the ministry of Jesus from your self-revelation in him. Open our minds and hearts to the faith you are trying to establish in us; that we may be effective in our ministry on your behalf. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymns
"Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine"
"O Son of God Incarnate"
"Spirit of Faith, Come Down"
"Thou Art the Way: To Thee Alone"
