Pastor. Author. Inspirational Speaker
Worship Series:
Riding the Rapids:
Navigating the Hidden Obstacles Together
(A Lenten and Easter Series) Life is surely an adventure! Throughout our lives and our journeys of faith we have many obstacles before us. Some are of our own makings and others are developed because of sin, brokenness and systemic societal issues we face. This series walks with us as we: 1) Assemble to team needed for the journey ahead (we prepare for the rapids), 2) Seek to be present among life's rocks (we listen for the voice of God during times of trial), 3) move with foresight as we identify the rapids ahead (we see the cost), 4) Call for reinforcements while we give triage on the road, 5) Stay focused through the pain (we pick up the pieces - through pain we commit to God), 6) Anticipate Life's Rocks (We see the heart of Jesus as he moved into Holy Week in grief and anticipation), 7) Climb into the boat (We participate in the ministry of presence), 8) Underwater - Breathing when all is Wrong (When Jesus dies) and 9) When the Rapids are Past (We celebrate that Jesus is Alive!). This series is designed to help lead us from a new disciple to a mature walk of discipleship with our Lord. We learn together what we need to live out the faith, see what is ahead and learn to navigate the tough stuff together. All the Worship Helps and Prayers are below and will be posted for others us use with permission. Email Pastor Laura: revlaurakelsey@gmail.com
Assembling the Team for the Journey: Preparing for the Rapids - Week 1
Call to Worship - from Psalm 91
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.
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Opening Prayer
O Almighty and Everlasting God, we worship and honor you. Lord, you lead us through those rough places and help us navigate past the hidden obstacles that we face. Hear the beat of our hearts as we gather together in worship and assemble for the journey ahead. Focus us on your will and help us to ride the rapids to the destination for which you seek our deliverance. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
† Call to Confession
Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ does not exclude us from the rapids that form before us nor the trials that tend to direct us off from the path of Christ. Our journey together in faith means that we must navigate through hidden obstacles together. To do so, we must have the right people with us. However, when we choose wrongly or follow the directions of others rather than God, we head further from the purposes and will of our Ever-Present God. When we trust in the movements of the Lord, however, we find the new life given and the forgiveness we all seek. Let confess our sins and brokenness together, saying:
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O Good and Gracious God, you help us prepare for the rapids ahead. You sharpen us for our journey and guide us through the trials before us. Help us to see your path and remind us of what faith in God looks like as we journey together. O Lord, when we turn from your trustworthy love and follow the path that leads away from you, redirect us back home. Help us to return to You and follow your way. Forgive us for not taking the time to really see the benefits for sharing in the journey with friends. Renew us as people of faith and disciples of Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
† Words of Assurance
Hear and believe the Good News of the Gospel. We celebrate that Christ came to model for us right living and faithful discipleship, and that through his death and we now have life eternal. Our sins have been forgiven and we are freed to live with you and share your love.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, focus our hearts, guide our minds and inspire us as we seek to live into your Gospel each day. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 27:1-22
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
The Message: Assembling The Team For The Journey: Preparing For The Rapids
“Being Sharpened For The Journey”, Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
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Invitation to Give
Following Jesus is one of the most wonderful and challenging part of our lives. We have amazing opportunities to listen, learn, grow and follow our Christ. We are certainly blessed. As we take this time of thanksgiving together, may we share of the many gifts God has given to each of us. Let us return to the Lord what God has given with a thankful heart.
† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, bless this offerings and gifts that we have given. Multiply them for your purposes. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Hymns from Glory to God Hymnal
† Hymn #409 “God is Here!” Abbot’s Leigh
† Hymn #163 “Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice” Aberystwyth
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Being Present Among Life's Rocks - Week 2
Call to Worship - from Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you, who trusts in the Lord our God.
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Opening Prayer
O Holy and Everlasting God, the Creator and Redeemer of all, we bring with us to worship this day the rapids that we are fighting to cross, the battles yet ahead and the trials that try to hold us back from worshipping you. Yet in the face of all of these we experience your love and faithfulness. Guide us over the rough rivers and help us to be present with you even as we see life’s rocks ahead. We are amazed at your miracles, O Lord. Help us to be faithful disciples seeking to follow you through our trials as we approach your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
† Call to Confession
Riding over life’s rapids is a journey we make one leg at a time. Through our steps in God’s path we experience great blessings, some trials and lots of laughter and moments for growth. Sometimes we think we are alone on our path. At other times we can see those who are traveling with us. Yet today, in these moments we remember not only the rocks that make us stumble, but also the presence of God in our most difficult of times. Today, we acknowledge both. When we have not followed the ways of God, forgive us and instill in us a sense of your urgency. Help us to choose life and truth over death and despair. Encourage us on our journey as we confess our sins together, saying:
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O God of New Life, Amazing Hope, and Stirring Second Chances, help us see your life-giving water that renews our souls and our lives. O Abundant Spirit of Transformation, you encourage our wearied hearts to become renewed and reinvigorated. Help us to choose life in the face of death and triumph when we are filled with despair. Forgive our sins and those times of doubt and focus us on being present with one another when life is rocky and unsettling. May you show us your truth and encourage us to choose life as the body of Christ. Amen.
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† Words of Assurance
Friends, receive the Good News of Jesus Christ, for you have been forgiven all of your sins and God also forgives those sins that you still hold tightly before you. God seeks your life to be renewed and you to be at peace. Let go, O Friends, of all that holds you captive and receive the open heart that God has given you this day.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, hear these prayers and open our hearts as we receive your life-giving message of hope. Be present this day and help us to see your plan for all of us as you guide us forward in peace, hope and love. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 95:1-11
Scripture Reading: 3 John 1:1-12
The Message: Being Present Among Life’s Rocks: “Listening for the Voice of God During Times of Trial” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - The Nicene Creed (Confessions,2.1-2.3)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Invitation to Give
Friends, God has blessed us so richly. However, one of the greatest things God provides is people to be present with us during the challenges we face. Likewise, God walks through those dark places with us. Prepare, my friends for the days ahead as you seek Christ as your Savior and live daily for him. May these gifts we give today be testimonies of that abiding love, in the blessed name of Jesus.
† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, bless these offerings given and each one of us. May we be present with one another during difficulties and celebrations. Help us to continue to serve Christ first and be faithful to the Lord our God. Amen.
Hymns from the Glory to God Hymnal
† Hymn #612 “We Praise You, O God” Kremser
† Hymn #182 “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” Kingsfold
† Hymn #324 “For All the Faithful Women” Nyland
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Foresight: Seeing the Rapids Ahead - Week 3
Call to Worship - from Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Opening Prayer
O Everlasting God, you bring joy to our hearts as we ponder and reflect upon your glory. You guide us forward as we learn to anticipate the rapids ahead. We thank you, O God for focusing us upon your love. We seek to follow you and glorify your name. As we worship you and celebrate what you, O God, have done, may we share together in this time of worship, reflection, and proclamation. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
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† Call to Confession
Riding the Rapids Together is certainly one of the largest parts of being humans. We each were made to be in relationship with each other and share in the walk of life together. Part of that walk is knowing that we will experience trials, tradegies, doubt, sin and fear. Through these rapids we face we can begin to see the pat ahead on our journey with Christ. We can anticipate what is coming through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives and relationships. When we sin and fall short, God shows us that we can receive forgiveness and new life in Christ. Today, let us remember the life God offers and respond to God by confessing our sins and receiving life anew. Let us pray, saying:
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O Illuminating God, who helps us to see those places that are difficult and those situations that confound the best scholars and visionaries, we ask you to help us truly see the light of Christ. Help us to shine with the light of our Savior and bring hope and help into our darkened world. When we traverse the wrong way and end up in the briars, help us to find our way out and follow your path set before us. Forgive us when go off alone and forsake you and others. May we repent and return to your fold, celebrating all the way that we have been found, forgiven and healed. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
† Words of Assurance
Hear the Good News of the Gospel. God has brought us through those trials and forgiven us all that we have done. God knows us and loves us. Embrace the love God offers and accept the forgiveness given. You are forgiven, freed and healed.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, hear our prayers and guide this time together. May we receive the insight, knowledge, proclamation and vision that you indeed show us. Give us foresight that we may see what is ahead and navigate based on the Holy Spirit’s knowledge and nudgings, for the sake of Christ. Amen.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37
The Message “Seeing the Cost” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - from The Brief Statement of Faith (Confessions,10.4)
We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scriptures, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church. In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
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Invitation to Give
Riding the Rapids with Christ and learning to navigate these trials together is one of the most important lessons we can learn as disciples of Christ. Learning to see what is coming and discern next steps is an incredibly important part of serve Christ well. Today we have had the opportunity to ponder God’s direction for us and how we are being given the needed foreknowledge to follow, to learn, and to grow in Christ. As we give back to the Lord of the gifts God has given to us, may we also rededicate our lives to following God’s lead while we walk the path together.
† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, bless these offerings and all the gifts you have given. May we see your will clearly and follow the path you have laid for us. Encourage us on our journey with you and instill in us a sense of your presence as we seek to follow. Amen.
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† Hymn #401 “Here In This Place” Gather Us In
† Hymn #724 “O Jesus, I Have Promised” Angel Story
† Hymn #722 “O Speak to Me That I May Speak” Canonbury LM
† Charge and Benediction
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O Lord my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me, or like a lion they will tear me apart; they will drag me away, with no one to rescue.
O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, if I have repaid my ally with harm or plundered my foe without cause, then let the enemy pursue and overtake me, trample my life to the ground, and lay my soul in the dust.
Rise up, O Lord, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake, O my God; you have appointed a judgment.
Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered around you, and over it take your seat on high.
The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.
O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous, you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God.
God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart.
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Opening Prayer
O Transcendent God, You walk with us on our journeys. We thank you for bringing us into relationship with you and guiding us toward the hope only You can bring. Today we worship You and honor You, Our God. As we walk in the wild with our Savior, we ask you to show us those moments when your protection covers us. Encourage us today to Hope in You and follow your light. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
† Call to Confession
Leaning on God for our protection and hope in the wild is not easy. We have to trust that God is leading us to safety and bringing us healing and hope. Today we recall all the times when we did not trust the Lord nor follow after the plan of God. We seek God’s forgiveness and healing through the power of Christ Jesus. Let us pray:
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O Holy God, Protector of your people, Healer of the sick, and Savior of the world, we call on you to bind up our broken hearts. Today we recall with David those times when people sought us for ill. Help us to see ourselves with clarity and acknowledge our part in our own brokenness and sin. Forgive us, we pray. Help us seek out your healing and follow your calling to choose life. May your protecting hand lead us to safety and guide us to places of peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
† Words of Assurance
Hear the Good News of the Gospel. Without God, we cannot achieve any of the goals we have set for ourselves. We will not experience fulfillment nor healing nor new life. We need the gift of God’s only Son Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us in order to achieve wholeness given by our Almighty God.. Because of Him, you are forgiven and freed. You have received life everlasting.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord our God, guide us to your living water and show us the path to life. In you is fullness of joy forevermore. May these Holy Scriptures inspire us for your glory. In Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture Reading 1 Samuel 18:1-6, 17-30
Scripture Reading 1 Samuel 19:1-7
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The Message “David: Protection from the King” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
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†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - The Apostles’ Creed (Confessions, 2.1-2.3)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
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Invitation to Give
Experiencing God’s direction and protection is one of the greatest gifts we can receive. Today we celebrate God’s care for us and we give to the Lord. We are thankful for all God has given for our sakes. We honor God today and give freely from our hearts.
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† Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord, we receive these gifts today with open hearts and we ask you, Lord Jesus to bless them and use them for the building up of your kingdom. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
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Hymns from Glory to God Hymnal
† Hymn #612 “We Praise You, O God” Kremsler
† Hymn #438 “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me” Toplady
† Hymn #697 “Take My Life” Hendon
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Calling for Reinforcements: Triage on the Road - Week 4
Call to Worship - from Psalm 32
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
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Opening Prayer
O God of Amazing Mercies and Everlasting Life, you provide water for our parched lips and breath for our starved lungs, we worship you. In this holy hour of worship, with hearts ready to receive and lives set to follow our Almighty God, we are poised to move together to the beat of God’s heart. Help us to prepare for the journey as disciples of Christ, for we walk the dangerous path and call to you when it becomes too much. May this time of worship prepare each of us to hear and receive your life-giving message and share it with the world. Amen.
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† Call to Confession
Riding the rapids together and navigating hidden obstacles allows each of us the opportunity to walk with one another through our journeys and amongst life’s rocks. We learn throughout Scripture how important it is to walk together and have partners in ministry as we have in life. Still there are times when we need to call for help and reinforcements. There are times when we are injured on the road and need someone to give us aid and help us to heal. Today, we reflect on those times, as well as the times we are broken by our own decisions. No matter how the brokenness or sin has occurred we believe in the forgiveness of God and turn to the Lord for healing and restoration. Let us pray:
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
O Good and Gracious God, we believe in your power and see your glory. Today we remember all the times we have rested in your arms and have seen the love and care of God at work. Today we see those amazing moments when others have shown up to assist us. You bring us together for the sake of Christ and help us to be instruments of your love. When we fall short, sin or are filled with brokenness we ask you, O God, to open our hearts to receive the help offered. When God calls us to respond to the needs of others, encourage us to go into dangerous and difficult situations to give aid and to show God’s love. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
† Words of Assurance
Hear the Good News of the Gospel. Jesus Christ has come into this world to teach, heal, preach, convict and forgive each of us for the glory of God. Christ did indeed die for us and rise for us. However, he also taught us how to care and love each other, putting others’ lives and safety before our own and working to set captives free. We each our instruments of the love of God as we work to bring freedom, healing and peace to the world. Receive the forgiveness offered by the Lord, for it is yours through the power and love of Christ Jesus.
This is the Good News of the Gospel:
Thanks be to God. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
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Prayer for Illumination
O Lord, hear our prayers and guide our thoughts. May we receive your message of hope and new life given freely for our benefit and eternal life. Amen.
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:13
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37
The Message “When the Unexpected One Brings Aid ” Rev. Laura C. Kelsey
†Affirmation of Faith (Unison) - from the Brief Statement of Faith (Confessions,10.2)
We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching Good News to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the Gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, and delivering us from death to life eternal.
Invitation to Give
Throughout our Christian walk we have realized that we cannot stay focused on God all alone. We need fellow Christians to walk beside us, pray for us, and share the love of God with us. We need each other. There are times when we just cannot do it alone no matter the strength it may seem that we have. It is in those moments that we call for reinforcements and we need others to give us triage on the road. There are also times when we are the first responders and others need our help. God provides for those giving the aid and receiving it. God is faithful still. Today as we collect this offering, we remember those who have walked with us on the road and are with us right now. May these offerings celebrate the helpers in our lives and may we give generously for the work of God.
† Prayer of Thanksgiving
O Lord, bless these offerings that we give this day. May they multiply and be used for your glory and may we continue to be instruments of your peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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Hymns from the Glory to God Hymnal
† Hymn #688 “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” Morecambe
† Hymn #792 “There Is a Balm in Gilead” Balm in Gilead​
† Hymn #775 “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” Walk with Me
† Charge and Benediction
Picking Up the Pieces: Staying Focused Through the Pain - Week 5
To Be Added.
Anticipating the Rocks - Palm Sunday
To Be Added.
Climbing In the Boat: Ministry of Presence - Maundy Thursday
To Be Added.
Underwater: Breathing When All is Wrong - Good Friday
When the Rapids are Past - Easter Saturday
After the Rapids: He is Alive - Easter (Resurrection)
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