COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE WORSHIP OF GOD
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025
DR. PAUL KOCH
10:00 A.M.
*The congregation will please stand, if able.
Our Gathering Music
“The Haven of Rest”
Our Meditation of Preparation
I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The Peace of Christ
L: The Peace of Christ be with you all.
P: And also with you.
Our Welcome and Announcements
The Ringing of the Bells
The Choral Introit
“Worship God with Music”
Our Prayer of Invocation
The Call to Worship (Responsively)
L: O God, form the minds of your faithful people into a single will.
P: Make us love what you command and desire what you promise.
L: That, amid all the changes of this world.
P: Our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found.
L: Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
P: Amen.
*Our Opening Hymn #14
“For the Beauty of the Earth”
*The Call to Confession
The Scriptures teach us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all righteousness. Let us join together in the prayer of confession.
*Our Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.
*Our Silent Prayers
*The Assurance of Pardon
The Scriptures teach us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
*The Gloria Patria #581
Our Prayer for Illumination
The First Scripture Readings
Acts 11:1-18 (p. 1711) and Psalm 148 (p. 982)
The Choral Anthem
“Upon This Rock”
The Second Scripture Readings
Revelation 21:1-6 (p. 1937) and John 13:31-35 (p. 1674)
L: The Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God
The Message “Peter Changes His Mind”
By: Dr. Paul Koch
*Our Hymn of Response #203
“Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love”
*Affirmation of Faith (The Apostle's Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Sharing of Joys and Concerns
(After each request for prayer the leader will say “We lift this prayer to the Lord” and the people will respond “Lord hear our prayers”. Following each praise the leader will say “We lift this praise to the Lord” and the people will say “Thanks be to God”)
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
The Choral Amen
The Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
*The Doxology #606
*Our Prayer of Dedication (Unison)
Gracious God, we pray that these gifts will further the spread of the Gospel and the advancement of Your Kingdom. Amen.
*Our Closing Hymn #634
“To God Be the Glory”
*The Sending and Blessing
The Postlude