May 5, 2024

WE GATHER IN AWE AND PRAISE

PRELUDE                        

INTROIT                            “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”                      Ludwig van Beethoven

WELCOME                                                                                                 Rev. Trip Porch

  One: This is the day that the Lord has made

  All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it                         

*CALL TO WORSHIP   Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe

One: We gather in the presence of the One who breathes life into all of Creation.

All: We sing God’s praises, breathing in God’s glory.

One: All are welcome in the presence of the Most High.

All: We come, seeking the goodness in the hands of God.

One: We gather as God’s beloved people, leaving no one outside.

All: Together we reflect the fullness of God’s love; together we bring God’s Love into the world.

One: Let us worship the Living God whose breath gives us life.

* HYMN 36                                    “For the Fruit of All Creation”                                             AR HYD Y NOS

 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                                                            Rev. Rick Nutt

Almighty God, We struggle to understand the inner workings of our own brains, let alone those of other people. We have, at times, been quick to judge and slow to offer compassion. Forgive us for creating a climate of silence where those struggling feel shame instead of seeking help. Just as a gardener cares for all parts of the vine, help us to extend your love to all your branches. Grant us the wisdom to   listen without judgment, the courage to have open conversations, and the strength to offer support without condemnation. Guide us in nurturing a safe space within your church, where vulnerability is met with empathy, and struggles are shared without fear.  May we become a beacon of hope for those wrestling with mental illness, reminding them that they are not alone on this vine. In your loving name, we pray. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDDON

*RESPONSE OF PRAISE 243                       “Be Not Afraid”                                        BE NOT AFRAID             

*PASSING OF THE PEACE                                       

       One:   The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,

All:      And also with you.

 WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD                       

ANTEM                                          “Hold On”                                                        Sally Ann Morris 

Henry Byrne, soloist 

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION                            

SCRIPTURE John 15:5-17 MSG

 I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.

I’ve told you these things for a purpose:

 that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.
This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you.
This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. 

You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.

You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil.
As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.

But remember the root command: Love one another 

Holy Wisdom, Holy Word

Thanks be to God

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE                                                                                           Mary Rebekah Fortman 

SERMON                                                                                                  Rev. Trip Porch

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

*HYMN (see insert)                                                “For Everyone Born”                                 FOR EVERYONE BORN

TIME OF OFFERING   online giving is available at  www. indianolapres.org/give

OFFERTORY                        

COMMUNION

 INVITATION TO THE TABLE

  GREAT PRAYER

 SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP      137           “He Came Down”                                         HE CAME DOWN

 PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Loving God, Your table opens us to a new world. Where there is no longer least nor greatest, rich nor poor, haves nor have nots, insiders nor outsiders. You dream of a world where all are treated as beloved precious children. A world where our emotional, mental, and spiritual health can be cared for without stigma or judgment. Until that day comes, bless our small contributions of time, talent and treasures and may it work towards the building of your new world. Amen.

*HYMN 300                     “We Are One in the Spirit”       THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS

TIME OF COMMUNITY SHARING   

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

CHORAL RESPONSE    “Lord Dismiss Us With Your Blessing”         18th century Sicilian melody

POSTLUDE                                 

Acknowledgments: Unless otherwise indicated, all texts and music are printed and broadcast under OneLicense.net license #A-702452