What Are You Worth
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH
“A United Methodist Community”
Sunday, April 26, 2020
3rd Sunday of Easter
Theme
Truth is revealed when our stories are reinterpreted in the presence of Christ.
PRELUDE – Bryan O’Lone
WELCOME –
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND SERVICE
* CALL TO WORSHIP
One: What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
All: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.
One: I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
All: In the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!
Based on Psalm 116
*OPENING HYMN “Victory In Jesus” UMH #370 ONE STANZA
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION & ASSURANCE
Merciful God, we confess our weaknesses before you. Too many times we have been so consumed with our own needs, we failed to see the needs of others or of you. Too many times we have not believed, even though the truth was here among us. Open our eyes to see the suffering and opportunities around us. Open our hearts to receive the truth of your presence in the world. Forgive us, we pray, and strengthen us to live more faithfully. Amen.
The Reading from Acts - Introduction to the Reading.
Acts 2:14a, 36-41(NIV)
The narrative begun in the Gospel of Luke continues in the Acts of the Apostles, the second half of what scholars consider to be one volume together. The story of the early church begins here.
Hear now the lesson:
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 (NIV2011) 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:
36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: THANKS BE TO GOD.
The Epistle Reading – Introduction to the Reading.
1 Peter 1:17-23 (NIV) First Peter is a pastoral letter written to Gentiles, resident aliens, and household slaves somewhere in Asia Minor. Being outsiders all, they are encouraged to find their identity in Christ.
Hear now the lesson:
1 Peter 1:17-23 (NIV2011) 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: THANKS BE TO GOD.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
MESSAGE “What Are You Worth?” Pastor John Mitchell
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
The altar is open to anyone desiring to pray or make a fresh
Commitment to Christ.
LOVING GOD THROUGH GIVING
OFFERTORY – Bryan O’Lone
DOXOLOGY UMH #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PASTORAL PRAYER/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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen!
*Closing Hymn “Open My Eyes That I May See” UMH #454 ONE STANZA
*BLESSING & SENDING
POSTLUDE – Bryan O’Lone
Thought for the Day
When have you experienced your "heart burn" with the recognition of God's presence?