As the prelude begins, one of the oldest traditions of worship has begun –
the gift of music to our God and a time of preparation for all worshipers.
Please use this time to prepare your heart and mind to be centered in God’s presence.

PRELUDE: There Is a Balm in Gilead R.J. Powell/J.M Michel
Leoni Hebrew melody/Arr. D.N Johnson

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

INTROIT: The Eyes of the Lord Are Upon You D. Moore

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us give thanks to God with our whole hearts.
Let us worship together in this sacred community.
All: We come together as a congregation of believers.
We are bound together by our desire to be pilgrims on a journey.
One: God is gracious and merciful and trustworthy.
At all times, God is present with us as we go.
All: The works of God are established among us.
We can count on God's love and faithfulness.
One: Awe before God is the beginning of wisdom.
When we approach God in faith, our understanding grows.
All: Holy and awesome is the name of God.
We call on God to empower our worship.

* HYMN OF GATHERING The God of Abraham Praise

PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Leader: God is with us.
People: God is with us in every place and at every time.
Leader: Let us pray…
Unison: O God of deserving praise, you have given us the gift of voice. Give us courage that we might use our voices to witness. You have given us the gift of our hands. May we use them to extend them to others, offering welcome and care. We are given hearts. May we use them to offer love. Inspire us to make our relationship with you a priority, putting first things first. May your calling grow deeper within us as your Spirit inspires us to follow you. In Jesus name we pray, praying together...

OUR 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.

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF PEACE
(prepared by the World Service Committee)

TIME FOR YOUTH

* SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Choral ResponseHoly, holy, holy, my heart, my heart adores you!
My heart is glad to say the words: you are holy, God.

…Children will leave for Church School…

JOYS AND CONCERNS

MORNING PRAYER

* HYMN OF PREPARATION Amen, Amen

SCRIPTURE Psalm 111
Mark 1:21-28

SERMON "First Things First" Rev. Kent Allen

OFFERING
Offertory Anthem There Is a Balm in Gilead D. Averre
* Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
* Prayer of Dedication

* HYMN OF PARTING Savior, Again to Your Dear Name

The congregation is invited to sit for the Benediction and the Benediction Response.

BENEDICTION

BENEDICTION RESPONSE: Amen
ORGAN POSTLUDE: Trumpet Tune in D Major D.N. Johnson
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* Those who are able, please stand.

* This morning's ushers are Team E: Bob and Gwen Wood, Judy Haynes and Nat Tupper.
* The Deacon of the Month is Nat Tupper and the Assistant Deacon of the Month is Cecily Johnson.
* We thank Kristen and Shawn Miles for serving as our greeters this morning.
* The flowers this morning are given by Judy and Dale Howe in memory of Peter Williams.
* The acolytes this morning are Devan Glassock and Samantha Whittemore.