Prelude / Silent Meditation

Karine Bendicion

(The Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth be silent before Him.)

Call to Worship

Elder Flor Polendey

Leader: For those who have not been welcomed before,
People: You are welcomed by Christ here.
Leader: For those who have been turned away,
People: Christ is opening the door for you.
Leader: For those who have been forgotten,
People: God cannot forget you, for God made you.
Leader: Come, join together in worship of our God.
People: You are God’s beloved. We welcome each other in the name of  Christ. Amen.

Opening Hymn #423

“Jesus Shall Reign”

Invocation *

Prayer of Confession

Searching God, we have wandered from home, gone off looking for something; some vague longing; something that thrills or excites; something that takes away this empty gnawing inside. We have wandered far, gotten lost, but never finding that which satisfies.

Loving God, you have been with us in the search, you have beckoned us home. You have prepared a table for us, a huge welcome party. May we come now into worship with repentant hearts and yet also ready to be welcomed back, ready to be restored again. And when this happens we know heaven rejoices.

Thank you Lord for seeking us again and again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(A time of silence for personal reflection, to be ended with the ringing of the bell.)

Assurance of Pardon

Life of the Congregation

Sharing of the Peace *

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.
The Lord be with all of you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Scripture Lesson

OT: Psalm 22: 19-24 / Deacon Noel Amorozo
NT: 1 Peter 4: 12-19 / Elder Arleen Amorozo

Gloria Patri #567

“Glory Be to the Father”

Prayer of the People / The Lord’s Prayer

Meditation from the Word of God

“LIVING STONES in the FIRE!”
Pastor Ed Ramos

Affirmation of Faith

We believe in the church as a community of believers and doubters who strive always to rise to our greater selves as we work to accomplish more than we could ever dream possible.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who comforts and strengthens us even when we are not paying attention.
We believe in Jesus who gives us the courage to endure when things for us seems impossible to navigate.
We believe in God whose love will never let us go, even when we are tempted to let go of God when life gets difficult.
We believe in the gift of grace, which is a kindness beyond understanding, and which gives us a resilience of the spirit to try again and again.
We believe in the power of prayer when we are tempted to give way to doubt and unbelief.
We do believe, and so we live. Amen.                   (From the Iona Community)

Offertory

Elder Michael Delfin

Doxology Hymn #592 *

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”

Prayer of Dedication

Closing Hymn #366 *

“Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me”

Closing Prayer and Benediction

Postlude / Moment of Silence

Karine Bendicion