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Healing Practice of Celebration

Feb 07, 2021 | Annette Stiles Pendergrass

Celebration in a Divided World (Traditional)

Today in worship, we conclude our series on the Healing Practice of Celebration based loosely on the book by Dr. Elaine Heath. Dr. Heath reminds us that throughout Scripture, there are occasions to celebrate, even in the face of difficulty, darkness, uncertainty, and failure. God is with us, and God’s goodness is stronger than the darkness of the world. This week, we will explore John 17 as we think about what it means to celebrate in a Divided World. In his last prayer before his death, Jesus asked God that “…they may be one.” This reminds us that the church is called to unity even in a world divided, and to be a place of true reconciliation, hard conversations, and welcome, even when we don’t feel like it. When the church gets it right, this is cause for celebration because God is bringing all of God’s children together by the power of the Holy Spirit!

You can join us in worship bingo, here is a card you can use to keep track!

Here is a snapshot of today's service:
Pre-Service Music
Prelude: Meditation on "There Is a Fountain” by Lowell Mason / Tom Taylor
Chiming of Hour
Welcome & Announcements
Choral Introit: "O Worship the King" (Hymnal p. 73; first stanza only)
Responsive Call to Worship: Fay Hammond
Opening Hymn: "Come, Thou Almighty King" (Hymnal p. 61; all stanzas)
Pastoral & Offertory Prayer: New Month/New Mission Box (Brevard Family Partnership)
Offertory : "Come to the Table," by Valerie Showers Crescenz
Presentation of the Offering: Doxology #95
Celebration in a Divided World: John 17:20​-26
Holy Communion
Communion Music
Closing Hymn: "Shalom to You" (Hymnal p. 666; sing twice through)
Benediction: Note: Confetti + Bingo celebration here.
Postlude: “We Thank Thee, Lord” - Sinfonia from Cantata no. 29” - Johann Sebastian Bach

Series Information

Other sermons in the series