Celebration In the Midst of Doubt (Traditional)

Today in Worship, we begin a new series based loosely on the book The Healing Practice of Celebration by Dr. Elaine Heath. Dr. Heath reminds us that throughout Scripture, there is occasion 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. Today we will look at Matthew 11 and John the Baptist’s question to Jesus while he is in prison: “Are you the one that was sent?” While people like John the Baptist and Martin Luther King Jr. had great faith, they also doubted while in the midst of difficulty. We remind ourselves that in the midst of difficulty, we can celebrate and seek God’s light in our world. In this practice, we heal and journey through our doubt.

Here is a snapshot of today's service:

Pre-Service Music

Organ Prelude

Chiming of the Hour

Welcome & Announcements

Responsive Call to Worship / Celebration Liturgy

Opening Hymn: "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies" (Hymnal #173; all three stanzas)

Affirmation of Faith: Apostles' Creed #881

Gloria Patri: #71

Pastoral Prayer, Lord's Prayer, Offering Prayer

Offertory: 9:30/11:00 "Give Me Jesus," arranged by Moses Hogan

Presentation of the Offering: Doxology #95

Kid’s moment

Healing Practice of Celebration: Celebration in the Wilderness: Matthew 11:2-6, Philippians 4:8-9

Closing Hymn: "His Name Is Wonderful" (Hymnal #174)

Benediction

Postlude