Order of Worship

Praise Songs

#2192 The Faith We Sing Hymnal, “Freedom is Coming”

#374 Methodist Hymnal, “Standing on the Promises”

#370 Methodist Hymnal, “Victory in Jesus”

Welcome/Greetings

Choral Introit

*Opening Hymn #519 – “Lift Every Voice and Sing”             

Call to Worship

L:  God, you rescued your people from slavery in Egypt, and throughout the ages you have never failed to hear the cries of the captives.

P:  We remember before you our sisters and brothers in Galveston, Texas who received the glad tidings of their emancipation.

L:  Anoint us with your Spirit today as you did back then, to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,

P:  to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.  Amen.

*Opening Prayer

O God, may your holy and life-giving Spirit move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease.  May our divisions be healed, as we strive to live in justice and peace with all people, regardless of race, color, or creed.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Loving God, You create all people in your image and call us to love one another as you love us.  We confess that we have failed to honor you in the great diversity of the human family.  We have desired to live in freedom, while building walls between ourselves and others.  We have longed to be known and accepted for who we are, while making judgements of others based on the color of skin.  Restore us in your image, to be a beloved community, united in our diversity, even as you are one with Christ and the Spirit, undivided Trinity, now and forever.  Amen.

Words of Assurance

In the name of Jesus Christ, and through the cleansing power of His blood, you are forgiven!

Passing of the Peace of Christ

Christ is our peace. Christ has united those who were separated.  Christ has broken down the walls of hostility.  Let us pass the peace of Christ to our brothers and sisters.

Westminster Ringers

“America, the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward, arr, by Donald E. Allured

Children’s Message          Kim Neri

Scriptures

New Testament – Galatians 5:1, 13, 14 (New International Version – NIV)

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  ¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

L:  The Word of God, For the People of God.  P:  Thanks be to God.

*Gospel Reading – Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, ¹⁹to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

L:  The Word of God, For the People of God.  P:  Thanks be to God.

*Hymn before Sermon #2194 – “O Freedom”                 

(The Faith We Sing Hymnal)                                                         

Sermon – “Awakened to Our Spiritual Liberation”             Anthony Heyward

Pastoral Prayer

Lord’s Prayer and Choral Response

Invitation to Tithes and Offering

As we offer our treasure and hearts to you, may they be used to pass on the promise of hope, peace, life, and community to all in need of your gifts and presence in their lives.

Chancel Choir – “Poor Man Lazrus” arr. Jester Hairston

*Hymn No. 95 – Presentation of the Offering

*Prayer of Dedication

O God, may these gifts be used to proclaim your love and to bring healing and hope to all who are in need.  Amen

*Closing Hymn #533 – “We Shall Overcome”       MARTIN

*Dismissal with Blessing

Closing Voluntary – “Lord, I Know I Been Changed” (Traditional Spiritual)