Description
Matthew 22:1-14
In this parable, the Kingdom of God is compared to a wedding feast. Many were invited to join the king in celebration of his son. However, the ones invited occupied their time with other things and therefore declined the offer. Jesus told this parable in the presence of the Pharisees describing the consequences of their actions to reject Him as the Messiah.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
Glorious Day (Passion)
Jason Ingram | Jonathan Smith | Kristian Stanfill | Sean Curran, © Sean Curran Publishing Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Hickory Bill Doc (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
King of Kings
Brooke Ligertwood, Jason Ingram & Scott Ligertwood, © 2019 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
Holy, Holy, Holy (God With Us)
John Bacchus Dykes, Matt Maher, & Reginald Heber, © Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Valley Of Songs Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Spread the Reign of God The Lord
LBW 379; LSB 830; LW 321
Jesus Comes Today With Healing
LSB 620
Sent Forth By God’s Blessing
ELW 547; LBW 221.LSB 643; LW 247; NCH 76; STTL 782; UMH 664; WAR 712
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Today is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Worshipers
We rejoice in the Lord always, for He is good! Our circumstances may be hard, our lives may be full of sorry, but we will choose to rejoice in the Lord! He gives and He takes away. We trust You, God.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Father in Heaven, we are the sheep of Your pasture and You are our Great Shepherd who leads us beside the quiet waters. We watch Your staff as You lead us through the valley, and we do not fear for You are with us. We are surrounded by evil, but Your goodness prevails. Give us today Your peace and Your comfort, we pray.
Worshipers
In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, You tell us to not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, to present our requests to You.
Worshipers
You promise us peace that transcends all understanding as we guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
ALL
But we confess that we choose anxiety and worry and grief over prayer. Our tendencies to turn to addictions, fear, gossip, or numbness overtake us too often. We are weak without You.
Worshipers
Please forgive us of our sin habits. Give us the motivation, encouragement, and strength to pursue You, Jesus, with all that we are. We need You!
Pastor / Worship Leader
What a joy it is for me to share this great news: When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, the Lord keeps His promises and reconciles through the blood of Jesus Christ. We are made new and cleansed from all unrighteousness. You have been created in the image of God and are freed for service in His name. You are forgiven! You are loved! Thanks, and praise to God!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 25:6-9
The Lord is endlessly faithful in all He accomplishes. He provides for His people, protects them from disasters, gives peace and comfort, and is worthy of our trust. Rejoice in the Lord who is faithful and good!
6 On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. 9 In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
