Description
Mark 4:26-34
Jesus spoke in parables comparing the Kingdom of God to a growing harvest started by seeds as small as a mustard seed. God is building His Kingdom and we are part of the building process. Allow God to grow you and stretch you so that you can be built according to His plans and not your own.
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
Build Your Kingdom Here
Rend Collective Experiment, ©2011 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing
Tell The World
Jonathon Douglass, Joel Houston, Marty Sampson, © 2004 Jonathon Douglass, Joel Houston, Marty Sampson/Hillsong Publishing
Rising
Paul Baloche & Matt Redman, ©2006 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music & Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Hark The Voice of Jesus Calling
BH 91 591; HFG 669; HLC 493; LBW 381; LSB 826/827; LW 318; RH 365
My Soul, Now Praise Thy Maker
LBW 519; LSB 820; LW 453
O Day of Rest and Gladness
ELW 521; HFG 12; HLC 549; LBW 251; LSB 906; LW 203
Invocation
Pastor I welcome you from this temporary home on earth knowing full well that our permanent
home is in Heaven. Welcome!
ALL We are glad to be here together.
Pastor Let’s prepare our minds and our hearts to listen to the Spirit and all that He is saying to
us today.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor Spirit of the Living God, we are listening. We are aware that this earthly place is not our
home and that you are building an everlasting Kingdom where we will be united with you
someday.
ALL We cannot wait for that day!
Pastor We soften our hearts as your seeds are sown in our hearts today. We want to grow as
godly men and women who are strong in your truth, discerning, and most of all, loving
toward the world.
ALL Help us, Lord.
Pastor It is in the name of Jesus Christ we pray,
ALL Amen!
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Lord, we confess openly and honestly to you.
ALL We confess of the sinful weeds that we allow to grow in us. Sins such as envy,
bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred, adultery, lying, stealing, and putting our wants
and desires above others. We confess that these things are not from You and that
You command us to bear much fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in us.
Pastor Lord, we accept your forgiveness for our sins.
ALL We accept the forgiveness freely given through the sacrificial offering of Christ’s
body. We desire the fruit of the Spirit given to us- love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Ezekiel 17:22-24
God paints a beautiful picture of a cedar shoot being planted on a high mountain that produces branches and fruit. Even the tallest trees will not compare to the splendid cedar. God would flourish Israel and make low her enemies.
22 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 23 On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 24 All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. “‘I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.’”
