Description
Mark 6:30-34. 53-56
Our technological advances have made it very easy to recognize famous people if they are seen out in public. We can see them on TV, on DVD’s, at the cinema, in the paper, and in magazines. With a push of a button, we can see them on the computer or phone screen. They have been absorbed into our brains and memory-making it easy to spot them in public. In Jesus’ day, people wouldn’t recognize him nearly as easy in the visible sense; they would be more apt to recognize him through his words and actions. In our Gospel account, we read that people recognized him at once when they got out of the boat. Why is that? I do not think it was his appearance as much as recognition by what he does and who he is. Do people recognize Jesus in us? If so, what do they see that makes them aware that Jesus lives in us?
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Time of Praise and Worship
Open Up the Heavens
Andi Rozier, James McDonald, Jason Ingram, Meredith Andrews, & Stuart Garrard, ©2012 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) HBC Worship Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Open Hands Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) Stugio Music Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing)
I Want To Know You (In the Secret)
Andy Park, ©1995 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
Open The Eyes Of My Heart
Paul Baloche, ©1997 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
[Traditional Options]
O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild
HS 98 858; LBW 546
Christ Is Our Cornerstone
LSB 917; LW 290
Christ Be My Leader
LSB 861; LW 365; WC 107; WAR 453
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor We have come today to worship the Lord and praise His mighty name. May the words and actions of Jesus be grafted into our hearts and minds so that others see Him in us.
All Amen
Opening Prayer
Pastor Lord God, It is a joy to be here as one body in Christ—giving glory to God and sharing our common faith in Jesus Christ. We live in a world filled with people who are searching for truth and yearning to find purpose and meaning for their lives. Help us to be examples of Christ to others so that people will recognize Jesus in us. Through your son, Jesus Christ, you have given us not only a model to live by, but a savior who loves, forgives and restores. Inspire in us the desire to spread this Good News to others so that they may experience Christ and make Him the Lord and Savior of their lives.
ALL In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Almighty and Merciful God, you are constantly speaking to us through your Word yet we often do not adhere to it. We are aware that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. You sent Jesus to journey to the cross so that we would see the awesome sacrifice made for us and believe in the new life we have through his death. We believe in the bodily resurrection but even more importantly, we believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Thank you Lord, for giving us faith, abundant life and true gifts of grace for the present and the future.
(A time of personal reflection and confession)
All Gracious Lord, we confess that we lose sight of your desire for our lives and allow the pressures of living in the world permeate our minds and influence our hearts. We do not see clearly what your will is for our lives because our belief system is shattered by selfishness and tainted by the world. We are sorry and ask for your forgiveness.
Pastor God has made it crystal clear. When we are engaged in confession and ask for forgiveness, the Lord keeps His promises and gives us a new beginning. We are washed and made clean. Know in your heart that your sins have been forgiven and you are free to serve. Praise God for this wonderful news!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 23:1-6
The prophet, Jeremiah, shows a contrast between the present corrupt leaders and the coming Messiah who would come from David’s blood line to reign over Israel.
“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. 2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. 3 “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. 5 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved
and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.
