“The Last Lecture”
by Rev Terry Martinson
If you knew for certain that death was just around the corner would you pray? If so, for what? For who? Potential answers in todays Sermon by Reverend Terry Martinson.
PRELUDE Day by Day
MEDITATION PRAYER
Most Holy God, your majesty is exceeded only by your love;
grant us, in this our worship of you,
penitence in the presence of your holiness,
reverence at the thought of your majesty,
and confidence in the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CALL TO CONTEMPLATION Be Thou My Vision (Christ Be My Leader)
CALL TO WORSHIP*
In the presence of God –
Toes tap to some heavenly chorus,
Tears emerge from a hidden ache,
Silence descends like a gentle mist.
Joy ascends like a rocket in the sky.
God is here –
Glad hearts are refreshed,
Sorrowing hearts find comfort,
Broken hearts discover healing,
Searching hearts find home.
Here in the presence of God,
We are made whole and sing our joyful songs of praise.
HYMN To God Be the Glory
PRAYER OF INVOCATION*
Surprising and persistent God, You never give up on us. You seek us, follow us, call us. We cannot escape from your yearning for us, and only when we turn to You do we find the sweetness of life, the reason for living, an ever-flowing fountain of joy. Thank you for your amazing grace that surprises us, comforts us and renews us. Give us hearts of gratitude, and forever let us sing your praise. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING John 17:1-11
SERMON
THE LAST LECTURE
Rev. Terry Martinson
HYMN What a Friend We Have in Jesus
OFFERTORY INVITATION* <
Whatever your task, do it wholeheartedly, as to God:
In teaching, give all you have;
In speaking, stir to the depths;
In giving, share liberally;
In helping, do so cheerfully.
Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and practice hospitality.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION*
A TIME OF SILENT PRAYER
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
MUSICAL RESPONSE TO PRAYER The Croyden Amen
HYMN Lord of All Hopefulness
POSTLUDE God of Grace
♦<Chalice Worship>, ♦♦<Sourcebook of Worship Resources>