May 11, 2025

CHIMING OF THE HOUR

WELCOME

Good morning and welcome to our worship service this second Sunday in May. We greet those in the
sanctuary and those watching on social media.

From August to October 30 in 2011 an exhibition opened at the Philadelphia Museum of Art entitled
the face of Jesus. It was collected paintings by Rembrandt from the 1650’s. Prior to our attending
Judy Platt gave us a gift of note cards portraying those paintings. When I knew I would be filling in
during Phil’s sabbatical, I thought immediately about the first month being dedicated to another
concept of the face of Jesus – that being; forgiveness, humility, compassion and love. Thus we begin
on that path today. I would ask that you read the silent prayer of preparation during our prelude.

PRELUDE

SILENT PRAYER OF PREPARATION

Everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being. You have made us for yourself, so
that our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Give us purity of heart and strength of purpose, that
no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing your will, no weakness keep us from doing it; that in
your light we may see light clearly, and in your service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, Amen

CALL TO WORSHIP
L – Forgive our sins as we forgive. You taught us Lord to pray
P- but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say.
L – Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls and bid resentment cease
P – Then by your mercy reconciled, our lives will spread your peace.

*HYMN No. 301 Let Us Build A House

*CALL TO CONFESSION
The proof of God’s amazing love is this: While we were sinners Christ died for us, Because we have
faith in him, we dare to approach God with confidence. In faith and penitence, let us confess our sin
before God and one another.

*CONFESSION OF SIN
Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have tried to hide from you, for we
have done wrong. We have lived for ourselves, and apart from you. We have turned from our
neighbors and refused to bear the burdens of others. We have ignored the pain of the world,
and passed by the hungry, the poor and the oppressed. In your great mercy forgive our sins
and free us from selfishness, that we may choose your will and obey your commandments;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SILENT CONFESSION

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ
you are forgiven.

*RESPONSE HYMN N0 450 v. 1 Be Thou My Vision
Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me save that thou art,
thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

*PEACE OF CHRIST
Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with you all.
And also with you. Amen

ANTHEM

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Kristen Franchetti

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION – Don Tatham

O God, by your Spirit tell us what we need to hear, and show us what we ought to do, to obey Jesus
Christ our Savior. Amen.

SCRIPTURE Colossians 3:12-13 Don Tatham

SERMON Forgiveness

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again, he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the
Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy
catholic church, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the
body, and the life everlasting. Amen

*HYMN No. 22 God of the Sparrow

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we
forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For thine is the
kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
With gladness, let us present the offering of our life and labor to the Lord.

OFFERTORY

*RESPONSE HYMN No. 609 Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Almighty and merciful God, from whom comes all that is good, we praise you for your mercies, for
your goodness that has created us, your grace that has sustained us, your patience that has borne
with us, and your forgiveness that has guided us. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

*HYMN No 315 In The Midst of New Dimensions

*SENDING AND BENEDICTION
Go out into the world in peace; have courage; hold on to what is good, return no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, and help the suffering, forgive as you have been
forgiven., honor all people, love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord be kind and gracious to you. The Lord look upon you
with favor and give you peace. Amen.

*CHIMES