NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

La Feria, Texas

July 21, 2024

9^th Sunday after Pentecost

GATHERING

Call To Worship (Bob)

One:         

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary       and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.”

All:           

Lord, we come to worship you, seeking sabbath rest.

One:         

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

All:           

Lord, we come to worship you, to listen for your teachings and to seek rest for our souls.

One:         

Jesus said: “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

All:           

Lord we come to worship you, that we might serve you faithfully.

One:         

Give thanks to God; bless God’s name!

All:           

For the Lord is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever, and God’s faithfulness to all generations.

Opening Hymn –

GTG #49 – “The God of Abraham Praise”

Opening Prayer (Jeri)

Let us pray.

O God, powerful and compassionate, you shepherd your people, faithfully feeding and protecting us. Heal each of us, and make us a whole people, that we may embody the justice and peace of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

(All God’s children say) Amen.

Call to Confession (David)

          The scriptures teach that there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The scriptures also teach that we have a high priest who has been tested as we are, yet without sin. As the letter to the Hebrews encourages us, “Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Let us pray.

Confession and Prayer (David)

Good and gracious God,

we confess that we run ourselves ragged. We are busy and preoccupied with so many things. We neglect to be still and know that you are God. Even our sabbath time can be filled with “busy-ness.” Forgive us, Lord, for not accepting your gift and guidance of rest and restoration. Help us to put on the yoke of Jesus and walk in the way he models for us, mindful of our spiritual health and responding with compassion to the needs of our neighbors. Loving God, thank you for Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, who makes us complete in everything good so that we may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight. We pray through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. (All God’s children say) Amen.

 Personal Confession 

 Please take a moment for your private prayers of personal confession.

(Water pours to break the silence)

Assurance of Pardon (Bob)

God, who is rich in mercy, our of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. 

Passing the Peace (Bob)

Having been reconciled with God, let’s be reconciled with each other.           All God’s children say:

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you.

WORD

Prayer for Illumination (Bob)  

Speak to us your word, O God, that we may hear Jesus’ call to be his disciples.

All God’s children say: Amen.

First Reading (Bob)             

A reading from 2 Samuel 7:1-14a

The Word of the Lord.     Gracias a Dios.

Second Reading (Terri)

A reading from Ephesians 2:11-22

          The Word of the Lord.     Gracias a Dios.

Gospel Reading (Bob)

A reading from Mark 6:30-34, 56-56

          The Word of the Lord.     Gracias a Dios.

Sermon:

“Near to the Heart of God”                                Bob Dymond

God is Good, All the Time!

Todo el Tiempo, Dios es Bueno!

Hymn      

GtG #824

“There is a Place of Quiet Rest (near to the Heart of God)”

Affirmation of Faith –

adapted from Belonging to God: A First Catechism

We believe when Jesus spoke, He spoke with God’s authority. When Jesus acted, He acted with God’s power. Jesus amazed people with His deeds of power, but he was also gentle and loving. Even now, he cares for us in all our needs as a shepherd cares for his sheep. Jesus also called his disciples to follow him. Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, blessed children, befriended outcasts, required people to repent, and forgave their sins. He taught people not to fear, but to always trust in God. He preached the good news of God’s love and gave everyone hope for new life. We live our lives in gratitude for the person and work of Jesus Christ.   (all God’s children say) Amen.

Prayers of the People (Linda)

Prayers of Praise:

Lord in your Love and Grace, Hear our Praise!

Prayers of Intercession:

Lord in your Mercy, Hear our Prayer!

Ending Prayer

OFFERING

Invitation to the Offering (Erik)

In gratitude to God for all our blessings, let us bless others with a portion of all we have been given. Let us present our offerings to God.

Special Mission Offering for July: (Erik)

Harlingen Family Crisis Center

Giving to New Hope (Erik)

Doxology (Erik)

Let’s sing a song of praise for all that God has given us!

Let’s sing the Doxology together.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.            Amen.

Dedication of the Offering (Erik)

Most generous God, you have blessed us with gifts to serve and share. May the offerings we present today be used to promote the peace, justice, and healing you desire for us and the world. (all God’s children say) Amen.

SENDING

Invitation to Join (Bob) if guests are present

Blessing (Bob)

May the grace, hope, peace, and love of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer be with us all, now and always.

Charge (Bob)

My beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Hymn

GtG #761 - “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service”

Go in Peace to Love and to Serve and to Follow Jesus

 Final Announcements and Schedule (Bob) 

Thank you to our dedicated Worship Contributors: Erik Breden, Norma Cordero, Linda Davis, Natalie Rae Davis, David and Jeri DeWeese, Bob Dymond, Terri Ericson, Susan Kerens, Charley Kidder, Julia Todd Stone, Angelica and Helenavi Sumilong, and Teaching Elder, Rev. Mary Breden (H.R.)

Worship Liturgy used for worship today is provided, with permission, by Rev. Dr. Tara W. Bulger and the Presbyterian Outlook.