Thorns and Cross
Christy RamseyCommunity Presbyterian Church, Lee Vining, CA
October 20, 2024 10 AM
Together We Worship God
Prelude & Ringing of the Church Bells
Reading from the Psalms Psalm 19:1-7
The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hidden from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
Announcements
Call to Worship (responsively)
One: Come from the north, the south, the east, and the west!
All: We gather as one body, united in Christ’s love.
One: Across all nations and languages, we come to the table of grace.
All: We celebrate the God who invites all to share in the feast of life.
One: Let us worship with joy, for we are one in the Spirit and one in the Lord!
All: Together, we proclaim Christ’s peace and celebrate the hope we have in Him.
Opening Song
Prayer of Confession (unison)
Gracious God, You call us to take up our cross and follow Christ, yet we confess that we are hesitant to bear the weight of sacrifice. We cling to comfort, pursue self-interest, and seek worldly gain. In our desire to save our lives, we lose sight of the life You offer. Forgive us, Lord, for the ways we deny You in our actions and our hearts. Strengthen us to choose the path of discipleship, to give ourselves fully to Your service, and to trust in Your redeeming love through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Silent personal confession …In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Words of Assurance Christy
Friends, hear the good news: In Christ, we are forgiven! When we confess our sins and turn to Him, God’s mercy meets us with open arms. By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are freed from the weight of our failures and renewed in the power of the Holy Spirit. Believe the promise of the gospel: in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
A Reading from the Greek scriptures Gospel Mark 8:34-38
34 He called the crowd with his disciples and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’
Sermon “Thorns and Crosses” Rev. J. Christy Ramsey
Hymn of Response
Offering
Give what you have made up your mind to give. Not reluctantly or under compulsion, for the Lord loves a cheerful giver.
Prayers of the People - a time to share our prayers of joy
…followed by 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.
Closing Hymn
Benediction Christy
As you go from this holy place, may the love of God surround you, the peace of Christ fill your hearts, and the power of the Holy Spirit strengthen you to live as one body, united in faith. Go into the world proclaiming the hope of Christ and sharing His love with all people. May His peace be with you now and always. Amen.…
Community Presbyterian Church ⯁ PO Box 267 ⯁ Lee Vining, Ca 93541 ⯁ 760-647-6556
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