MAY 12, 2024 - SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTERREV. KENDRA BALLIETJAMES ROSS, ORGANISTPrelude - Love's Divine, All Love's Excelling-Joel RaneyWelcomeCall to WorshipLeader: Again, the disciples gathered in Galilee, this time at the mountain where Jesus had directed them to go.All: Whether at sea level or on the mountaintop, we follow Jesus.Leader: They saw Jesus and worshiped him, yet they doubted.All: We recall our own experiences of deep devotion and yet we are aware of times of great doubt. Both are essential elements of engaged faith.Leader: Jesus instructed the disciples to go and make disciples, baptizing in the holy names and teaching as he had taught.All: Despite our frailty at times, Jesus invites us to be a part of the ministry of serenity, bringing good news to those who suffer.Leader: Jesus offered reassurance with his parting words: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”All: When our own lives are in turmoil and when we see those around us struggling, we can offer comfort to others and tender compassion to ourselves– seeking calm in Divine presence.Leader: This is a Word of Hope for the people who long for it.All: Thanks be to the Living Word.Opening Hymn “Christ for the World We Sing” #568*Opening PrayerLord Jesus, Rise up in us and we will riseFrom death into a newfound life:From bondage freed, from harm released,From illness healed, as one in peace.When all is lost our hearts are warmed,Our hope restored, our lives transformed.Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!Amen.Confession of Faith: Apostles’ Creed #881Gloria PatriChildren's ChatMusic Ministry and Offertory - Verset-Leon BoellmanDoxology and Prayer of GratitudeScripture Matthew 28: 16-20Sermon Series “Resurrection Stories”Sermon: “Serenity”Joys/ConcernsHymn "Be Still, My Soul" #534Pastoral Prayer/Lord's PrayerClosing Hymn “I Love to Tell the Story” #156 with 5 versesVerse 5: The Savior of our storieshas brought his peace to you;now go and tell the story,for others need it too.To ev'ry one who’s hurtingring out the gospel call;proclaim that Christ is risenand grants his peace to all.Action Steps & BenedictionPostlude - Deon Gracias - Daniel BurtonThe flowers on the altar today are given by Dick & Joyce Minnis in loving memory of our mothers Norma Minnis and Ruth Smith.Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org