May 4, 2025 Worship ServiceGroveport UMC, Groveport OhioTo support the ministry of the church, please click here: https://groveportumc.org/give/OPENING SONGS: “Shout to the Lord” and “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” - #334WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTSOPENING PRAYER:Lord of Life, you meet us where we are, challenge our assumptions, and turn our lives upsidedown. Remove the scales from our eyes, so we can see the fullness of your love, the beautifuldiversity of the people you call us to love, and the joy of sharing your welcome with all. Fill uswith your Spirit, so that we may love one another just as our Shepherd loves us. Amen.PRELUDE & LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR CANDLES: “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”HYMN “Amazing Grace” - #378CALL TO WORSHIP:L: Rejoice in the Lord. P: Praise God’s holy name.L: Worthy is the Lamb of our praise.P: Worthy is the righteous one of blessing, honor, and glory.L: Rejoice in the Lord. P: Praise God’s holy name.HYMN “In Moments Like These”PRAYER OF CONFESSION:We rejoice in the wonder of your resurrection, O Christ, but then tend to sink back into ourold ways of thinking, behaving, responding to people’s needs. We can dance with the angelsand all humankind on Easter Sunday, but the days following the Day of Resurrection cause usto slip back into apathy or despair.Forgive us when we so easily become distracted by our own cares and worries that weignore the needs of others around us. Forgive us when we forget your power and love for us.Charge us up, O Lord! Set our hearts to dancing! Give us a spirit for rejoicing, willing heartsand hands for helping, voices for praising you forever! AMEN.WORDS OF ASSURANCEFIRST SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Corinthians 5:17OUR TIME OF PRAYER (During our time of prayer, the altar rail is open for all who wish to come forward.)HYMN “Sanctuary”PASTORAL PRAYERTHE LORD’S PRAYEROUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Chancel ChoirDOXOLOGYPRAYER OF DEDICATIONCHILDRENS’ MOMENTS: (Children may be dismissed for Jr. Church at this time)SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 9:1-20SERMON “Can People Change?”HOLY COMMUNIONHYMN “Great is Thy Faithfulness” - #140BENEDICTIONSENDING FORTH “Because He Lives” chorus onlyPOSTLUDE “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands