June 15, 2025 Worship Service
Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio
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OPENING SONGS: “Majesty” and “Thy Word”
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER:
We’re here this morning to worship you, to learn, and to grow. We want to understand your love more deeply and figure out how to live it out in our everyday lives. Guide us in this time together— in our singing, praying, listening, and sharing. Let everything we do bring you joy and help us leave here changed for the better. Amen.
PRELUDE & LIGHTING ALTAR CANDLES “Abide with Me”- Mark Stokes - Guest Organist
*HYMN “The Church’s One Foundation” - #545
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: God our Provider, we come into this space with many needs.
P: Some of us are seeking strength to face hard things.
L: Some of us are looking for hope because we’re tired and weary.
P: Some of us just need to feel loved—because we feel alone.
L: But in this place, we believe You will meet us.
P: Through a song, a word, a prayer, or a quiet moment— You are here. You are with us. And we are ready to worship. Amen.
HYMN “When Love is Found” - #643
MORNING PRAYER:
Gracious and loving God, On this special day, we thank You for the gift of fathers and father figures— For their strength, their guidance, their sacrifices, and their love. We give thanks for those who have been present in our lives— who have encouraged us, protected us, and shown us glimpses of Your heart.
Just as the father in Jesus’ story waited patiently and welcomed his son with open arms, we are reminded of Your unwavering love, grace, and compassion for us all. Lord, bless the fathers who lead with wisdom and kindness, who work hard to provide, who forgive with open hearts, and who point their families toward Your truth. Encourage the tired, renew the discouraged, and inspire all fathers to lead with faith.
For those who are missing their dads today, or carry wounds from broken relationships, bring comfort, healing, and hope. And for those who step into the role of father—mentors, uncles, coaches, teachers—we thank You. Help all of us, Lord, to extend love, mercy, and forgiveness to one another, just as You have done for us. May our homes be places of grace, where unity and compassion grow.
We celebrate the fathers among us today, and we lift our eyes to You, our perfect Heavenly Father, who never gives up on us, who welcomes us home, and who rejoices when we return. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Proverbs 4:1-15
OUR TIME OF PRAYER (During our time of prayer, the altar rail is open for all who wish to come forward.)
HYMN “Sanctuary”
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: “Rock of Ages” – Mark Stokes
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
CHILDREN’S MOMENTS (Children may be dismissed for Jr. Church at this time)
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 15:11-32
SERMON “A Caring Father” - brought by David Kudel
*HYMN “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” - #365
*BENEDICTION
*SENDING FORTH “As We Go”
POSTLUDE “This is My Father’s World” - Mark Stokes