WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
BREAKTHROUGH PRAYER: Amazing God, we pray that through the Holy Spirit Your preferred future for Groveport United Methodist Church will be made clear to us. Give us the courage we need to follow You wherever You may take us. We ask that You bind us together in love so that we can bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our friends, families, and community. Open our eyes so that we may see the amazing things You are already doing among us. AMEN.
PRELUDE & LIGHTING OF ALTAR CANDLES “We Gather Together”
*OPENING HYMN Chancel Choir & Congregation- “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: The time of gathering is here.
People: We have come from far and wide to offer our praise to God for God’s many blessings to us.
Leader: Open your hearts to God’s compassionate words of love.
People: Help us, O Lord, to receive your gifts in gratitude and to live lives of helpful service to others.
Leader: In Christ’s Name, we pray. People: AMEN.
HYMN “Thank You, Lord”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Patient Lord, we are rushing headlong into the holiday season, forgetting that the word “holiday” is actually comprised of two words: “holy and day.” Forgive us when we treat the “holiday” as a task and a burden, when we load ourselves down with tasks that do not enhance this day. Help us move past the busyness of the day into the attitude of gratitude we should display for all the many wonders and blessings you have poured on us.
Forgive us when we grumble and gripe about the work and do not relish the delight in having family and friends together. Remind us that there are those for whom this day holds little delight and hope. Help us reach out to them with love, listening to their hearts and trying to meet their needs. Cause us to be people of Passion about the love you have given to us and about the joy of serving you by helping others.
In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 12:4-5
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 Chancel Choir – “Thanks to Thee”
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
JUNIOR CHOIR “Give Thanks” and “Give Thanks to the Lord”
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Philippians 1:3-11
THANKSGIVING REFLECTION “Who’s in your 5?“
HYMN “Count Your Blessings”
*BENEDICTION
*SENDING FORTH “As We Go”
POSTLUDE “Come Ye Thankful People, Come”