May 4, 2025 Worship Service
Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio
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OPENING SONGS: “Shout to the Lord” and “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” - #334
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord of Life, you meet us where we are, challenge our assumptions, and turn our lives upside
down. Remove the scales from our eyes, so we can see the fullness of your love, the beautiful
diversity of the people you call us to love, and the joy of sharing your welcome with all. Fill us
with 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” - #378
CALL 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 our
old ways of thinking, behaving, responding to people’s needs. We can dance with the angels
and all humankind on Easter Sunday, but the days following the Day of Resurrection cause us
to slip back into apathy or despair.
Forgive us when we so easily become distracted by our own cares and worries that we
ignore 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 hearts
and hands for helping, voices for praising you forever! AMEN.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Corinthians 5:17
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
*DOXOLOGY
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
CHILDRENS’ MOMENTS: (Children may be dismissed for Jr. Church at this time)
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 9:1-20
SERMON “Can People Change?”
HOLY COMMUNION
*HYMN “Great is Thy Faithfulness” - #140
*BENEDICTION
*SENDING FORTH “Because He Lives” chorus only
POSTLUDE “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands