DUC

WE GATHER TO PRAISE GOD
TO PONDER: Who is welcome among us? If a homeless person walked in and sat beside you, would you make them feel welcome? If a prostitute came in and sat beside you, would you make them feel welcome? If your obnoxious neighbour walked in and sat beside you, would you welcome them?
⁷ But when they persisted in asking Him, He (Jesus) straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7 (NASB95)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) - this includes you and me. Yet, if Jesus were here, he would be the first to jump up and welcome you.

MUSICAL PRELUDE: ( A time for quiet reflection and preparation for worship )

HYMN : "Come In, Come In and Sit Down" V.U. 395

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP

HYMN: " Spirit of the Living God" V.U. 376

A PRAYER OF APPROACH:
Leader: Loving Lord, as we gather today we have come to church for so many different reasons.
Choir: But we know regardless of why we are here today you welcome us as the Father welcomed his wayward son home.
Leader: Forgiving Lord, as we come to church today, you do not seek to condemn us, but to revive us, renew us, set us free to live life to the full.
People: So, here we are in your presence and in this family of faith. Speak to us today. Begin a new revival in our hearts, our minds, our spirits and our congregation.
All: So be it! Right On! Amen!

SUNG RESPONSE:
Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Saviour, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some brokenness in me;
Cleanse me from every wrong, and set me free.

SERVICE OF LIGHTING THE CANDLE:
Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
Jesus is our friend who loves us always.

ANTHEM WE HEAR GOD'S LOVING WORD FOR US

MESSAGE: "You Are Welcome In This Place"

HYMN: " All Are Welcome In This Place" (Omit verse 3) M.V. 1

RESPONSE: Lord, Listen To Your Children Praying V.U. 400
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Lord, send your Spirit in this place,
Lord, listen to your children praying,
Send us love, send us power, send us grace

PASTORAL PRAYER
Leader: Saviour Jesus, You died that we might live. You rose from the grave that we might be empowered by your presence in our lives.
People: Jesus author of Community, when you rose from the grave you gave us the opportunity to become part of God's family. A family into which all are welcome - the good, the bad; the rich, the poor; people of all races and cultures; everyone.
Leader: Welcoming Jesus, your desire is that all will come to know you so that they will know that there is one place that they are truly welcome.
People: Thank you Jesus, that you love us as we are, but love us so much that you are constantly encouraging us to become who you created us to be.
Leader: Thank you Jesus, that you are present with us and that you have given us your Word - the Bible that we might learn your way, understand your truth and implement both into our lives.
People: Compassionate Jesus, we know we are not perfect and we need the power of your Holy Spirit to help us to live this awesome life you created us to live.
Leader: Gracious Jesus, today we ask for a new infilling of your Spirit that we might grow each day into your faithful disciples who are not afraid to talk to people about your love, compassion and grace, letting them know that in this congregation they are welcome.
All: Amen

WE RESPOND TO GOD'S WORD IN FAITH AND ACTION

OFFERING INVITATION

OFFERTORY RESPONSE: V.U. 552
For food in a world where many walk in hunger,
for friends in a world where many walk alone,
for faith in a world where many walk in fear,
we give you thanks, O God

OFFERTORY PRAYER:

HYMN: "You Shall Go Out With Joy" V.U. page 884

COMMISSIONING AND BLESSING

POSTLUDE ( A time to quietly reflect on all that you have experienced this morning

LicenSing #620168