ORDER OF WORSHIP
May 2, 2021 - 9 AM Worship Service
Prelude
Welcome & Announcements

Hymn of PraiseWhere Charity and Love Prevail, v1,2,5 (UMH #549)
Where charity and love prevail,
 there God is ever found;
brought here together by Christ’s love,
 by love are we thus bound.

With grateful joy and holy fear
 true charity we learn;
Let us with heart and mind and strength
 now love Christ in return.

Let us recall that in our midst
 dwells God’s begotten Son;
As members of his body joined,
 we are in him made one.

 
Call to Worship:                                                                                                                            
Pastor: Christ Jesus, the true vine, calls us to draw near.
People: We come, longing to abide in the presence of Christ.
Pastor: Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own,
People: Apart from Christ we can do nothing.
Pastor: Come, let us love one another and worship the Lord with gladness,
People: Let us abide in the words of Christ and bring glory to God.
 
Affirmation of FaithThe Apostles’ Creed                 UMH 881
 
Scripture LessonI John 4:7-16
 
Message in Music - In the Garden - Garry Warlow
 
Prayer of Intercession

Prayer of Confession
God of mercy and love, we are blessed and sustained by the care you provide as you cultivate and prune us to produce good fruit for the glory of Christ. We come today, longing to draw our strength and nourishment from you alone. Still, there are many times when we separate ourselves from you and your ways. We fail to love others as you love us. We turn our backs to those who are suffering, and we look with indifference on those in need. Forgive us, O Lord. Restore and strengthen us, such that we may abide fully in your love and live out your extravagant grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
Experiencing and Extending the Peace of Christ (Note: we will extend the Peace of Christ without physical contact.)
 
Offering
Prayer of Thanksgiving
 
Hymn  Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring (UMH #644)
Jesus, joy of our desiring,
 holy wisdom, love most bright; drawn by thee, our souls aspiring
 soar to uncreated light. 
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, with the fire of life impassioned, striving still to truth unknown,
 soaring, dying round thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding, hark, what peaceful music rings; where the flock, in thee confiding,
 drink of joy from deathless springs. Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure;
 theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead thine own
 in the love of joys unknown.       
                             
SermonThe Promise of Fruit - Pastor Brad
               Text: John 15:1-8
 
Sacrament of Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People:  And also with you.
Pastor: Lift up your hearts
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Pastor:  Let us give thanks to the Lord  our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks  and praise.

Pastor: ….And so, with your people on  earth and all the company of  heaven we praise your name and  join their unending hymn.
People:  Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of  power and might, heaven and  earth are full of your glory,  Hosanna in the highest.  Blessed is he who comes in the  name of the Lord. 
Hosanna in the highest.
Pastor: ….And so, in remembrance of  these your mighty acts in Jesus  Christ, we offer ourselves in praise  and thanksgiving as a holy and  living sacrifice, in union with  Christ’s offering for us, as we  proclaim the mystery of faith. 
People:  Christ has died; Christ is risen;  Christ will come again.
Pastor:  ….Through Your Son Jesus  Christ, with the Holy Spirit in  your holy church, all honor and  glory is yours, almighty Father,  now and  forever. 
People: Amen.

HymnSent Forth By God’s Blessing (UMH #664)
Sent forth by God’s blessing,
 our true faith confessing,
The people of God
 from this dwelling take leave.
The service is ended,
 O now be extended
The fruits of our worship
 in all who believe.

The seed of the teaching,
 receptive souls reaching,
shall blossom in action
 for God and for all.
God’s grace did invite us,
 and love shall unite us
to work for God’s kingdom
 and answer the call. 

With praise and thanksgiving
 to God ever living,
the tasks of our every day life
 we will face. 
Our faith ever sharing,
 in love ever caring,
embracing God’s children
 of each tribe and race. 

With your grace you feed us,
 with your light now lead us;
Unite us as one
 in this life that we share. 
Then may all the living
 with praise and thanksgiving
give honor to Christ
 and that name which we bear.

Benediction
Postlude/Dismissal


Accompanist: Brian Barber
Special Music: Garry Warlow
Tammy Coapman, Jack Coapman, Lynne Tomlinson

Rev. Brad Leight
Ruth Portzline, CLM
We will celebrate Holy Communion this Sunday
Drive-Through Communion will be available at 10:30 for those not able to attend in-person. Communion offering will support the Red Bird Trailer Ministry.
Tithes and offerings may be given in person, through the website 'Give' tab at the top right corner, through text giving (877-960-2396)
or by mail: 820 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA 18974
Thank you for your generosity!
St. John's Ivyland
820 Almshouse Road
Ivyland, PA 18974
215-357-6998
stjohnsivyland.com
Rev. Brad Leight, Pastor