The Transforming Power of Love

The fifth Sunday of Easter

We love God and others because Christ first loved us. We cannot say we love God, whom we have not seen, while hating fellow Christians, whom we regularly see. Love toward God is to be matched by love toward others because the essence of God is love.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Canzone”, Noel Goemanne

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “Christ Is Risen”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Acts 8:26-40

Second Reading: 1 John 4:7-21

Bells of Hope: “The Lord is My Shepherd”, by Judy Hunnicutt

Children’s Time

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel: John 15:1-8

Sermon: “The Transforming Power of Love”, Pastor Dan Severson Sermon

Hymn: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of Intercession

Offertory Music: “Norwegian Folksong”, Edvard Grieg

Offering Response: “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”

The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Let All Things Now Living”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Trumpet Alleluia”, Gordon Young