A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
A Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
May 11, 2025 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude “How Firm A Foundation” -Hymn #427
Choral Introit “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” -Hymn #575
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Children’s Message
Opening Hymn (stay seated) “I Serve a Risen Savior” -Hymn #365
*Call to Worship -Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd.
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.
*Opening Praise Songs
“Here I Am to Worship” -CCLI #3266032; Hymn #567
“Lord, I Need You” -CCLI #5935687
Call to Confession –Romans 1:29-31
Let us confess our sins to almighty God. Let us pray.
Silent Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
People of God, Hear the Good News of the Gospel! By the love of God, by the blood of Christ, by the power of the Spirit, Your sins are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Guide for Grateful Living -Ephesians 6:1-3
Choral Anthem “A Joyful, Jubilant Song” -Barrett & Angerman © 2015, Hal Leonard
Offering Ourselves and our Gifts “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” -Hymn #405
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
The Word of God in Proclamation & Sacrament
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Acts 9:1-20, NIV (Pew Bible Pages 1563-1564)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “BIG CHANGES FOR ST. PAUL”
Prayer of Application
*Hymn of Response “Be Still, for the Presence” -Hymn #532
*Profession of Faith The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*This month we’ve added music to the Celebration of Communion
The Institution of the Lord’s Supper -1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Communion Prayer -Hymn #811
(Please turn to the Red Hymnal #811 for the remaining prayers and songs prior to Communion.)
(Sing Hymn #811)
The Lord be with you. And also with you
Now lift up your hearts. We lift them in praise.
O let us give thanks to the Lord.
It is good and it is right, our joy and our delight
to give God praise at all times and in all ways!
Communion Prayer
(Sing Hymn #811)
O, holy are you, Lord, the God of power and might; the angels veil their sight! Earth is aflame with the glory of your name!
Hosanna! Blessed is he! Christ Jesus, who is come, the Lord’s anointed one: He comes again! Hosanna, Lord. Amen
Communion Prayer
(Sing Hymn #811)
Your death, O Christ, we proclaim. Your rising celebrate!
Your coming we await, to make all things new. All glory unto you.
Communion Prayer (Sing Hymn #811)
Alleluia! Lord! Amen!
The Sacrament of Communion
Preparation at the Lord’s Table
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
All believers here present are invited to participate in the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
Receiving Communion
The congregation comes forward to receive bread and cup.
Our Response to God
Thanksgiving Prayer -from Psalm 103, with additions
Brothers and sisters, since the Lord has now fed us at his Table, let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits—
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, and will also
give us all things with him.
Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord, from this time forth forevermore. Amen.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*Closing Praise Song “Open the Eyes of My Heart“ -CCLI #2298355; Hymn #537
*Benediction
*Postlude “He Leadeth Me” -Hymn #440
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.