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4.26.20 - What We Know

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 Welcome to First Presbyterian Sterling Online!

 *Prelude with Erik & Nicole

Prelude Pondering
Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity. -- Henri Nouwen

*Welcome Message

 
*Call to Worship 

Leader: Risen Savior, on the road to Emmaus, you walked with the travelers.
People: Walk alongside us, now.
Leader: As you walked with them, you interpreted the stories of yourself.
People: Let the light of your presence illuminate our worship.
Leader: They did not know you, Jesus, until you broke the bread with them.
People: Open our eyes to your presence, and kindle anew in us the joy of your love!
ALL: Let us worship God!

*Opening Song - Open the Eyes of My Heart


*Prayer of Confession

Loving God, there are moments on this journey when we are so focused on each other that we do not notice you are right beside us. We walk along as if we were alone, and nothing you say to us reaches us. Other times, O God, we talk so much about you that we drown out your voice. Forgive us, God! Help us to keep still and listen for your voice in the voices of those around us. Help us to talk to you more than we talk about you. Give us open hearts to extend hospitality and welcome to those we do not know, and so, reach out in love to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Silence is kept

Assurance of Pardon
Leader: Friends, here is the good news of the gospel: death could not hold our Lord. Jesus has never left us, but walks alongside us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and his love for us is without end! Give thanks, people of God:
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Sharing the Peace of Christ
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also with you.

*Peace Song 

God’s Word is Proclaimed

*Children’s Time with Nan

*Scripture Reading - Luke 24:13-35


*Sermon

Responding to God’s Word

*Offering - Emmaus

Please remember to send in your offering and pledge. If you are enrolled in electronic funds transfer, no need to do anything different. If you would like to give online using Paypal,
click this link:
bit.ly/FPCsterling

*Prayer of Dedication, Sharing of Joys and Concerns, Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer
Gracious God, you have given us our lives, and you have been present with us in every moment. You have opened the scriptures to us, and opened our hearts to you. Let us now extend that same generosity, knowledge, and hospitality with others. We bring these gifts to that end, and offer them in the name of Jesus. Amen.

God’s People are Sent

*Closing Song - Lord I Lift Your Name on High


*Benediction

Leader:….and let all God’s people say…
People: Alleluia! Amen!

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