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6.7.20 - The Trinity as Connection






Welcome to First Presbyterian Online!


 Visit past services at firstonsecond.blogspot.com.

 Click here for an automatic playlist that plays this week's videos. (Click "Play All.")

God’s People Gather
*Prelude with Amy

Prelude Pondering
Because the Christian God is not a lonely God, but rather a communion of three persons, faith leads human beings into the divine communion. One cannot, however, have a self-enclosed communion with the Triune God- a "foursome," as it were-- for the Christian God is not a private deity. Communion with this God is at once also communion with those others who have entrusted themselves in faith to the same God. Hence one and the same act of faith places a person into a new relationship both with God and with all others who stand in communion with God.”
― Miroslav Volf, After Our Likeness: The Church as the Image of the Trinity

*Welcome with Christina


*Call to Worship with Toni & Diana

Leader: We are reflections of the triune God, Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer.
People: We were made for God and for one another.
Leader: Every stone and river, every tree and flower, every living creature reflects God’s love.
People: Through us, God’s creating love is visible.
Leader: In Jesus Christ, we are redeemed; in Jesus Christ, God’s love is made manifest.
People: Through us, the good news of Jesus is shared.
Leader: With the power of the Holy Spirit, we are one body and one people.
People: Through us, the fire and wind of the Spirit is seen and heard.
Leader: We are made for God and for one another.
ALL: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, let us worship God!

*Opening Song - Holy, Holy, Holy


*Prayer of Confession & Assurance of Pardon

Loving God, we know that we do not travel solo in this life, but together with you and each other. We are connected in unseen ways to you and to all of creation, and yet we act as if our personal dreams, or our individual rights or our singular desires are more important than anything. We cut ourselves off from one another, and the pain of separation makes us weary and unhappy. Forgive us, God, and restore us to holy connection with you and one another. Heal our rifts and strengthen us to live fully and freely in the network of connections and relationships you have given us. Hear now our silent prayers:

Silence is kept

Leader: Friends, in our baptism, we are made one with the body of Christ, and sealed as Christ’s own forever. As the waters of baptism cleanse and refresh us, so God’s grace in Jesus Christ redeems and renews us. Give thanks, people of God!

People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.

*Response - Glory to God


*Sharing the Peace of Christ

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

Have you been joining us virtually even though you have not been to our church in person? We'd love to add your peace pictures! Please text one to Nicole at 815-200-8642. We would love to include you!  We also need more pics from members, so take another peace selfie and send it in!

God’s Word is Proclaimed
*Children’s Time


*Scripture Reading Matthew 28:16-20, The Message & Sermon

Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
Responding to God’s Word
*Offering

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

*Prayer of Dedication

Holy God, three in one, you dance eternally in relationship. Now teach us the steps of your unending dance of love. Take us and these our gifts to share with others, that the music of your grace will be heard by all and they will join this dance of hope and grace. Amen.

*Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 

God’s People are Sent
*Closing Song - You Are Mine


 *Benediction

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



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