THE LORD’S DAY
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
SERMON
BIBLE SENTENCE & PRAYER: Stated Supply Pastor Rev. Dr. R. Geoffrey Brown
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PRELUDE: “We are the Reason,” arr. Mark Hayes
Musicians today: Robin Phillips, piano and soloist; Shannon Lewis, violin
PLEASE NOTE: This music provides an opportunity for us to meditate, prepare our hearts, and reverently worship God the Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit.
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CALL TO WORSHIP: Elder Rosie Dewey
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Gal 1:3-5)
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom 11:36)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Cor 10:31; 1 Pet 4:11)
To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:21)
Ascribe to the Lord, clans of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name… Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness, tremble before Him all the earth. (1 Chron 16:28-30)
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Tim 4:18)
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SONG OF PRAISE: “Holy, Holy, Holy”
1 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed trinity!
2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
3 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinfulness thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed trinity!
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INVOCATION: In Unison
Eternal God, our Alpha and Omega, we have gathered here to worship You. In Your time, You created all things, and wove into their fabric a yearning for fulfillment in You. It is this yearning within us that has pulled us here this morning. Take these moments, O Lord, and complete them in us, through Your Holy Spirit. May our labor bring forth a new creation in You. Help us to make the most of each precious moment of worshiping You. For in the name of Christ we have gathered, and we pray. Amen.
HYMN OF WORSHIP: “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
1 We sing the mighty power of God
that made the mountains rise,
that spread the flowing seas abroad
and built the lofty skies.
We sing the wisdom that ordained
the sun to rule the day;
the moon shines full at his command,
and all the stars obey.
2 We sing the goodness of the Lord
that filled the earth with food;
he formed the creatures with his word
and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how your wonders are displayed,
where’er we turn our eyes,
if we survey the ground we tread
or gaze upon the skies.
3 There’s not a plant or flower below
but makes your glories known,
and clouds arise and tempests blow
by order from your throne;
while all that borrows life from you
is ever in your care,
and everywhere that we can be,
you, God, are present there.
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CONFESSING OUR SIN TOGETHER: In Unison
Our good and loving Father in heaven, You were pleased to create us in Your image and breathe life into us, yet sin entices us away from Your perfection. We sin against You and Your gift of life by taking it for granted for ourselves, others, and the unborn. We don’t enter into the pain and fear experienced by those in a crisis. We are often prideful, unkind to others, quick to criticize them, and even quicker to accuse. We claim, “this is my body” or, “this is my life” but You sent Your Son Jesus Christ who gave His body and gave His life to redeem us from the penalty of our sin. We beg that the Holy Spirit open our eyes to the opportunities that You set before us to give You glory, and pray that He prompt us to serve those who do not yet know Your wondrous love. We pray in the name of the Son. Amen. Please the next few moments for quiet reflection and confession of sins to God.
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ASSURANCE OF PARDON:
Jesus said, “I came that they might have life”. Through His perfect life and His innocent death, Jesus restored the relationship between the Holy Father and His sinful children. In Him you have life.
THE READING OF GOD’S WORD: Pastor Geoff
OT: Psalm 139; NT: Luke 1:13-15, 39-45
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PRAYER FOR THE PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE: PSC member Jerry Sandeno
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MINUTE FOR MISSIONS: Mending Wings – ministry to native youth in Wapato
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OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS TO GOD FOR RPC MINISTRY & MISSION
OFFERTORY: “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” Matt Redman
DOXOLOGY:
Praise God from Who all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
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HYMN OF ADORATION: “Because He Lives”
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he brings;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
THE WORD SPEAKS TO OUR LIVES: Pastor Geoff
Sounding God’s Trumpet for the Unborn
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CLOSING SONG: “Here I Am, Lord”
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them
Whom shall I send
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word to them,
Whom shall I send
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life to them,
Whom shall I send
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
