Southminster Presbyterian Church
4th Sunday of Easter April 21, 2024
10:30 am Hybrid/Zoom Worship
Liturgical Color Today is White
*All who are able, please stand
Prelude Alberta Stith
Welcome Janis McGeehan
Sharing the Peace of Christ
Leader: Jesus Christ is our peace. He has reconciled us to God in one body by the cross. We meet in his name and share his peace. The Peace of Christ be with you.
People: And also, with you.
Introit: “We Have Come Into This House” Small Ensemble
Call to Worship
Leader: Jesus the Christ said, I am the Good Shepherd.
People: We have come to follow him.
Leader: We gather in the name of Jesus the Christ, who leads us by still waters.
People: We have come to be restored in him.
Leader: We gather in the name of Jesus the Christ to give him all the honor and glory.
All: We have come to be fed by his love, so let us worship God.
THE GATHERING OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Hymn of Praise: “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit” Page 408
Call to Confession: Loving God, our shepherd, guide and giver of life. You nourish our lives and lead us into green pastures. You restore our souls with rest and peace. You give us joy so our lives overflow with goodness and grace. You walk with us through the darkest valleys, offering us courage and compassion–for this we give you praise.
Prayer of Confession: God of Mercy, you lead us into green pastures, but our lifestyles put those pastures at risk. You offer us rest, but we like to pursue our goals and have our own agendas. You call us to show compassion, but we are quick to judge others. Forgive and humble us to live as your children. In humility and faith, we confess our sins:
Silent Confession
Assurance of Forgiveness: Jesus said, come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Southminster, trust that peace and forgiveness are God’s gift to you this day. Be renewed by the power of the Spirit that moves with you into each new day.
People: Thanks be to God, we are forgiven. Amen.
*Gloria Patri Page 581
A Time for Children
Anthem “What A Wonderful Savior” Small Ensemble
THE WORD FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
Prayer of Illumination: God of Word and Wisdom, send us your Holy Spirit as we listen to the witness of your people in the scriptures. May we claim the story of your redeeming love again, and praise you with our lives through Christ, our Lord and Shepherd. Amen.
First Reading: Psalm 23 (New Revised Standard Version)
Hymn of Inspiration: “The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want” Page 801
Second Reading : John 10:11-18 (New Revised Standard Version Updated)
Sermon: “Lay It Down” Elder LeQuan Turner, Pastor, M.Div,MA
Affirmation of Faith- Apostles Creed– (Responsive)
Do you believe in God?
We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
We believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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 to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
We 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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Invitation to Prayer Christian Women’s & Men’s Fellowship CWF/CMF
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer (traditional) Page 464
Choral Response “Jesus, Remember Me” Small Ensemble
Invitation to the Offering Christian Women’s & Men’s Fellowship CWF/CMF
Offering
*Doxology Page 606
Prayer of Dedication: The Gospel writer John reminds us that because Jesus laid down his life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for one another. What we offer today is not quite such a complete sacrifice, but our monetary gifts show our gratitude and commitment in response to the gift we receive in Christ Jesus. Bless the gifts we offer and multiply their impact. Use them to spread your love and protect all that is vulnerable in your creation, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord. Amen.
Announcements
Closing Hymn “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky (Here I Am, Lord) Page 69
THE SENDING OF GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
Charge and Benediction
Choral Prayer “He Is Lord” Small Ensemble
Postlude Alberta Stith
SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
7801 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Phone: 301-567-1510
E-mail address:Southminster@verizon.net
Webpage::www.Southminstermd.org
Pastor: Elder Le Quan Turner, M.Div.,MA
Choir Director: Gail Tyler
Organist: Alberta Stith
Administrative Assistant: Lori Weaver
Pulpit Assistant: Janis McGeehan
WEEK: April 21, through April 27, 2024
TODAY 10:30 am WORSHIP SERVICE
MONDAY Church Office Closed
TUESDAY 8:30 – 1:00 pm Church Office Open
WEDNESDAY 8:30 – 1:00 pm Church Office Open
10:00 – 11:30 Bible Study, led by Gwen Driggins
THURSDAY 8:30 – 1:00 pm Church Office Open
FRIDAY 8:30 – 1:00 pm Church Office Open
SATURDAY Church Office Closed
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WELCOME! We are blessed by your presence with us today. We give a special welcome to our visitors. Southminster is committed to growing in faith and being a blessing to our neighbors. We thank God for our diversity of race, theological views, and personal background. We invite you to visit with us during the fellowship time after worship and to worship with us again. If you have questions about our ministry, speak with a worship leader. Please send us your email and telephone number if you have questions about us and may want to join us in worship at some time. We offer you blessings in the name of the Lord. To join us for worship online each Sunday, you may join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Please invite others. The link to church worship services can be found on the Church website at the following URL http://southminstermd.org/worship.
The bulletin can also be found on the church website.
Moderator. Elder LeQuan Turner, M.Div.,MA Session Elders – – Clerk of Session– Vacant. Class of 2025 – Rose Gregory; Grace Nguhmbi; Anna Tendongfack. Class of 2026– Julius Njabebuh; Kudi Njembu; Frida Fru. Class of 2027- Jennifer Driggins, Janis McGeehan, Theresia Njembu
Prayers: We continue to pray for our homebound members.
Pastor Turner’s Physical Office Hours for the week: Saturday April 27, 2024.
Hours: 10 am – noon. Please call the church office, (301) 567-1510) if you need to schedule a pastoral appointment.
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS): This year marks 75 years of providing support to those in need around the world. Southminster will be collecting offerings for “One Great Hour of Sharing” (OGHS) starting now through April 30th. (Please make checks payable to Southminster and write “One Great Hour of Sharing” on your envelope and check. Be sure cash is in an envelope and marked with your name and “One Great Hour of Sharing” so it goes to the correct fund.) Thank you very much for supporting this special offering!
Upcoming Events:
Oxon Hill Elementary Family Market
Volunteers are needed each month to sort and distribute food at Oxon Hill Elementary School. Teens can use this activity for Community Service Hours. Bring your paperwork for the coordinator to sign. Contact Janis McGeehan if you would like to help.
From 2-4:00 pm sort and set-up
From 4-5:00 pm assist with distribution
Dates: ( May 21, June 11)
Sunday, May 19th Pentecost Sunday, Wearing of Red
Sunday, May 26th American Flag in Sanctuary in honor of Memorial Day
Higher Education Fund
It’s that time of year again when we collect funds to finance our “Higher Education Fund.” Our goal is to raise at least $3,000.00. We will be collecting funds through May. Please make your checks payable to “ Southminster Presbyterian Church” and note on the memo section that it is for the “Higher Education Fund.”
Flower Fund needs replenishment. Please see Nurture Division.
$$$ Online Giving Link $$$