One Nation, Under God

This is our first in-person worship service since March. Due to some technical difficulties (and lack of a good internet connection!), only the audio of the sermon is available for this week. The audio is embedded at the appropriate point of the worship service. Just hit the play button when you get there.

Hymn: America the Beautiful
 
Call to Worship
We gather this morning appreciating our freedom to worship God and to return to our church sanctuary. May God continue to bless our church and our country during these times of uncertainty. We draw near to God who rules over all nations. May God continue to bless each of us and all his children around the world. We seek to live in harmony and peace together with all people on the earth. May God continue to establish peace on earth and help us understand that it begins in our hearts. Almighty God, bless our nation and make it true to the ideas of freedom, justice and brotherhood for who make it great. Guard us against war, fire, wind, compromise, fear and confusion. Let us feel the love, warmth and joy of your presence each day.
 
Hymn: Battle Hymn of the Republic

Prayer of Confession
As we come before you this morning we give you praise for the freedoms that we as a nation enjoy. You have granted us life and liberty. Because of your loving-kindness we have the freedom to own property and pursue our personal welfare. We thank you Oh Lord, for looking upon us so kindly. We thank you for causing our forefathers to implement laws that were in accord with true justice and wisdom. We give you praise that our nation was founded on the principles of truth and the freedom that is found in your law. Give us a fresh outpouring of your spirit. Like the days of old where revival and renewal graced our lands, let us be drawn back to our God. We ask all these things on this Sabbath morning in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
Time of Personal Reflection
 
Assurance of Pardon
In Christ there is no east or west,
In him no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.
In Jesus Christ, there is new life.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Amen
 
Apostle's Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Ghost
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, dead and buried.
      On the third day he arose from the dead.
      He ascended into heaven
      and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From thence he shall 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.
 
Children's Sermon
 
Prayer of Illumination
 
Scripture Lesson
Psalm 33:1-22

Psalm 33
1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the Lord with the harp;
    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is right and true;
    he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
    the earth is full of his unfailing love.
6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
    their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
    he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
    let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
    he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
    he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
    the purposes of his heart through all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
    the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the Lord looks down
    and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches
    all who live on earth--
15 he who forms the hearts of all,
    who considers everything they do.
16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
    no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
    despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
    on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
    and keep them alive in famine.
20 We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you.

​Sermon: One Nation, Under God

North Buffalo Church · Sermon July 6

Hymn: This is My Country
 
The Offering
(Offering plates located near the door)

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lift up your hearts
We lift them up to the Lord
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give God thanks and praise
 
Church Joys and Concerns
These were listed in the Sunday bulletin, and shared with the congregation. If you have corrections or additions, you can let us know by commenting on this post, sending an email to the church, or calling Pastor Gary.

• Ron Westfall will hopefully have surgery soon
• Ed Horne is still resting at home
• Donna West is continuing her rehab
• Mike Durila is home
• June McGill is still recovering
• Edith Dunn
• Dianna Donaldson
• A joy to see each other in person
• Frank Baker has had two more great-grandchildren born during the pandemic
• Sympathy to the families of Rick Moore, Robert Hickman, Peggy Berdine, and Kathy Stevens

Continued Prayer List

• Roma Grose
• Ruth Hampe
• Dave Burt
• Susan Schively
• Jimmy Davis
• Judy Donaldson
• Margo Johnson
• Melissa Pedigo
• Aaron Blake
• isa Phillips
• Mickey Gubitti
• Chip Rogers
• Dixie Avolia
• Virginia Coffield
• Esther Gamble

• Dennis McWreath
• Gail Doman
• Chuck Whirlow
• Chuck Dicks
• Randy
• Margaret Knabenshue
• Janet Schively
• Shirley Teagarden
• Mary Ann Durila
• Patty nagy
• Dr. Fox
• Dick Cross
• Karen Eisiminger
• Kelly Gump
• Mary Ann McFeeley

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
 
Charge and Benediction
 
Hymn: My Country Tis of Thee

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If you need anything during this time, please get in touch with Pastor Gary or a session member. If you have a prayer request, you can post below or call Linda Miller. If you are in need of food from our food pantry, please contact Becky Phillips. 

Please remember that if you plan to attend worship in person for the month of July, you will need to call Don Hanes to let him know. Our process for attending church in this process of reopening can be found here. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know by emailing the church, calling a session member, or calling Pastor Gary.