MAY 10, 2026 ORDER OF WORSHIP

 

WELCOME Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist

 

PRELUDE Dr. Banks

 

INVOCATION (Remain Seated) Liturgist

 

Holy and sovereign God,

You are the ruler of heaven and earth, the One before whom kings and nations stand. Yet you call ordinary people to care for your flock and to speak your truth in the world.

Fill us with the boldness of your Spirit, just as you strengthened the early church. When we feel small or uncertain, remind us that your power is at work within us. Shape us into leaders who reflect your grace, speak your truth with courage, and serve your people with joy.

As we worship today, renew our hearts and send us out ready to follow wherever Christ leads.

In the name of Jesus, our Shepherd and our Lord,
Amen.

 

**CALL TO WORSHIP Liturgist

 

Leader: The world often seeks power, status, and control.

People: But Christ calls us to lead with humility and love.

Leader: Shepherd God’s people willingly, not for gain, but with eager hearts.

People: We follow the example of Christ, the Chief Shepherd.

Leader: When the early believers faced opposition, they gathered in prayer.

People: And God filled them with courage and boldness.

Leader: The place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

People: And they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Leader: Come, let us worship the God who strengthens us for faithful leadership.

People: We come to worship the Lord with humble and courageous hearts.

 

**WORSHIP SONG “Build My Life” (Pat Barrett)

Pat Barrett - Build My Life (Official Audio)

 

OFFERING & OFFERTORY

 

**DOXOLOGY    

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him all creatures here below;

Praise Him above ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

 

OFFERTORY PRAYER Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

JOYS AND CONCERNS Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

PASTORAL PRAYER

LORD’S PRAYER

 

SCRIPTURE READING 1 Peter 5:2-7 NRSV Liturgist

2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it, not for sordid gain but eagerly. 

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3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 

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4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. 

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5 In the same way, you who are younger must be subject to the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 

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6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 

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7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

 

RESPONSE TO SCRIPTURE Liturgist

Liturgist:  The Word of God for the people of God.

Congregation:  Thanks be to God.

 

SPECIAL MUSIC Dr. Banks

 

SCRIPTURE READING Acts 4:27-33 NRSV Liturgist

7 “For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, 

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28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 

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29 And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 

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30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 

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31 When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. 

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32 Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. 

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33 With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

 

RESPONSE TO SCRIPTURE Liturgist

Pastor:  The Word of God for the people of God.

Congregation:  Thanks be to God.

 

SERMON “Discipleship: Disciples Lead Courageously” Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

**UMH HYMN #374 “Standing on the Promises”

VERSE 1

Standing on the promises 

of Christ my King,

Through eternal ages 

let His praises ring;

Glory in the highest, 

I will shout and sing,

Standing on the promises of God.

CHORUS

Standing, standing, Standing 

on the promises of God my Savior;

Standing, standing, 

I’m standing on the promises of God.

VERSE 2

Standing on the promises

that cannot fail,

When the howling storms

of doubt and fear assail,

By the living word of God 

I shall prevail,

Standing on the promises of God.

CHORUS

Standing, standing, Standing 

on the promises of God my Savior;

Standing, standing,

I’m standing on the promises of God

VERSE 3

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,

Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,

Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,

Standing on the promises of God.

CHORUS

Standing, standing, Standing 

on the promises of God my Savior;

Standing, standing,

I’m standing on the promises of God

VERSE 5

Standing on the promises 

I cannot fall,

List’ning ev’ry moment 

to the Spirit’s call,

Resting in my Savior, 

as my all in all,

Standing on the promises of God.

CHORUS

Standing, standing, Standing 

on the promises of God my Savior;

Standing, standing,

I’m standing on the promises of God

 

FELLOWSHIP BLESSING Youth Representative

 

Gracious God,

You remind us to cast all our anxieties on you, because you care for us. As we gather now in fellowship, help us to support and encourage one another as members of your flock.

Let our time together reflect the humility and love to which Christ calls us, and may we leave this place encouraged to serve and lead with courage.
Amen.

**BENEDICTION Rev. Jacob T. Jackson

 

POSTLUDE Dr. Banks

(Please be seated as the postlude closes our service)