May 3, 2026
Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 3, 2026 Livestream Worship + Holy Communion Online Bulletin
Gathering
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God arr. Jason Tonioli
Prelude
Allegro maestoso in A Major Ernesto Köhler
Misty Rondeau, flute
Welcome
Call to Worship
When the world teaches fear,
God teaches love.
When anger grows loud,
Christ calls us toward mercy.
Even in suffering, hope can rise.
Even in darkness, love can endure.
Come worship the God whose love never fails.
We gather in hope and trust.
Hymn
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation UMH#559
A Reading from the Old Testament Micah 6:6-8
*Response What Does the Lord Require UMH#441
A Reading from the Old Testament
Genesis 50:15–21
A Reading from the Psalms
Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16
Duet
In the Garden C. Austin Miles
Paula Dempsey and Barbara Dick
Reading from the New Testament
Acts 7:55–60
Sermon
Love That Refuses to Hate
The Celebration of Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving and Communion
Musical Setting D UMH pp. 23-24
Invitation to the Table
Confession
God of mercy and truth,
We confess that loving others is not always easy.
We hold onto anger when we could release it.
We cling to hurt when you invite us toward healing.
We draw lines between “us” and “them,”
forgetting that all are held in your love.
Forgive us when we choose fear over compassion.
Forgive us when we let bitterness take root.
Forgive us when we forget who we are called to be.
Words of Assurance
*Great Thanksgiving
*Lord’s Prayer
Holy God,
Breath of life and source of love,
Your presence fills heaven and earth.
May your name be honored in all we do.
Let your dream for the world take root among us.
Let your hope rise here on earth
as surely as it lives in heaven.
Give us today what we need for this day—
bread for our bodies, wisdom for our choices,
and courage for the work before us.
Forgive us when we turn away from love,
as we learn to forgive those who have wounded us.
Lead us away from fear and despair,
and guide us toward justice, mercy, and peace.
For the world belongs to you,
the Spirit moves through you,
and the power of resurrection is yours
now and always. Amen.
Sharing of Bread and Cup
Thanksgiving after the Meal
Blessing of the Tithes and Offerings
Make a Gift of a Tithe or Offering
Doxology UMH#94
Hymn
Be Still, My Soul UMH#534
Blessing and Sharing of Christ’s Light
Postlude
Now Let Us From This Table Rise Grenoble Antiphoner
Today’s worship participants
Our Pastor: Rev. Kelly Dotson
Music Director: Dr. Joel Reed
Worship Arts Associate: Patty Higgins
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