June 1, 2025
Seventh Sunday of Easter
June 1 , 2025 Worship & Holy Communion Livestream + Online Bulletin
Gathering
Bringing in the Light of Christ + Chiming of the Trinity
Prelude
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms arr. Anna Laura Page
Call to Worship
Come, people of God, let us gather in the spirit of freedom.
We come with hearts open to the movement of the Spirit
Though the world may press in and bind us with fear—
Our God breaks every chain.
Though we may find ourselves in dark places—
God's light still shines.
Let us sing songs of liberation, even in the night!
Let us worship the One who sets us free.
Hymn
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken UMH#731
Please sing stanzas 1, 2, 3
A Reading from the Old Testament
Exodus 14:10–31
Psalm of Response
Psalm 124 UMHp.846
Please sing the response
A Reading from the Epistles
Acts 16:16-34
Sermon
Singing in the Dark | Rev. Kelly Dotson
Download the Reflection Sheet
Joys and Concerns and Prayers of the People with the Lord’s Prayer
The Celebration of Holy Communion
Anthem
A Hymn of Supplication Don McAfee
The Great Thanksgiving and Communion
Invitation to the Table
Prayer of Confession
Let us confess our shortcomings and seek God’s forgiveness.
Gracious God, we confess that we have often failed to share your love and freedom. We have remained silent in the face of injustice. Forgive us and set us free to act in your name.
Words of Assurance
Friends, hear the good news: In Christ, we are forgiven and made new.
Thanks be to God!
The Lord’s Prayer
Beloved Creator, who dwells within us and among us, Holy is Your name. May Your vision of freedom and justice be realized in our world. Please help us to embrace our calling to bring redemption to the oppressed. Guide us as we seek to lift marginalized people and nurture the seeds of hope in every heart.
Grant us the courage to forgive and to heal, as we release the burdens of the past. Lead us away from fear and division, and into the embrace of unity and love.
For Yours is the kin-dom of liberation, The power of grace, And the glory of community, Now and forever. Amen.
Breaking the Bread
Giving the Bread and Cup
Prayer after Receiving
Blessing of the Tithes and Offerings
Make a Gift of a Tithe or Offering
Doxology | UMH# 94
Hymn
Blest Be the Tie That Binds UMH#557
Postlude
I Surrender All arr. James Koerts
Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously.
Today’s worship participants
Our Pastor: Rev. Kelly Dotson
Music Director: Dr. Joel Reed
Worship Arts Associate: Patty Higgins
Make a Gift | Your Tithes & Offerings
Thank you for your continued financial support.
Mail Your Gift
The best way to contribute right now is by sending your offering through U.S. Mail to our Post Office Box.
Mars Hill United Methodist Church
PO Box 427
Mars Hill, NC 28754
Give Online
If you prefer to give online, Mars Hill United Methodist Church is pleased to offer the convenience and security of online giving through the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.