South Church in Andover
United Church of Christ

THE WORSHIP OF GOD
ORDER FOR THE SERVICE

The Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 7, 2006

Let the prelude be  a curtain of music which brings us into the sanctuary to worship God.
 Let necessary conversation be gentle  and the preparation we make together be prayerful.

PRELUDE     Meditation on Brother James’ Air     H. Drake

WELCOME

Announcements
Introduction of Visitors and Guests
Passing of Peace

INTROIT         Praise Canon     Carol Choir

CALL TO WORSHIP           

In the name of the living Christ, I greet you.

In his name we come together, in faith, hope and love.

From the break of day to its close,

We would praise you, God of Christ Jesus.

In sunlight, or under the heaviest clouds,

We would serve you, God of the Good Shepherd.

With you we do not fear either the day nor the night,

For darkness and light are alike to you.

In you we place our whole trust, loving God,

You are our God, our lives are in your hand.

Let your face shine upon your servants,

And satisfy us with your boundless grace.

Let everyone celebrate and praise our God!

God’s name be praised forever!

HYMN     Morning has broken       #469 red 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE         
Eternal and most merciful God, we are children of dust and         unworthy of the favors and goodness you shower upon us.  We have not loved as you have loved us, nor have we lived as we ought, and our years are soon gone.  God, have mercy upon us. Lift us above every past regret and present failure; reveal to us our true selves; and give us grace to accept your mercy and courage to live by your promise.  Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace.  Amen

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

SCRIPTURE      Psalm 23      (unison) #69, page 518 blue

             A Reflection             Tatiana & Jennifer Bouchard

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

The lord’s prayer

Breaking the Bread and Pouring the Cup

Sharing the Elements by the Deacons

Prayer of Thanksgiving         (unison)
Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. You guard us and keep us. You nourish us with the bread from heaven and wine for the journey. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that your love and light may shine into all  the world. Amen.

* HYMN My Shepherd Will Supply My Need     # 172 red
                (To be sung during the distribution of the elements)

 

Children in grades K-High School may move to their church school classrooms. Parents of children up to age 7, please go to your child's classroom after worship.

SCRIPTURE     John 10: 11-18      (see insert)

SERMON       Short-sighted Sheep         Dr. Kallis

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE          Linda Mesler

OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS IN THANKSGIVING
     Invitation
     Offertory Anthem  I’ve Got Peace Like a River     Spiritual arr. Collins

* Doxology        Tallis

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost.

* Dedication Prayer

* HYMN  He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought #370 blue

* BENEDICTION

* RESPONSE   Go Now In Peace  Don Besig

Go now in peace.  Never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true.
Know God will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.

POSTLUDE     Praeludium in E minor     J.S. Bach

     *Those who are able may stand.

Participating in Today’s Service:
Communion: Terry Ebner and Sherry Tupper
Greeters: Sue, Chuck and Lucas Christopherson
Acolytes: Nicole and Rachel Annino
Youth: Julie Ingram
Deacon: Sally Holm

The flowers today are given by the Board of Women’s Ministries in loving appreciation of all sisters in Christ.

John 10: 11-18
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”