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"Better Than Before”

INVITATION AND GATHERING
Prelude “The Church’s One Foundation” Jan Kaupp
 
Welcome & Greetings 
Announcements 
 
† Hymn of Praise “God of the Ages” UMH #698

† Call to Worship: (responsively) 
Pastor: Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
People: Build us into a spiritual house, O God, that we may truly be your people.
Pastor: Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keep watch in vain.
People: Guard your hearts and minds, O God, that we may walk in your ways.
Pastor: Unless the Lord is the center of worship, our words and praises are in vain. 
All: Be with us now, O God, that we may taste eternity.

Opening Prayer: (In Unison) 
 God of abundant love, pour out your love and your Spirit upon us, that we may recognize 
our abundance and give our love and our lives completely and freely to you. In Christ holy 
name, we pray. Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE 
Affirmation of Faith: “The Apostles’ Creed– Traditional Version” UMH #881

Scripture Readings: 
 Old Testament: Haggai 1:12-2:9 Pew Bible Pg. 1469 & 1470
 New Testament: II Thessalonians 2:1-12 Pew Bible Pg. 1843

Leader: This is the word of the Lord. 
People: Thanks be to God! 

Joys and Concerns 
Recognition of Veterans 

Pastoral Prayer– Followed by The Lord’s Prayer 
Prayer Focus for this Week: ALL THE VETERANS 

Preparatory Hymn: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” UMH #117 (vs.1,2,4,5)
 
THANKSGIVING AND REFLECTION

Invitation to the Offering 
Offertory “When God Restored Our Common Life” Jan Kaupp
† Doxology: UMH #95
† Prayer of Dedication 

Sermon: ”Better Than Before” Jim Schwenk

SENDING FORTH 

† Closing Hymn: “Are Ye Able” UMH #530

† Benediction 
† Threefold Amen: UMH #898 
† Postlude “Let There Be Peace on Earth” Jan Kaupp