Welcome to online worship at Contoocook United Methodist Church. Although we can't get together to worship at church, we can't stop worshipping our Lord, God no matter where we are.
I hope and pray that we can keep our worship to God as the highest priority in our lives so that we can live bravely as the people of God every day.
Centering Words
Christ is here, ready to be revealed. Watch and wait for the new growth that is coming.
Introit / UMH #328 Surely The Presence of the Lord
Silent Prayer
: Invite the Holy Spirit to come in the midst of our hearts.
L: Stay with Christ, and Christ will stay with you.
P: Listen for God, and God will speak.
L: Seek the Spirit, and the Spirit will be revealed.
P: For the Spirit is already here, inviting us to stay.
All: Amen.
Opening Prayer
Eternal God, we are here,
yearning to know you more fully.
Stay with us as we worship this day.
Reveal yourself in the words that are spoken,
the songs that are sung,
and the bread that is broken.
Help us understand your truth,
and embrace your life-giving power,
revealed within your enduring word.
In Christ’s holy name, we pray. Amen.
Ministry of Music
Today's Scripture: Luke 24:13-49
Reader 1
Here is how the story of Jesus’ surprise visit on the road and at the dinner happened. Imagine yourself walking down the road and a stranger comes along…
Reader 2
On that same day, two disciples were traveling to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking to each other about everything that had happened. While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him.
He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk along?” They stopped, their faces downcast.
The one named Cleopas replied, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who is unaware of the things that have taken place there over the last few days?”
He said to them, “What things?”
They said to him, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth. Because of his powerful deeds and words, he was recognized by God and all the people as a prophet. But our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel. All these things happened three days ago. But there’s more: Some women from our group have left us stunned. They went to the tomb early this morning and didn’t find his body. They came to us saying that they had even seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women said. They didn’t see him.”
Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. Wasn’t it necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then he interpreted for them the things written about himself in all the scriptures, starting with Moses and going through all the Prophets.
When they came to Emmaus, he acted as if he was going on ahead. But they urged him, saying, “Stay with us. It’s nearly evening, and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. After he took his seat at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”
They got up right then and returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying to each other, “The Lord really has risen! He appeared to Simon!” Then the two disciples described what had happened along the road and how Jesus was made known to them as he broke the bread. - Luke 24:13-35
Semon: Still unfamiliar with God's way of working?
Offertory Invitation
If you are able to send your weekly pledge by mail, would you do so, please? Our church address is Contoocook United Methodist Church PO Box 356, Contoocook, NH 03229.
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Blessings of the Offering
God of righteousness, God of mercy: We have been called through the apostles to live in reverent fear – not a fear that immobilizes, but a fear that empowers us because we know how much is at stake. We know there are the implication for what we do and what we don’t do. Dedicate the gifts we give this morning to do the things your heart longs for your church to do; help our eyes to be opened to where you would use us. We pray in the name of our risen savior, Christ our Lord. Amen.
