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FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Rev. Kendra Lovelace Balliet
Music Director: Jim Ross

Prelude - Wondrous Love- Dale Wood(Organ)
Mallet Melody-Kevin McChesney(Bells)
Gathering at the Gate
Welcome

*Call to Worship

Leader: The disciples returned to the Sea of Galilee, a place where they had spent much time in ministry with Jesus, when he appeared to them again by the shore.

All: When we struggle or face an uncertain future, we sometimes seek familiar places, geographies of the heart, places that offer us a sense of being well.

Leader: Simon Peter said to the disciples gathered with him: “I’m going fishing.” The disciples eagerly joined him in the boat, but they fished all night and caught nothing.

All: Even when our lives have been altered and our paths have changed, setbacks can tempt us to try to go back to the way things were before.

Leader: Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not recognize him. Jesus said, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” The disciples said, “No.”

All: Regardless of how futile our old ways were, we try them again, finding false comfort in the familiar, yet not truly finding the healing we seek.
Leader: Jesus told the disciples to cast their net on the other side of the boat. They followed his direction and caught so many fish they were unable to haul in the net.

All: We can become so overwhelmed with struggles that we forget to let go of our frustrations in order to seek new ways of being, new paths to peace.
Leader: Amid the flopping fish, the disciple whom Jesus loved recognized him, saying, “It is the Lord.” Peter put clothes on and jumped into the sea–eager to rush to Jesus.

All: When we embrace new ways of being in the midst of life-changing circumstances, we often are filled with hope.

Leader: The other disciples, seeing that they were not far from land, used the boat to drag the bulging nets ashore.

All: When faced with permanent obstacles, rather than repeat what once worked, we can shift our perspective to other ways of well-being.

Leader: This is a Word of Hope for the people who long for it.

All: Thanks be to the Living Word.

*Opening Hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” #577

*Opening Prayer
Merciful One, you know when we are afraid to love; you know when we are too cowardly to show mercy. Remind us again that perfect love casts out such fears. Surround us and strengthen us with your perfect love, even in the face of our imperfections. Imbue us with a love so strong, with such growth toward perfection, that we may cast aside our pride and embrace the power of love.
On thy people, pour thy power. Amen.
Confession of Faith: Apostles’ Creed #881

Gloria Patri

Children's Chat

Music Ministry and Offertory - Praise to the Lord- Anna Laura Page (Bells)

Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude

Proclaiming Healing

Scripture John 21:1-8
Sermon Series “Resurrection Stories”
Sermon: “Healing”

Responding to Healing
Joys/Concerns

Hymn "There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy" #121

Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer

Closing Hymn “I Love to Tell the Story” #156 with 5 verses

Verse 5: The Savior of our stories
has brought his peace to you;
now go and tell the story,
for others need it too.
To ev'ry one who’s hurting
ring out the gospel call;
proclaim that Christ is risen
and grants his peace to all.

Unlocking Healing

Action Steps & Benediction

Postlude - Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah-Don Hustad

Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org