We’ll be gathering in person and under the sunshine this week. We’ll be returning to our “You Asked For it!” series with the age-old question, “why do bad things happen to good people?” Spoiler alert: who knows? But, we can at least take some time to explore the options and wonder together how to live in the midst of the confusion. All the words that we’ll be using in worship are below. Or, you can download a copy to print here.

PRELUDE                                          Come, Now is the Time to Worship (see #526                                                                                                                        

CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 136

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
   for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the God of gods,
   for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
   for his steadfast love endures for ever

It is the Lord who remembered us in our low estate,
   for his steadfast love endures forever;
and rescued us from our foes,
   for his steadfast love endures forever;
who gives food to all flesh,
   for his steadfast love endures forever.

O give thanks to the God of heaven,
   for his steadfast love endures forever.

*HYMN #302                                                                            Hear Our Praises

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Most High and holy God, you always remember us. Even in the midst of suffering and persecution, you never forget us. We confess that when bad things happen we get confused about that. Sometimes we question your goodness. Sometimes we doubt your love for us. Share your Holy Spirit with us. Remind us of your faithfulness. Help us find our way off of shaky ground and onto the firm foundation of your steadfast love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

HYMN #621                                                                    Give Me a Clean Heart

please remain seated

ASSURANCE OF PARDON – from Romans 8:14-18

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption.

When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.

ANTHEM                                                                                  Come, Holy Spirit                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Jesus Loves M

SCRIPTURE                                                                             Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

SERMON                          When Bad Things Happen                                         

*HYMN #562                                                We Will Extol You, God and King

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION & THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.

OFFERTORY                                                                                      Feelin’ Good                                                                

*DOXOLOGY #965

Inclusive lyrics:                              Praise God, from whom all blessings flow

                                                                  Praise God, all creatures here below

                                                                   Praise God, above ye heavenly host

                                                                           Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost

*BENEDICTION

*SENDING SONG #930                                                This Little Light of Mine