April 26, 2026
Prelude: This Day Full of Gladness
Bach
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 75]
We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; your name is near.
People tell of your wondrous deeds.
At the set time that he appoints, God will judge with equity.
When the earth totters, with all its inhabitants, it is the LORD who keeps its pillars steady.
Let us worship the LORD!
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (Hymn 263)
Smith/Welsh folk melody
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
Then wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.
Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!
Confession
Light of the world, you often reveal your works through people the world does not expect. Forgive us when we look only at outward appearances when deciding who to follow or believe. Forgive us when we do not listen to the vulnerable. Bring us into your light, that we may know ourselves loved and set aside the fears that blind us. Open our eyes to your work, and help us see those around us through the lens of your love. Amen.
Silence
Amazing Grace (Hymn 280)
Newton/Virginia Harmony
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Doxology (Hymn 592)
Ken/Genevan Psalter
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Jill Cathey
Old Testament: 1 Samuel 16:1–13
New Testament: John 9:1–41
Be Thou My Vision (Hymn 339)
Ancient Irish poem & ballad
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
Sermon: Love That Sees
Scott Starbuck
Theme: Love perceives differently
Response: Open My Eyes (Hymn 324)
Scott
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my mouth, and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Pastoral Prayer & 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; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. -Romans 12:13
Sending: Christ, Be Our Light
Farrell
Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people, light for the world to see.
Refrain:
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us. Make us your living voice. (refrain)
Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another, making your kingdom come. (refrain)
Charge & Benediction
They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love
Scholtes
We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love;
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
Postlude: Immortal, Invisible
Welsh melody/Tornquist
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