May 17, 2026
Prelude: “Your Love Is Everlasting”
Gastorius, arr. Burkhardt
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 136]
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;
It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Let us worship the LORD!
We Thank You, Lord, for You Are Good (Hymn 243)
Dunn/Gastorius
We thank You, Lord, for You are good; Your mercy lives forever.
Your kindness from of old has stood; Your love will keep us ever.
O God of gods, O sovereign Lord, we bless You now with one accord:
Your love is everlasting.
You, Lord, alone did wondrous deeds; Your mercy lives forever.
From You alone all good proceeds; Your love will keep us ever.
Your wisdom made the heavens to be; You formed the earth above the sea:
Your love is everlasting.
You made the starry lights to rise; Your mercy lives forever.
Your glories shine in radiant skies; Your love will keep us ever.
Your glowing moon enhances night. Your sun brings forth each mornings’ light:
Your love is everlasting.
You rescue us from every foe; Your mercy lives forever.
You feed Your creatures here below; Your love will keep us ever.
We give You thanks, Creator, Lord, we sing the glories of your Word.
Your love is everlasting.
[Psalm 136]
Confession
God our Creator, your commitment to your people follows us through many challenges and blessings. Forgive us when we do not take time to remember and reflect on the evidence of your love in our lives and our history. Forgive us when we value temporary gifts, knowledge, or achievements more than love. Empty us of fear and shame, and fill us with love that is humble and patient and kind. Give us hope and endurance as we commit again to the process of loving. Amen.
Silence
Now Thank We All Our God (Hymn 555)
Rinkart/Crüger
Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, in whom this world rejoices;
Who, from our mothers’ arms hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
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
Alida Gowan
Old Testament: Psalm 136 Responsive Reading
Response: …for his steadfast love endures forever.
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Solo: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
Handel
Carollen Ryan
Sermon: Love That Endures
Scott Starbuck
Theme: Love that never fails
Response: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Hymn 276)
Chisholm/Runyan
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. (Refrain)
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! (Refrain)
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
Scott Starbuck
Israel said to Joseph, “I did not expect to see your face; and here God has let me see your children also.” -Genesis 48:11
Sending: Though I May Speak (Hymn 335)
Hopson/English folk melody
Though I may speak with bravest fire, and have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain; as sounding brass, and hopeless gain.
Though I may give all I possess, and striving so my love profess,
But not be given by love within, the profit soon turns strangely thin.
Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control, our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed; by this we worship and are freed.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: His Eye is on the Sparrow
Gabriel/Tonioli
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CCLI# 283345
