THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLE Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 17:6-19
SERMON "The Church in the World but not of the World "
Worship Notes
Today is the seventh and final Sunday in Eastertide. In worship today, we conclude our series of reflections on the body of Christ formed as Westminster Presbyterian Church by focusing on God's love and protection, which inspire and enable our discipleship and unite us together as a community.
Our worship begins with a celebratory musical reflection in the prelude, which is set to the hymn tune "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above." The opening hymn "God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand" speaks of the constant presence of God in our lives as our protector and sustainer. This hymn is also our called the "National Hymn." The solo is based on the gospel hymn, "Christians We Have Met to Worship," the text of which comments on the communal nature of the act of worship. In response to the Word proclaimed, we sing "Called As Partners in Christ's Service," which well illustrates the commitment we have to work in community with each other to serve Christ. The sending hymn, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" also speaks of the protection found in God as described in today's gospel lesson. This hymn is also known as the "Navy Hymn," and it is often sung in a respectful and deliberate manner at memorial services for deceased service men and women.
