9:30am Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Opening Song - “Stand in Your Love” - Maggie McCrostie Time of Greeting Children’s Message Songs - “The Blessing” and “Revelation Song” Sermon - “The Meaning of the Cross” Today’s question from the congregation: Did Jesus really have to die on the cross? Couldn’t his miracles and life lived have been enough to demonstrate God living among us in a new way? Jesus died for my . Two possible definitions of sin: Sin—the things we do. Sin—all the parts of us that keep us from becoming fully formed in the image of God. Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one for all, and therefore all died. —2 Corinthians 5:14 What is the result of Jesus’ death? Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new has come: The old has gone, the new is here! — 1 Corinthians 5:17 How is this possible? God made him who had no sin to be for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. — 1 Corinthians 5:21 The cross has become a symbol of hope and self-sacrificial love. Let us follow in the way of the cross. Offering and Prayer Closing Song - “O Come to the Altar” Benediction 11:00am Prelude - Jeff Perks Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Call to Worship - Rev. Dana Seiler Leader: We come to hear the good news of God’s Kingdom. People: We come, just as we are, with open hearts. Leader: We come to be filled with the love of God, People: trusting that God’s love will grow in our lives. Leader: We come to be shaped by the teaching of the Son, People: believing that redemption is possible for us all. Leader: And we come to be filled with the Spirit of hope. People: We come to praise God, the giver of all good things. Hymn - “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” - #376 Prayer of Confession God of Hope, we are a skeptical people. We want proof of everything, and even when we have evidence in our hands, we don’t often believe it. We try to find ways to explain away the unexplainable, and cannot grasp Your mysterious ways. Help us to trust in You, that the small miracles in our lives, the creation around us, and the beauty of the people who love us are all examples of Your love in this world. Turn us into believers who know that You are here and You want what is good and right and best for us, in the name of Jesus, Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Passing of the Peace Anthem - “Come to the Altar” - Maggie McCrostie Sermon - “The Meaning of the Cross” Today’s question from the congregation: Did Jesus really have to die on the cross? Couldn’t his miracles and life lived have been enough to demonstrate God living among us in a new way? Jesus died for my . Two possible definitions of sin: Sin—the things we do. Sin—all the parts of us that keep us from becoming fully formed in the image of God. Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one for all, and therefore all died. —2 Corinthians 5:14 What is the result of Jesus’ death? Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new has come: The old has gone, the new is here! —1 Corinthians 5:17 How is this possible? God made him who had no sin to be for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. —1 Corinthians 5:21 The cross has become a symbol of hope and self-sacrificial love. Let us follow in the way of the cross. Anthem “Revelation Song” Offering Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer Doxology Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Closing Hymn - “The Old Rugged Cross” Benediction Postlude