9:30am Prelude - “ I Giorni” (Einaudi) - Jeff Perks Welcome - Rev. Dana Seiler Opening Song - “Raise a Hallelujah” - Makenzie Payne Time of Greeting Children’s Time Reflection on Unconditional Love - Chris Easterling Song - “Lord I Need You” Sermon - “Perseverance and Persistence” - Rev. Dana Seiler “I am writing to of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be His own holy people.” - Romans 1:7 What would it look like for you to more fully receive — and download— the truth that you are loved by God, no matter what? “Suffering produces ; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” - Romans 5:4 The Greek word for character (dokimē) means something and — like metal refined by fire. Where in your life right now are you being called to persevere rather than “retire” from the race of faith? Song - “How Deep The Father’s Love for Us” Offering and Prayer Song - “Reckless Love” Benediction 11:00am Prelude - “ I Giorni (The Days)” (Einaudi) - Jeff Perks Welcome - Rev. Dana Seiler Call to Worship Leader: Grace and peace to everyone today; People: We gather as those loved by God. Leader: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. People: Before we knew God, He loved us. Leader: Not one of us stands outside the reach of God’s mercy. People: Not one of us is beyond God’s grace. Leader: Come and worship, beloved people of God. People: We come to worship the God whose love never fails. Hymn - “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” #376 Prayer of Confession: Merciful God, we want to be loved. We do many things, hoping that we will become worthy enough of Your love. We expect things from others in exchange for our love. We assume some people are more deserving, more worthy, more acceptable. We struggle to truly understand unconditional love. Forgive us for drawing lines You never drew. Forgive us for withholding grace from ourselves and from others. Remind us that Your love does not wait for perfection, but loves us just as we are. Teach us to rest in Your peace and to extend that same grace to others, in the name of Jesus, Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Passing of the Peace Reflection on Unconditional Love Anthem - “Is There Room for a Sinner?” (Choplin) - Unity Choir Sermon - “Perseverance and Persistence” - Rev. Dana Seiler “I am writing to of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be His own holy people.” - Romans 1:7 What would it look like for you to more fully receive — and download— the truth that you are loved by God, no matter what? “Suffering produces ; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” - Romans 5:4 The Greek word for character (dokimē) means something and — like metal refined by fire. Where in your life right now are you being called to persevere rather than “retire” from the race of faith? Anthem - “He Will See You Through” (Kirkland) - Unity Choir Offering and 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. Hymn - “We Are One in the Bond of Love” - 3 Verses Benediction Postlude