The Rev. Dr. Albert Potgieter, Pastor Elizabeth Frank, Music Director WE APPROACH OUR GOD Welcome and Announcements Introit: I Was Glad When They Said Unto - Me Eric Thiman Call to Worship L: In the midst of darkness, there is light. P: In the midst of blindness, we will be given sight. L: Our Savior, Jesus Christ, brings healing love to us. P: Let the light of Jesus’ love, breakthrough our blindness and fill our world with glory. L: Tear away the bonds that trap us in darkness, Lord. P: Wipe away all our fears so that we may boldly proclaim your Love. L: Bring us to a new day in your kingdom, O Lord. P: Bring us to a new way of serving you with great joy, O Lord. Hymn of Praise: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty, Unser Herrscher Open now thy gates of beauty, Zion, let me enter there, where my soul in joyful duty waits on him who answers prayer; O, how blessèd is this place, filled with solace, light, and grace! Here, my God, I come before thee, come thou also down to me; where we find thee and adore thee, there a heav'n on earth must be; to my heart O enter thou, let it be thy temple now. Speak, O God, and I will hear thee; let thy will be done indeed; may I undisturbed draw near thee, while thou dost thy people feed; here of life the fountain flows, here is balm for all our woes. Call to Confession L: It is in our confession where we realize our desire for God and our hope for God’s mercy. It is in admitting the truth of our lives that we take the first step toward wholeness and healing. So let us make our confession, first in silent prayer. Prayer of Confession Gracious God, we think that we want to be healed of our blindness, but actually we have become so comfortable in our darkness that we fear the light. It is as though we are living in a cave, and rather than take a risk to face the light, we prefer to face the dark wall. Give us courage to take risks which will result in not only our own transformation, but also the transformation opportunities for others. Forgive our stubborn insistence on living in darkness. Take our hands and lead us to the light. In the name of Jesus, the Light of the world, we pray. Amen! Lord Have Mercy - John Weaver Words of Assurance L: Turn and see the light of God’s love. It is lavished upon you. P: We have been healed and made whole in God’s love. L: Be at peace and rejoice! The Law of God: Matthew 22:34-40 (NRSV) When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Passing the Peace L: Peace be with you. P: And also with you. L: Extend the sign of God’s peace to each other. WE LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD Children’s Sermon - Pastor Albert Hymn of Preparation: Open My Eyes, That I May See 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. Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see; Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit Divine! Amen. 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. Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see; Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit Divine! Amen. 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. Refrain: Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see; Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit Divine! Amen. Scripture Reading: Mark 10:46-52 (NRSV) The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus 46 They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” 50 So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” 52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. Message: Call for Help! - Pastor Albert Mark 10:47 (NCV) Mark 10:48 (NCV) Name your need, and be open to all possible resolutions. Take a leap of faith and ask. Mark 10:49b-50 (NCV) James 4:2 (NRSV) Mark 10:51 (NCV) Mark 10:52 (NRSV) Be grateful. Mark 10:52 (MSG) WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD Time of Offering and Thanksgiving Your offering may be placed in the plate near the entrance door or sent to the church via check in the mail to: CCD, 39-50 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, NY 11363, or digitally through Tithe.ly: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1332203 Offertory: From All That Dwell Below the Skies. Gordon Young Doxology - Old Hundredth Prayer of Dedication/Offering 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, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Closing Hymn: Amazing Grace, New Britain Amazing grace, (how sweet the sound!) that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come: 'tis grace has brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me; his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. Blessing