THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Theme: Just as the shepherd cares for and provides for the needs of the sheep, so Christ can be justly called the Good Shepherd. We have a God who time and time again has cared for our every need both physically and spiritually. Charleston Baptist Temple A Congregation of American Baptist Churches Good Shepherd Sunday April 21, 2024 The flame which shines bright from our altar candle serves as a constant reminder to us of God’s abiding presence in our lives and our worship today. Chiming of the Hour Eddie Bucklen We Open Our Hearts to God’s Presence Please observe a time of silence during the prelude in preparation for worship. Let all worshipers ask God’s blessings on the service, themselves, and on all who seek to worship God in spirit and in truth. Prelude Savior, Like a Shepherd/He Leadeth Me arr. K. Denton ~piano/organ duet~ We Worship God through Praise Call to Worship Dr. Jim Hewitt L: Our great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, has gone before us, preparing our way. He has given his life for us, his sheep. We can follow him with confidence and safety. P: Lead us, Lord. Lead us in your paths of life. L: The world can be a frightening place in which to live, but in the very presence of all that is evil, God will offer to us a feast of hope and peace. P: Lead us, Lord, lead us confidently in your path of peace. L: Abundance will be placed before us. We will be called to witness to God’s presence and love. We will praise God’s Spirit. ALL: Lead us, Lord, lead us joyfully into paths of service in your name. AMEN. Hymn of Praise Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us No. 522 Invocation Dr. Jim Hewitt Sharing the Peace Please greet those around you with signs and gestures of Christ’s peace. Glory and Adoration His Name Is Wonderful No. 87 His name is Wonderful, his name is Wonderful, his name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord; He is the mighty King, Master of everything, his name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. He’s the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages, Almighty God is he; bow down before him, love and adore him, his name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord. The Reading of Psalm 23 Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Giving Offertory Hymn The King of Love Offertory Prayer Elizabeth Downing Offertory I Am His Lamb J. Carter ~Julie Dodrill and Janet Kawash~ Doxology No. 809 (Children Dismissed for Children’s Church) We Worship God through Prayer Pastoral Prayer Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Proclamation Text Reading: John 10:11-18 (p. 159, pew Bible) L: This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Elizabeth Downing All: Thanks be to God. Anthem Good Shepherd of My Soul arr. L. Larson Sermon THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Commitment Invitation Hymn The Lord My Shepherd Guards Me Well No. 615 Benediction Dr. Jim Hewitt The Good Shepherd leads us forward, from this place, into the world to serve God’s people, to witness to God’s love in all that we do. Go in peace and God’s peace will go with you. AMEN. Postlude The Lord's My Shepherd D. Hustad Fellowship Dinner, Wednesday, April 24th at 5:30pm in the Parlor/Narthex. The Diaconate will provide fried chicken and beverages. The congregation is asked to bring a side dish. We hope you plan to join us! Quarterly Congregational Business Meeting April, 28th following morning worship service. Please plan to attend. Chancel Flowers- If you would like to dedicate a flower arrangement in memory or honor of someone special, the Sundays of April 28th, May 12th and 26th are available. Please contact the church office. BAPTIST TEMPLE STAFF Dr. Jim Hewitt Senior Minister Eddie Bucklen Director of Music Rebecca Collins Accompanist Tammy Reeves Financial Administrator Misty Stover Secretary Jason Stover Building Coordinator Greg Reynolds Building Superintendent Mary McFarland Sound Technician