LET'S SING ~ MUSIC APPRECIATION SUNDAY

Theme: Music is deeply rooted in our souls. And for followers of Jesus, it is a powerful means of encouraging each other along our journey of faith. Clearly, music has a special place in the life of the church. Like the Jews who sang the Old Testament Psalms, we Christians sing our faith. Today is Music Appreciation Sunday. Together we celebrate how our music lifts our spirits, tells our faith story and draws us closer to God. Charleston Baptist Temple A Congregation of American Baptist Churches Music Appreciation Sunday June 9, 2024 Gathering 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. Welcome Reading: Charlene Hewitt Each week, we gather in this sacred space, a room with a few doors and windows. God’s presence with us makes this a special place. Here we find God waiting. Here we find God ready to encounter us. Here we find rest for our souls and guidance by the Holy Spirit. Here we listen for the voice of God, we learn and encourage one another. Together we share the warmth and joy of Christian fellowship with one another. Within these walls we sing, we pray and we celebrate God’s love and faithfulness together. Come, let us sing our praises in worship! Prelude Come Christians, Join to Sing A. Zable ~Handbell Ensemble~ Call to Worship (Psalm 100) Monique Bucklen L: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. P: Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. L: Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; P: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. L: Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. P: Give thanks to him, bless his name. L: For the Lord is good; P: his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations, come, let us worship the Lord! Opening Hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee No. 20 Invocation Dr. Jim Hewitt Sharing the Peace Please greet those around you with signs and gestures of Christ’s peace. Glory and Adoration I Love You, Lord No. 124 I Love you Lord, and I lift my voice to worship you, O my soul, rejoice! Take joy, my King, in what you hear: may it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear. Praise & Thanksgiving Reading: Jane Jones We were made to praise. Created in God’s image, formed by his hand, unique works of art reflecting his glory, his creativity, his love into the world. And so, with all that is within us, we lift our voices in praise: Creation sings the Father’s song; He calls the sun to wake the dawn and run the course of day Till evening falls in crimson rays. Hallelujah! Let all creation stand and sing, “Hallelujah!” Fill the earth with songs of worship; Tell the wonders of creation’s King. -Keith & Kristyn Getty, “Creation Sings the Father’s Song” Hymn of Praise O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (vs. 1, 3 & 5) No. 130 Reading: Charlene Hewitt Music. That thing which engages us, inspires us, connects us, empowers us, soothes us, and fills our spirits to the very brim, music lies within us and surrounds us in our everyday culture. The songs of the earth echo in our souls-we carry them in our hearts. In this way, music becomes a part of us. It’s a form of expression, a language that knows no bounds. When words fail, music speaks. We cannot keep silent. So, we sing. We sing about faith and love and experiences. We sing about spring and the changes in seasons. We sing about singing. How can we not? Anthem With a Voice of Singing M. Shaw Litany of Thanksgiving Mike Sims L: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. Let us remember his mercy, for he is gracious and compassionate. P: We thank you for calling us to faith in Christ, for putting your spirit within us, for giving us the mind of Christ for gathering us into your church. L: We thank you Lord, for extending your grace to us, for calling us to a life of gratitude, for calling us to serve in your kingdom. P: Thanks be to God! L: Let us give thanks to the Lord, for he satisfies the thirsty, fills the hungry with good things, and heals the afflicted. Let us celebrate his abundant goodness. P: We thank you, gracious Father, that you provide for all our needs, for the food on our tables, for the clothes on our bodies, for the beds we sleep in, and for the dwellings that shelter us. L: We praise you for all your gifts that go beyond our basic needs, for the things that make our work easier, for the conveniences of modern life, for the beauty and pleasure that you bring into our lives. All: Thanks be to God! Solo The Goodness of God C. Winans ~Eddie Bucklen, soloist; Brigette Madden-French, dancer~ Proclamation & Response Text Reading: Psalm 98:1; 4-9a (p. 850-851, pew Bible) L: God’s word for God’s people. Judy Nottingham P: Thanks be to God! Pastoral Reflection LET’S SING! Dr. Jim Hewitt Anthem 10,000 Reasons arr. D. Williamson Reading: Misty Stover Be assured, friends, that God knows you and calls you by name. You are loved. God rejoices over you with singing. You are never alone; you will never be forsaken or forgotten. When you pass through the waters, God will be there. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul. Offertory Hymn I Will Sing of the Mercies (vs. 1 only) No. 30 Offertory Prayer Mike Sims Offertory “Majesty” arr. J. Schrader ~Eric Davis, trumpet~ Doxology No. 809 Sending Forth L: A psalm of praise we write for you, Monique Bucklen P: O God of New Life, who creates music in us we cannot contain. L: A psalm of delight we write for you, P: O God of Welcoming Presence, who hospitality invites us to linger at the table. L: A psalm of gratitude we write for you, P: O God of Eternal Love, who embraces us in the circle of creation, redemption, and resurrection. All: Composer of Wonder, make of us living psalms of praise. ~Prayers and Litanies for the Christian Season, Sharlande Sledge p. 78~ Closing Hymn When in Our Music God is Glorified (vs. 1, 3 & 5) No. 403 Music Ministry Recognition Eddie Bucklen Benediction Dr. Jim Hewitt May the songs of the angels sustain you, may the silent music of the Holy Spirit be in your heart, and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen. Postlude “Recessional” G. Clarke ~Eric Davis, trumpet~ Next Week: Father’s Day Little Shrubs Mark 4:26-34 Congregational Meeting with Dr. Michael Cheuk following morning worship service today, with a light lunch. Please plan to attend. Sanctuary Flowers are dedicated by Charlie Raines in honor of Charlotte Raines. Happy belated birthday on May 6th! Members of The Charleston Baptist Temple we are seeking more participation and input from our members. If you would like to be a part of the governance of the Church, please see one of the following members of the Nominating Committee: Bill Nottingham, Mary Lee Dunn, Jonnie Downing, Carolyn Saul, Nancy White, Mike Sims, Mary Jane Leech or Larry Swann. We give thanks to God for our choir, handbell choir and our temple instrumentalists! This Week at BT: Tuesday, June 11th Heart & Hand Day 10:00am So. Charleston Sowing Circle 1:30pm Quilting Room Scout Troop 31 7:00pm Scout Room Wednesday, June 12th Senior Moments 10:30am Leurant Room Thursday, June 13th ABW Executive Bd. Mtg. 10:30am Zoom TIM Rehearsal 6:00pm Leurant Room Sunday, June 16th Father’s Day Covenant Class 9:45am Chapel Souljourners Class 9:45am Austin Room