CAN THESE BONES LIVE?

Theme: Todays text challenges us to open ourselves to the life-giving power of God’s spirit. We see within this story that God acts and intervenes in the life of the church and his people, renewing our spirits, giving us hope and new life. Charleston Baptist Temple A Congregation of American Baptist Churches July 28, 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 Rock of Ages D. Bish We Worship God through Praise Call to Worship Dr. Jim Hewitt L: Mortal, can these bones live? P: Do these ancient words written centuries ago still have meaning for God’s people, for God’s church, in our own day? Our presence here is our hopeful “Yes!” L: In a valley of dry bones, we see possibility, not despair. In a broken world, crying out with parched throats, we await God’s renewing touch of restoration. ALL: Blow through the barren valleys of this world, O God. And breathe your Spirit upon our worship, our church, this day. Let our prayers and praises give you glory and honor as we worship. Hymn of Praise Let All Things Now Living No. 53 Invocation Dr. Jim Hewitt Sharing the Peace Please greet those around you with signs and gestures of Christ’s peace. Glory and Adoration Breathe on Me, Breath of God ( vs.1) No. 295 Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do. Text Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (p. 1213, pew Bible) L: May God bless the reading of his word. Mary Jane Vredeveld All: Thanks be to God. We Worship God through Giving Offertory Hymn He Who Began a Good Work Insert Offertory Prayer Mary Jane Vredeveld Offertory Psalm 19 B. Marcello Doxology No. 809 (Children Dismissed for Children’s Church) We Worship God through Prayer Pastoral Prayer Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Proclamation Special Music I Will Rise Giglio/Tomlin ~ Eddie Bucklen, soloist~ Sermon CAN THESE BONES LIVE? Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Commitment Invitation Hymn I Then Shall Live No. 507 Benediction Dr. Jim Hewitt Because you are the children of God, you are not the same people you once were. You have been restored, changed and redeemed, made over through Christ. God has given us hope. Go from this place with that understanding. What was once broken has been made new. Go now in the knowledge that you are whole, holy and blessed. You are the body of Christ and God will work through you. Amen. Postlude Rise Up, O Church of God E. Thomas Next Week: Communion Sunday Ephesians 4:1-16 Togethering Sanctuary Flowers are dedicated by Carol Mollohan in memory of her husband, Bill Mollohan. Quarterly Business Meeting immediately following morning worship service. Reminder - Please be sure to get your free milkshake following our service and business meeting! Community Forum, Wednesday, July 31st at 5:30 pm. As a part of our Strategic Vision Planning you are invited to join us for dinner, fellowship and a panel discussion with our community leaders from the organizations that the Baptist Temple currently serve. Annual Church Picnic – August 25th - Mark your calendars and plan to join us at the Riverside Shelter at Coonskin Park. Worship service at 10:30am followed by fellowship, food and fun! Please note- there will be no service at the church that morning. A Bit of BT History In 1906, an oil portrait of Jesus was painted by Joseph Lauber. Joseph Lauber was an instructor of Architecture at Columbia University, New York. The painting was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller, Sr. when he was Sunday School Superintendent at Euclid Avenue Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1962, through an initial anonymous gift of $500 and many memorial gifts which followed, the portrait was brought to Baptist Temple and greeted the worshippers as they entered the narthex. The portrait of Jesus was later hung in Baptist Temple’s Chapel where it remains. -Submitted by Polly Robson