TOGETHERING

Theme: The Apostle Paul understood that the life of the church is essentially communal. A togethering church centers its life and journey around the core set of shared values or beliefs. These values unite us. They are stakes in the ground to which are tied the bonds which keep us together. United we are better able to follow Christ on a journey of faith. Charleston Baptist Temple A Congregation of American Baptist Churches August 4, 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 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling M. Jordan We Worship God through Praise Call to Worship Dr. Jim Hewitt L: The Spirit of God weaves us together. Even the broken threads of our lives can be trimmed and melded. Women: Even the tattered seams can be mended and joined. Diverse colors, various patterns, and unique fabrics . . . all are welcome here! L: Bring now your gifts, amazing and broken. Bring now yourselves, awesome and torn. Men: Humility and gentleness, patience and perseverance . . . all are a part of this place. L: Make now an effort to experience this unity. Take now a step into this body, bound by God’s peace. All: May the Spirit weave us together with one hope and one faith, bound together in unity and love as we worship. Hymn of Praise Renew Your Church, Her Ministries Restore No. 725 Invocation Dr. Jim Hewitt Sharing the Peace Please greet those around you with signs and gestures of Christ’s peace. Glory and Adoration There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit No. 291 There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, and I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord; There are sweet expressions on each face, And I know they feel the presence of the Lord. Sweet Holy Spirit, sweet heavenly Dove, stay right here with us, filling us with your love, and for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise; without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived when we shall leave this place. Text Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16 (p. 298, pew Bible) L: May God bless the reading of his word. Cookie Miller All: Thanks be to God. We Worship God through Giving Offertory Hymn The Gift of Love No. 593 Offertory Prayer Cookie Miller Offertory Come We That Love the Lord L. Gadd Doxology No. 809 We Worship God through Prayer Pastoral Prayer Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Proclamation Special Music Seek Ye First arr. L. Larson ~Bill Barr and Fred Lewis~ Sermon TOGETHERING Dr. Jim Hewitt We Worship God through Commitment Invitation Hymn Come Share the Lord No. 782 Right Hand of Fellowship extended to new members: Alan and Lynn Dyer We Worship God Through the Observance of Communion Dr. Jim Hewitt The Bread The Cup Parting Song Blest Be the Tie Next Week: Ephesians 4:25-5:2 A Mosaic for Christian Living Congregational Meeting with Dr. Michael Cheuk following morning worship service on Sunday, August 11th with a light lunch. Please plan to attend. 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! This year our picnic will have a patriotic theme! Please note- there will be no service at the church that morning. Family Fun Day Reminder - For those attending the Charleston Dirty Birds Baseball game today, the first pitch is 4:05pm. We will see you there!