Adapted from Genesis 1 and John 1

Leader: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

People: Jesus was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being.

Leader: What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

People: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Leader: From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1) Let us praise God.

Adapted from Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith 
And this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. 
Not by works, so that no one can boast. 

For we are God’s handiwork 

Created in Christ Jesus to do good works 

Which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Submitted by Austin D. Hill

Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Adapted from Isaiah 1:18, Joel 2:13, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:17, James 4:10, and James 4:8 (NKJV)

Amazing grace 

How sweet the sound. 

That saved a wretch like me. 

I once was lost, 

But now am found. 

Was blind, but now I see.  

Lord of all, you have called us toward a new way of life. Give us a vision of that new life today as we worship you. 

Austin D. Hill

Adapted from Psalm 111

Leader: Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord with your whole heart.

People: The Lord is gracious and merciful. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

Leader: Holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.

All: His praise endures forever!

Darren Pollock