Follow Me Celebration for the Missional Community.  

Introduction:
If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matt. 16:24. Will You Come and Follow Me? Summons. John Bell. Would we, could we, should we follow Jesus? Yes of course! But at what price?
Obviously Matthew sees that Jesus is rightly putting Peter the Rock behind Him, in the position of a follower, not a leader, and for good reason.
Prophet Jeremiah continues his confession lament. Jeremiah points out the corruption in society and demands correction. The privileged will have to alter the good life as they know it. The poor will have to walk the straight line. God is watching.
In today’s Psalm 26, David appears to promote self righteousness. What reaction do we feel in response?
In today’s letter to the Romans, Apostle Paul promotes love within evangelistic behaviors and communications.
We have much to learn and practice in following today’s message. 

Scripture:
Old Testament: Jeremiah 15:15-21.
Psalm: Psalm 26:1-8.
New Testament: Romans 12:9-21.
Gospel: Matthew 16:21-28.

Will you let me be your servant
Richard Gillard
First Plymouth Lincoln Nebraska
https://youtu.be/32jWTAIHXgE

Prayer:
On this day of rejoicing, Dear God of our ancestors, as we gather to break the bread, we remember that through the blood of the Lamb you redeemed usand made us pass over from death to new life. Grant that, as we celebrate your mighty deeds, we may be one with Jesus in offering you this sacrifice of praise. Amen.

Altar Call
Lord Jesus, I want to experience your mercy today. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for my sins. I admit I am a sinner in need of a Savior, and I am inviting you to be mine right now. Come into my life. Forgive my sin. Live in me as my Leader from now on. I believe you are a God who is rich in mercy. 

Prayer Intentions:
Creator God, you call us to love and serve you with body, mind, and spirit through loving your creation and our sisters and brothers.
Open our hearts in compassion and receive these petitionson behalf of the needs of the church and the world.
Prayers of the People;
Holy One, hear our prayers and make us faithful stewards of the fragile bounty of this earth so that we may be entrusted with the riches of heaven. Amen.

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord). 

Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).

Liturgy of the Eucharist 

Handshake of Peace

Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Communion Hymn

Sing of Jesus, sing forever
Thomas Kelly.
Fernando Ortega.
https://youtu.be/lYDgt1R6yTI

Institution of the Lord’s Supper 

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV).

Communion

Prayer:
Faithful God, you are the hope of all the oppressed, and the source of freedom for those held captive. Make us strong to witness to your liberating power, in generosity of life and in humility of spirit, that all the world may delight in your goodness. Amen.

Summons Song
Will you come and follow me
John L. Bell.
https://youtu.be/o469PRLdbHU

Blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God. 

Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus Spirit of Peace Church.