Worship Service for June 1, 2025 at 11 AM

Welcome

Opening Song: This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, NO!, I’m gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, NO!, I’m gonna let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, NO!, I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine.
Won’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine.
Won’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine ’til Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine ’til Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine ’til Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.                                    © Public Domain

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: We have come here today to worship the Lord.  In worship we hear the Word of God, we receive God’s blessings, and respond with thanks and praise.  We begin by seeking God’s blessing of forgiveness.  He has promised to remove the guilt and shame of our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

(a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins) 

P: Let us confess our sins to the Lord. 

P: Heavenly Father,
C: Heavenly Father,

P: I have done things that were wrong.
C: I have done things that were wrong.

P: I have been mean to others.
C: I have been mean to others.

P: I have not obeyed my parents.
C: I have not obeyed my parents.

P: I have not obeyed You, God.
C: I have not obeyed You, God.

P: But I am very sorry.
C: But I am very sorry.

P: Please forgive me.
C: Please forgive me.

P: I love You very much.
C: I love You very much.

P: And I know You love me, too.
C: And I know You love me, too.

P: Amen.
C: Amen.

P: God has heard your apology.  He loves you very much.  God has told us that when we believe and trust in Him, He makes us His children.  As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us. He has told me to tell you that you are forgiven.  So, as His servant, I forgive you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 
C: Amen.

Song: God Is So Good

God is so good. God is so good.
God is so good. He’s so good to me.

He died for me. He died for me so.
He died for me. He’s so good to me.

He loves me so. He loves me so.
He loves me so. He’s so good to me.                                               © Public Domain 

First Reading – 2 Timothy 3:14-16

But you must continue to believe the things that you have learned. You know that those things are true. You know the teachers who taught you those things. Even when you were a child, you already knew the message of the Bible. The Bible has taught you how you can be truly wise. You understand that God saves you because you believe in Christ Jesus. Everything that is written in the Bible comes from God’s Spirit. It helps us in many ways. The Bible teaches us what is true. It warns us when we are doing wrong things. It shows us what is right. It teaches us how to live good lives.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Message “Learning the Bible”

Song: Every Move I Make

Verse:
Every move I make, I make in You.
You make me move, Jesus.
Every breath I take, I breathe in You.

Every step I take, I take in You.
You are my way, Jesus.
Every breath I take, I breathe in You.

Chorus:
Waves of mercy, Waves of grace,
Everywhere I look, I see Your face.
Your love has captured me.
Oh my God, this love, how can it be?

Bridge:
Na Na Na…
(Repeat)

(Verse)

(Chorus)

(Bridge (2x)   © 1996 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing, Vineyard Songs Canada, and ION Publishing 

Second Reading – Acts 17:11–12

The Jewish people in Berea were better than the people in Thessalonica. They were happy to listen carefully to Paul. Every day they also studied the Bible. They wanted to know if Paul’s message was true. Many of the Jewish people in Berea believed the good news about Jesus. Many Greek men and some important Greek women also believed in Jesus.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Message “Testing Against the Bible”

Gospel Reading – John 15:26-16:4a

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, O Christ.

Song: We Believe

In this time of desperation, when all we know is doubt and fear, There is only One foundation. We believe. We believe.
In this broken generation, when all is dark, You help us see.
There is only One salvation. We believe. We believe

Chorus:
We believe in God the Father. We believe in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, and He’s given us new life.
We believe in the crucifixion.
We believe that He conquered death.
We believe in the resurrection,
And He’s comin’ back again we believe

So, let our faith be more than anthems,
Greater than the songs we sing.
And in our weakness and temptations, 
We believe! We believe!

(Chorus)

Let the lost be found and the dead be raised!
In the here and now, let love invade!
Let the church live loud, in our God will say   
We believe! We believe!

And the gates of hell will not prevail!
For the power of God has torn the veil!
Now we know Your love will never fail!  
We believe! We believe!

(Chorus)
© Abundant Life Ministries UK, Integrity worship Music, Integrity’s Praise! Music, and Travis Ryan Music

Sermon – “Confessing Christ: What Lutherans Believe and Why”
This Week: “God Still Speaks: Trusting the Bible in a Noisy World”  

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Benediction – The online service ends. The closing hymn video is on the Livestream page bulletin at FaithWesleyChapel.com with lyrics below. See announcements below as well. 

Closing Song: Sure Foundation

Chorus
Jesus you’re my firm foundation
I know I can stand secure
Jesus you’re my firm foundation
I put my hope in your Holy Word
I put my hope in your Holy Word

Verse 1
I have a living hope    (echo)
I have a future       (echo)
God has a plan for me (echo)
Of this I’m sure, of this I’m sure.

(Chorus)

Verse 2
Your Word is faithful    (echo)
Mighty in power       (echo)
God has delivered me    (echo)
Of this I’m sure, Of this I’m sure

(Chorus)                                                                                    © Public Domain

Pentecost reminds us the Holy Spirit isn’t about noise or power—but about bringing sinners to faith in Jesus. – Join us next week for “Confessing Christ: What Lutherans Believe and Why” Message and Bible study Series

Worship Service for May 25, 2025 at 11 AM

Welcome

Invocation

Song: The Steadfast Love

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases

His mercies never come to an end

They are new every morning, New every morning

Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness

(repeat)

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: When God created mankind, He said mankind was very good. Then man rebelled against God and sin entered the world. Immediately after, God promised a savior to save His rebellious creation.
C: Praise be to God whose mercies are new every day.

P: In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law.
C: Praise be to God whose mercies are new every day.

P: At His baptism, Jesus was numbered among us sinners that He might offer Himself as a sacrifice upon the cross for sinners.
C:  Praise be to God whose mercies are new every day.

P: Through Jesus Christ, God bids us come to Him and confess our sins, promising to forgive our sins and purify us.
C:  Praise be to God whose mercies are new every day. Let us confess our sins and seek God’s mercy.

(a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins) 

C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart and have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ and His suffering and death on the cross, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen

P: The Lord our God is merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.  Therefore, I announce unto you the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In His stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen. Praise be to God whose mercies are new every day.

The Steadfast Love

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases

His mercies never come to an end

They are new every morning, New every morning

Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord. Great is Thy faithfulness

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving – This Is the Feast

Refrain:
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
Whose blood set us free to be people of God.
(Refrain)

Power, riches, wisdom, and strength,
And honor, blessing, and glory are His.    (Refrain)

Sing with all the people of God,
And join in the hymn of all creation;

“Blessing, honor, glory, and might,
Be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.”
(Refrain)

For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia!
(Refrain)           © 2008 Sharon Dennis, Doris Au MacDonald, and Lutheran Book of Worship 

Old Testament Reading – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading – Philippians 2:1-8

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form,

he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading – Luke 10:25-37

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, o Christ.

Children’s Message

Sermon Hymn – They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love

Verse 1:
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.

Chorus:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Verse 2:
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.

(Chorus)

Verse 3:
We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each other’s pride.

(Chorus)                   © 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company

Sermon – Series: “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”
                  This Week: “Love Thy Neighbor”

“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255 

Apostles’ Creed (stand)

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 was buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God
the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (stand)

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

Benediction – The online service ends. The closing hymn video is on the Livestream page bulletin at FaithWesleyChapel.com with lyrics below. See announcements below as well.

Closing Song – We Are

Every secret, every shame, every fear, every pain,
Live inside the dark, but that’s not who we are.
We are children of the day.

Pre-Chorus:
So wake up sleeper, lift your head.
We were meant for more than this
Fight the shadows conquer death.
Make the most of the time we have left

Chorus:
We are the light of the world. We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

(Repeat)
Let the light shine, let the light shine 

We are called to the spread the news.
Tell the world the simple truth.
Jesus came to save. There’s freedom in His Name.
So let it all break through

(Chorus)

Bridge:
We are the light we are the light we are the light
So let your light shine brighter
We the light we are the light we are the light… Jesus
You are the light you are the light you are the light.
We will lift you high and Shine, shine, shine

(Chorus)                                     © 2011 Alletrop Music, Centricity Music Publishing

Is the Bible still reliable in a skeptical world? Next Sunday, discover how God’s Spirit still speaks through His Word today and how different groups treat the Bible. – “Confessing Christ: What Lutherans Believe and Why” Message and Bible study Series

Worship Service for May 18, 2025 at 11 AM

Welcome

Welcome Song – Praise To The Lord The Almighty

Praise to the Lord the Almighty, the King of creation.
O my soul, praise Him for He is your health and salvation.
Let all who hear, now to His temple draw near,
Joining in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord
Who will prosper your work and defend you.
Surely His goodness and Mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.
As with His love He befriends you.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him.
All that has life and breath come now with praises before Him.
Let the “Amen” sound from His people again.
Gladly forever adore Him.                                               © Public Domain 

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness: (stand)

P: As we gather, today, let us cleanse our hearts and our consciences by confessing our sin to God.

(Time of silence for reflection and confession)

C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you and against our neighbor in our thoughts, words, and actions.  We are truly sorry for our sins and sincerely repent of them. We ask for Your mercy. For the sake of Jesus Christ’s bitter suffering and death, please forgive us and renew us that we may walk in Your Spirit to the glory of Your holy name. Amen

P: The Lord has heard your confession. Therefore, as a called and ordained servant of the Lord, in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving: What a Friend

Everybody has trials and temptations.
Everybody knows heartbreak, isolation.

Pre-Chorus:
But we can lay our burdens down. Lay our burdens down.

Chorus:
What a friend we have in Jesus. East to west my sins are gone.
I see grace on every horizon.
And forever and ever His heart is my home.

Everybody has fears, everybody got worries.
Everybody knows sorrow, devastation.

(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)

Bridge:
No more betrayal, for He is faithful.
He fills me up and my cup runneth over.
No more betrayal, for He is faithful.
How He has proven it over and over.
(Repeat)

(Chorus 2x)

And forever and ever His heart is my home.                 © All Essential Music

First Reading – Galatians 6:1-10

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Second Reading – Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Reading – Matthew 25:31-46

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, O Christ.

Children’s Message (Children dismissed to Children’s Church)

Sermon Hymn – They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love

Verse 1:
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.

Chorus:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love. 

Verse 2:
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.

(Chorus)

Verse 3:
We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each other’s pride.

(Chorus)                   © 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company

Sermon – Series: “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”
                  This Week: “Love The Church”

“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

Nicene Creed (stand)

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. 

The Lord’s Prayer (stand)

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

Benediction – The online service ends. The closing hymn video is on the Livestream page bulletin at FaithWesleyChapel.com with lyrics below. See announcements below as well.

Closing Song: I Will Follow

Where You go, I’ll go. Where You stay, I’ll stay.

When You move, I’ll move. I will follow…

All Your ways are good. All Your ways are sure.

I will trust in You alone.

Higher than my sight, high above my life, I will trust in You alone.

Chorus:

Where You go, I’ll go. Where You stay, I’ll stay.

When You move, I’ll move. I will follow You.

Who You love, I’ll love. How You serve I’ll serve.

If this life I lose, I will follow You, Yeah. I will follow You.

Light unto the world, light unto my life, I will live for You alone.

You’re the one I seek knowing I will find,

All I need in You alone, in You alone.

(Chorus)

Bridge:

In You there’s life everlasting. In You there’s freedom for my soul.

In You there’s joy, unending joy, and I will follow.

(Chorus 2x)             © 2010 SHOUT! Publishing, Vamos Publishing, and So Essential Tunes

Worship Service for May 11, 2025 at 11 AM

Welcome

Pray for the Food – People get food

Invocation (stand)

Confession and Forgiveness: (stand)

P: As we gather, today, let us cleanse our hearts and our consciences by confessing our sin to God.

(Time of silence for reflection and confession)

C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you and against our neighbor in our thoughts, words, and actions.  We are truly sorry for our sins and sincerely repent of them. We ask for Your mercy. For the sake of Jesus Christ’s bitter suffering and death, please forgive us and renew us that we may walk in Your Spirit to the glory of Your holy name. Amen

P: The Lord has heard your confession. Therefore, as a called and ordained servant of the Lord, in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen

Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving – How Deep The Father’s Love For Us

How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory. 

Behold the Man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished. 

I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom,
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.

                                                                                                                                       © 1995 Thankyou Music
Old Testament Reading: Joshua 24:14-15

“Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading: 1 Timothy 5:3-8

Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Special Music – Praise (sung by Kelsey Torgrimson)

Gospel Reading – Mark 10:13–16

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, O Christ. 

Sermon Song – They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love

Verse 1:
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.

Chorus:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Verse 2:
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.

(Chorus)

Verse 3:
We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each other’s pride.

(Chorus)                   © 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company 

Sermon/Discussion – 
Series: “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”
This Week: “Love Your Family”

“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Prayers 

Apostles’ Creed (stand)

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 was buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God
the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (stand)

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

Benediction – The online service ends. The closing hymn video is on the Livestream page bulletin at FaithWesleyChapel.com with lyrics below. See announcements below as well.

Closing Song: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow (stand)

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen

Worship Service for May 4, 2025 at 11 AM

Welcome

Opening Song: I Just Wanna Be A Sheep

Chorus:
I just wanna be a sheep, baa baa baa baa.
I just wanna be a sheep, baa baa baa baa.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
I just wanna be a sheep, baa baa baa baa.

Verse 1:
Don’t wanna be a goat…nope! Don’t wanna be a goat…nope!
Haven’t got any hope…nope! Don’t wanna be a goat…nope!

Verse 4:
Don’t wanna be a Sadducee. Don’t wanna be a Sadducee.
‘Cause they’re so sad you see. Don’t wanna be a Sadducee.

(Chorus)

Verse 5:
Just wanna be a child of God. Just wanna be a child of God.
Walkin’ the same path He trod. Just wanna be a child of God.

(Chorus)                                                                            © 1974 Mission Hills Music

Invocation 

Confession and Forgiveness:

P: We have come here today to worship the Lord.  In worship we hear the Word of God, we receive God’s blessings, and respond with thanks and praise.  We begin by seeking God’s blessing of forgiveness.  He has promised to remove the guilt and shame of our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

(a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins)

P: Let us confess our sins to the Lord. 

P: Heavenly Father,
C: Heavenly Father,

P: I have done things that were wrong.
C: I have done things that were wrong.

P: I have been mean to others.
C: I have been mean to others.

P: I have not obeyed my parents.
C: I have not obeyed my parents.

P: I have not obeyed You, God.
C: I have not obeyed You, God.

P: But I am very sorry.
C: But I am very sorry.

P: Please forgive me.
C: Please forgive me.

P: I love You very much.
C: I love You very much.

P: And I know You love me, too.
C: And I know You love me, too.

P: Amen.
C: Amen.

P: God has heard your apology.  He loves you very much.  God has told us that when we believe and trust in Him, He makes us His children.  As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us. He has told me to tell you that you are forgiven.  So, as His servant, I forgive you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 
C: Amen.

Song: Jesus Loves Me

Verse 1:
Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong, They are weak, but He is strong. 

Chorus:
Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me, The Bible tells me so. 

Verse 2:
Jesus loves me, He who died. Heaven’s gates to open wide.
He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.

(Chorus)                                                                          © Public Domain 

First Reading – John 10:11-15

“I am the good shepherd…The worker who is paid to keep the sheep is different from the shepherd. The paid worker does not own the sheep. So when he sees a wolf coming, he runs away and leaves the sheep alone…The man runs away because he is only a paid worker. He does not really care for the sheep. “I am the shepherd who cares for the sheep. I know my sheep just as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me just as I know the Father. I give my life for these sheep.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Message “The Good Shepherd vs the Hired Hand”

Song: Gratitude

All my words fall short. I got nothing new.
How could I express all my gratitude?

I could sing these songs, as I often do

But every song must end and You never do

Chorus:

So I throw up my hands and praise You again and again

‘Cause all that I have is a Hallelujah. Hallelujah!

And I know it’s not much but I’ve nothing else fit for a King

Except for a heart singing, Hallelujah  Hallelujah

I’ve got one response. I’ve got just one move

With my arm stretched wide, I will worship You

(Chorus)

Bridge:

So come on, my soul, oh, don’t you get shy on me. Lift up your song,

‘Cause you’ve got a lion inside of those lungs

Get up and praise the Lord

(Repeat 2x)

(Chorus)                                                                  © 2021 Bethel Worship Publishing

Second Reading – Ezekiel 34:11-13

The Lord God says, “I myself will be their Shepherd. I will search for my sheep and take care of them. If a shepherd is with his sheep when they begin to wander away, he will go searching for them. In the same way I will search for my sheep. I will save them and bring them back from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day. I will bring them back from those nations.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Message “The Good Shepherd Gathers the Scattered Sheep”

Song: I See You

God of love, God of all glory, every day I see new mercy.
Great is Your faithfulness!
God of love, God of my story, You never fail. You never forsake me
Great is Your faithfulness!

Chorus:
I see You in the morning light. I feel You in the fire by night.
I hear You say, “Child, I am with you. Everything will be alright.”
I see You in the tears that run. I feel You when the healing comes.
I hear You say, “Beloved one, I am with you,” Every moment of my life.
I see You. I see You. I see You. God, I see You. 

God of love, God of new vision, every blessing You have given.
Great is Your faithfulness! Oh, how great is Your faithfulness!

(Chorus) 

Bridge:
I will worship through the storm,
Through the storm, Through the storm.
All my hope is in You Lord, In You Lord, In You Lord. 

I see You in the morning light. I feel You in the fire by night.
I hear You say, “Child, I am with you. Everything will be alright.”

(Chorus)                                                                                © 2021 Capitol CMG Paragon 

Sermon – “Jesus is Our Good Shepherd”

Sermon Reading – John 10:11-16

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

The Lord’s Prayer

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

Benediction – The online service ends. The closing hymn video is on the Livestream page bulletin at FaithWesleyChapel.com with lyrics below. See announcements below as well. 

Closing Song – This Is Our God
Remember those walls that we called sin and shame?
They were like prisons that we couldn’t escape.
But He came, and He died, and He rose.
Those walls are rubble now.

Remember those giants we called death and grave?
They were like mountains that stood in our way.
But He came, and He died, and He rose.
Those giants are dead now.

Chorus
This is our God, this is who He is, He loves us.
This is our God, this is what He does, He saves us.
He bore the cross, beat the grave,
let heaven and earth proclaim,
this is our God, King Jesus.

Remember that fear that took our breath away?
Faith so weak that we could barely pray.
But He heard, Every word, every whisper.

Now those altars in the wilderness.
Tell the story of His faithfulness.
Never once, did He fail, and He never will.

(Chorus)

Bridge
Who pulled me out of that pit? He did. He did.
Who paid for all of our sins? Nobody but Jesus.
(Repeat both lines)
Who rescued me from that grave? Yahweh. Yahweh.
Who gets the glory and praise? Nobody but Jesus.
(Repeat both lines)

(Chorus)                                                                                                © Brandon Lake Music

Worship Service for April 27, 2025 at 11 AM

Welcome

Opening Song: I Know that My Redeemer Lives 
I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives triumphant from the grave. He lives eternally to save.
He lives all-glorious in the sky. He lives exalted there on high. 
He lives to silence all my fears; He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart; He lives all blessings to impart. 

He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives;
I know that my Redeemer lives!
I know that my Redeemer lives!                                        © Public Domain 

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness:
P: Come into the presence of the Lord our God.
C: Have mercy, O Lord. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand; but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(A time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins) 

P: I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Let us confess our sin before the Lord. Let us confess together.
C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are sinners.  We have sinned against you and our neighbors. We have not loved you with our whole heart and we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your punishment.  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.

P: The Lord is gracious and merciful. He promises to forgive our sins. Therefore, upon this, your confession, as a called and ordained servant of the Lord, in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

Song – Now All The Vault Of Heaven Resounds (sit)

Now all the vault of Heav’n resounds,
In praise of love that still abound,
“Christ has triumphed! He is living!”
Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear.
Repeat their song of glory here.
“Christ has triumphed! Christ has triumphed!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.” 

Eternal is the gift He brings.
Therefore, our heart with rapture sings,
“Christ has triumphed! He is living!”
Now, still, He comes to give us life,
And by His presence stills all strife.
Christ has triumphed! He is living!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. 

Adoring praises now we bring
And with the heavenly blessed sing,
“Christ has triumphed, Alleluia!
Be to the Father, and our Lord,
To Spirit blest, most holy God,
All the glory, never-ending!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.“               © 1989,1994 Lorenz Publishing Company 

Old Testament Reading – Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.”

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.              C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading – 1 John 5:4–10
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.              C: Thanks be to God. 

Gospel Reading – John 20:19–31
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.            C: Praise be to You, O Christ.

Children’s Message

Sermon Hymn – Because He Lives (Amen)
I believe in the Son. I believe in the risen One
I believe I overcome. By the power of His blood

Chorus
Amen, Amen. I’m alive, I’m alive because He lives
Amen, Amen. Let my song join the one that never ends
Because He lives

I was dead in the grave. I was covered in sin and shame
I heard mercy call my name. He rolled the stone away 

(Chorus)

Bridge
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, Every fear is gone
I know He holds my life my future in His hands

(Chorus 2x)                                                                                                         © 2014

Sermon – “Fear and Peace, Unbelief and Faith, Death and Life”

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255

Apostles’ Creed (stand)
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 was buried. He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (stand)
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

Benediction – The online service ends. The closing hymn video is on the Livestream page bulletin at FaithWesleyChapel.com with lyrics below. See announcements below as well. 

Closing Song – This Is Our God
Remember those walls that we called sin and shame?
They were like prisons that we couldn’t escape.
But He came, and He died, and He rose.
Those walls are rubble now.

Remember those giants we called death and grave?
They were like mountains that stood in our way.
But He came, and He died, and He rose.
Those giants are dead now.

Chorus
This is our God, this is who He is, He loves us.
This is our God, this is what He does, He saves us.
He bore the cross, beat the grave,
let heaven and earth proclaim,
this is our God, King Jesus.

Remember that fear that took our breath away?
Faith so weak that we could barely pray.
But He heard, Every word, every whisper.

Now those altars in the wilderness.
Tell the story of His faithfulness.
Never once, did He fail, and He never will.

(Chorus)

Bridge
Who pulled me out of that pit? He did. He did.
Who paid for all of our sins? Nobody but Jesus.
(Repeat both lines)
Who rescued me from that grave? Yahweh. Yahweh.
Who gets the glory and praise? Nobody but Jesus.
(Repeat both lines)

(Chorus)                                                                                                © Brandon Lake Music

Easter Sunday Worship Service for April 20, 2025 at 11 AM

Welcome

Gospel Reading – Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise be to You, O Christ.

Opening Song: Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia

Verse 1:
Christ has arisen, alleluia. Rejoice and praise Him, alleluia.
For our Redeemer burst from the tomb,
Even from death, dispelling its gloom.

Refrain:
Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy;
Death’s fearful sting He has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia! 

Verse 2:
For three long days, the grave did its worst,
Until its strength by God was dispersed.
He who gives life did death undergo;
And in its conquest, His might did show.

(Refrain)

Verse 4:
Go spread the news: He’s not in the grave;
He has arisen this world to save.
Jesus’ redeeming labors are done; even the battle with sin is won.

(Refrain)                                       Tr. © 1977 Augsburg Publishing House; © 1968   
          

Invocation

Confession and Forgiveness: (stand)

P: As we gather, today, let us cleanse our hearts and our consciences by confessing our sin to God.

(Time of silence for reflection and confession)

C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we are sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you and against our neighbor in our thoughts, words, and actions.  We are truly sorry for our sins and sincerely repent of them. We ask for Your mercy. For the sake of Jesus Christ’s bitter suffering and death, please forgive us and renew us that we may walk in Your Spirit to the glory of Your holy name. Amen

P: The Lord has heard your confession. Therefore, as a called and ordained servant of the Lord, in the stead and by the command of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen

Song of Praise and Thanksgiving: Christ Is Risen

Let no one caught in sin remain inside the lie of inward shame.
We fix our eyes upon the cross and run to Him who showed great love
And bled for us. Freely You’ve bled for us.

Chorus:
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling over death by death.
Come awake, come awake, come and rise up from the grave.
Christ is risen from the dead, we are one with Him again.
Come awake, come awake, come and rise up from the grave.

Beneath the weight of all our sin You bowed to none but Heaven’s will
No scheme of Hell, no scoffer’s crown,
No burden great can hold You down.
In strength You reign. Forever let Your church proclaim.

(Chorus)

O death, where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light.
The glory of God has defeated the night!
O death, where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light.
Our God is not dead. He is alive! He is alive!

(Chorus)             © 2009 Thankyou Music, spiritandsong.com, Unknown, and SHOUT! Publishing

Old Testament Reading – Job 19:23-27

“Oh that my words were written!
    Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
Oh that with an iron pen and lead
    they were engraved in the rock forever!
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
    My heart faints within me!

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Epistle Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Message (Children return to their seats)

Sermon Hymn – Jesus Christ is Risen, Today

Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!

Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!

Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!

Unto Christ, our heav’nly king, Alleluia!

Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!

Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pains which He endured, Alleluia!

Our salvation have procured; Alleluia!

Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia!

Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!

Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!

Praise Him, all ye heav’nly host, Alleluia!

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!                                      © Public Domain

Sermon – “Resurrection Day”

Prayers: Text in prayer requests to (813) 326-5255 

Nicene Creed (stand)

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (stand)

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.

Benediction – The online service ends. The closing hymn video is on the Livestream page bulletin at FaithWesleyChapel.com with lyrics below. See announcements below as well. 

Closing Song: Forever
The moon and stars they wept. The morning sun was dead.
The Savior of the world was fallen.
His body on the cross. His blood poured out for us.
The weight of every curse upon Him.

One final breath He gave, as Heaven looked away.
The Son of God was laid in darkness.
A battle in the grave. The war on death was waged.
The power of hell forever broken. 

Pre-Chorus:
The ground began to shake. The stone was rolled away.
His perfect love could not be overcome.
Now death where is your sting. Our resurrected King,
Has rendered you defeated. 

Chorus:
Forever, He is glorified. Forever, He is lifted high!
Forever, He is risen. He is alive; He is alive! 

(Pre-Chorus)

(Chorus) 

We sing hallelujah. We sing hallelujah.
We sing hallelujah. The Lamb has overcome!

(Chorus)                                                                    © 2013 Bethel Music

Good Friday Worship Service for April 18, 2025 at 7 PM

About the Service

Tenebrae

Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness.” The Officium Tenebrae, the Service of Darkness, is a devotional and meditative service held on Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The Service of Darkness is not a funeral service for Jesus but a time for repentance and reflection on his sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. The darkness in the church symbolizes the miraculous Tenebrae, the darkness which surrounded the cross and darkened the earth from noon until three o’clock on the day Jesus died.

Seven Candles

There are seven candles and the Christ candle in the front of the church. Throughout the service the candles are extinguished and the lights are dimmed representing the extinguishing of the life of Jesus. The Christ candle is not extinguished but it is removed from the chancel. Just as Christ’s body was hidden in the grave until the third day so also is the Christ candle removed from sight for a short time. We then hear the loud sound of the Bible closing representing the stone being set in place in front of the tomb. The Christ candle is returned to its place at the end of the service foreshadowing Christ’s return from death to life.

Silence

In keeping with the solemnity of the day, there is no pre-service or post-service music. The service begins in silence and ends in silence. Worshipers are invited to remain after the service for as long as they wish for prayer and meditation. All are asked to leave the sanctuary, the courtyard and the parking lot in silence. The stillness and darkness of tonight are intended to contrast with the bright and glorious celebration of Easter morning

Preservice: Silence for Meditation

Invocation

Responsive Prayer

P: Come let us worship the Lord,
C: Who was obedient to death, even death on a cross.

P: God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
C: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

P: Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
C: As a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Confession and Forgiveness (Hebrews 4:14-16)

P: Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God,
C: let us hold fast our confession.

P: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
C: but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

P: Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,
C: that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

(Time of Silent Reflection and Confession)

P: Let us confess our sins before the Lord.

C: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. …Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God

P: Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. Here the promise of our merciful God in 1 John chapter 1. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God’s promises are always true. Your sins are forgiven.

C: Amen 

First Reading: John 18:1-11

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

The First Candle is Extinguished

Music: Go to Dark Gethsemane (vs 1 and 2)

“Go to dark Gethsemane, Ye that feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see; Watch with Him one bitter hour
Turn not from His griefs away; Learn from Him to watch and pray.

“See Him at the judgment-hall, Beaten, bound, reviled, arraign’d
See Him meekly bearing all! Love to man His soul sustain’d!
Shun not suffering, shame or loss; Learn of Christ to bear the cross.

Second Reading: John 18:12-27

So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

The Second Candle is Extinguished

Music: What Wondrous Love is This (vs 1 and 2)
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this. That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down. Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

Third Reading: John 18:28-40

Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

The Third Candle is Extinguished

Music Old Rugged Cross (vs 1 and 3)

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame,
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Chorus:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.

Chorus

Fourth Reading: John 19:1-16a

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

The Fourth Candle is Extinguished

Music When I Survey (vs 1 and 3)

When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
See from his head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Fifth Reading: John 19:16b-27

So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them,
   and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

The Fifth Candle is Extinguished

Music Were You There (vs 1 and 2)

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Sixth Reading: John 19:28-30

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

The Sixth Candle is Extinguished

Music (Were You There – vs 3)

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Seventh Reading: John 19:31-42

Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

The Seventh Candle is Extinguished

The Lord’s Prayer (Spoken softly by the congregation)

The Christ Candle is Removed and Extinguished

THE CLOSING OF THE BIBLE AND THE “STREPITUS” (a loud noise symbolizing the closing of our Savior’s tomb and the earthquake which occurred when Jesus died.)

The Christ Candle is Returned (Unlit)

The Service Ends and the People Exit in Silence