Order of Service - June 15

GOD CALLS
CALL TO WORSHIP
—Philippians 2:9-11
God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Amen. Christ is Lord!

SONG — Fairest Lord Jesus
(August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben | Joseph August Seiss / Public Domain)

Fairest Lord Jesus Ruler of all nature
O Thou of God and man the Son
Thee will I cherish Thee will I honor
Thou my soul's glory joy and crown

Fair are the meadows fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing

Fair is the sunshine fairer still the moonlight
And all the twinkling starry host
Jesus shines brighter Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heav'n can boast

Beautiful Saviour Lord of all the nations
Son of God and Son of Man
Glory and honor praise adoration
Now and forevermore be Thine


SONG — Abide With Me
(Henry Lyte, Justin Smith / © 2007 Justin Smith Music)

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, abide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile;
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee,
On to the close Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, tears no bitterness.
Where is thy sting death? Where grave thy victory?
I triumph still, abide with me

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks
and earth’s vain shadows flee
In life, in death, Lord, abide with me.


GOD CLEANSES
CONFESSION
—Ephesians 4:1-3
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

ASSURANCE
—1 Peter 1:18-19
You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

I declare to you in the name of Jesus Christ,
you are forgiven.

Thanks be to God.

GOD COMMUNES 

OFFERING

If you wish to give financially to The Vine Presbyterian Church, we have online giving available, visit: www.thevine.to/give.

PASSING THE PEACE

SERMON
Counter-Culture Living
By Randal Lankheet
Ephesians 5:1-20

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: no immoral, impure or greedy person – such a person is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible – and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

‘Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.’

15 Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God


THE LORD'S SUPPER

We welcome all baptized Christians to receive Holy Communion with us. If you are exploring the Christian faith, please use this time to meditate on the following prayers.

Prayer for Those Searching for Truth

Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. As I consider the reasons to follow you, help me to discern your calling. If what you claim is true, open me to the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen.

Prayer of Belief

Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weak and sinful, but through you I am loved and accepted. Thank you for paying my debt on the cross. Thank you for taking my sins and granting me complete forgiveness. I believe that you have been raised from the dead, and I now turn to you as my Saviour and Lord. Amen.

SONG - Great Redeemer
(Lucy Grimble /© Lucy Grimble Music) CCLI #22022177

Oh God, how could I stand
If it wasn′t for Your mercy?
Your heart reaching for mine
You have never stopped loving
Your kindness called me home into Your embrace
You held me in Your arms as You poured out grace
Oh, when I remember all that You've done, I say
You are faithful

Great Redeemer, lover of my soul
Firm foundation, with me through it all

Oh God, I won′t forget
Salvation didn't come for free
You paid the highest price
To restore me for eternity
Your precious blood has washed all my sin away
A debt of love I know I cannot repay
Oh, when I remember all that You've done, I say
That You are faithful

Your sovereign hands that made the Earth and Heaven
Bore the scars that have healed my life
Your precious feet that walked upon the water
Led You humbly to be crucified
And on the cross, I see how much You love me
You have always had Your arms stretched wide
Willing to die, You rose again victorious
Now forever You are glorified

I will remember all that You′ve done for me
I stand because of You, my Redeemer
You are faithful
You are faithful

GOD SENDS

WORD & PRAYER THIS WEEK
Scripture Reading: Acts 28-28

This coming week is the last study for the regular small group year. Let's give thanks for the Lord's work among us through small group ministry. May the relationships built this year continue through the summer months.

COMMUNITY LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS
We would love to connect. You are welcome to approach any of the service volunteers, and you can fill out a visitor card or contact office@thevine.to.

Annual General Meeting: On Sunday, June 22, all are welcome to attend our AGM as a church (and as a charity). This will take place immediately after the service, including a review of 2024 finances and other news and updates.

The meeting will be followed by a Summer Potluck in the atrium. Sign-up to volunteer or bring a side/dessert to share: tinyurl.com/vine-potluck.

Summer Retreat: Attend our second annual summer retreat from August 22 - 24 at Riverview Christian Camp. Registrations are now open! Learn more: www.thevine.to/summer-retreat.

Post-service coffee: Right after the service, all are welcome to enjoy coffee and tea in the atrium.

DOXOLOGY

(Thomas Ken / Public Domain)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

BENEDICTION
—2 Peter 1:2
May grace and peace be multiplied to you
in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.