Essential Anabaptism

 Theme: Essential Anabaptism

“Abide in me as I abide in you. I am the vine, you are the branches.” John 15:4-5

 Welcome and Announcements

 Opening Reflections on Anabaptism – Maurice

Call to Worship

Vine and Branches

(An Anabaptist description of the true church)

“The vines have sprouted blossoms and exude fragrance, that is, the planting of the Heavenly Father which He has planted as the true Gardener in Jesus Christ, the true vine. The shoots from the vine which are planted are the true believers in Christ Jesus. Through the sap of Grace from Christ the vine, they develop blossoms that they may see God’s working in them through His plantings in Christ and give God praise in Christ Jesus.”  By Pilgrim Marpeck, a 16th century Anabaptist

 Hymn HWB #373 Thou True Vine that Heals

Prayer (by Jakob Hutter, an early Anabaptist)

O Living God

Pour your heavenly blessings upon the Church, your garden. Water your garden with rain from heaven, the comfort of your Holy Spirit and the oil of your compassion.

Protect your garden with a fence to guard it from wild beasts.

Protect it from thunderstorms and from evil blight, so that its fruit may ripen unto many good works.

Keep watch until your garden comes to full bloom and bring it to a bountiful harvest. Amen

Hymn VT#386 One is the Body

Prayer of Confession VT#888

Hymn VT#555 Lord, I am Fondly, Earnestly Longing

Scripture: Luke 6:12-16

Message The Essence of Anabaptism

Congregational Prayer (Call to Intercession)

VT#987 (in form of ‘bidding’ prayer)

Hymn VT#556 I Bind My Heart This Tide

Prayer for the Offering VT#1019

The Gift Music:  Pastorale from Handel’s Messiah

    Elizabeth (violin) and Ryan (piano)

Sending Hymn VT#797 We are the People of God’s Peace

Benediction