The Sixth Sunday of Easter

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

God of all nations, in the gift of your Son you have embraced the world with a love that takes away our sin and bestows perfect joy. Grant to all who have life in Christ fidelity in serving you and generosity in loving one another. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“The Love of God” – Abigail Miller

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Gospel Reading: John 15:9-17 (NLT)

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.
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Prayers of Intercession:

Ever-Loving God, listen to the prayers of your children –

+ For all believers, that we may be known by our love for one another….
+ For all believers, that we may care for our neighbors, especially those who are sick and needy….
+ For all people of good will, that we may look after those who are destitute and dislocated….
+ For all who seek the truth, that the Spirit may help them find it in Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life….
+ For all young believers, that the Spirit may empower them to make good decisions and live out their faith….
+ For all who suffer in mind, body, or spirit that believing friends may demonstrate your love for them….
+ For all believers whose sufferings are over, that they may experience eternal life and love in your presence….

Ever-loving God, we sing a song of praise to your name, for you have worked wonders: continue to guide your people, and hear our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Reckless Love” – Cory Asbury

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Blessing – Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!