Centering Practice
We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:
- Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths
- Give yourself a hug and say to yourself, “I am a child of God”
- Now, turn to your neighbors and say out loud, “You are a child of God”
Call to Worship
The Spirit calls us from many places
and invites us to find our home in Christ,
together as God’s people.
God sets the lonely in families.
There are no outsiders here.
We are welcomed and embraced by love.
Amen.
Worship Songs
My Hallelujah
Open up the doors again
Let the King of glory in
His Kingdom will never end
Oh, I know that You are good
Break the darkness with the light
All the earth let praise arise
Every dead place come alive
Oh, I know that You are good
Oh, I know that You are good
You will have my hallelujah
You alone the highest name
All to You I surrender
Every breath I take
Make my life Your praise
Oh, Spirit of the Living God
Fire burning in my heart
I’m wide awake to who You are
Oh, I know that You are good
Oh, I know that You are good
You are my strength when I am weak
You are my sight when I can’t see
As praise goes up, I believe
The walls are coming down
Oh, when I was lost, You rescued me
When I was bound, You set me free
As praise goes up, I believe
The walls are coming down
Open Space / Hosanna
Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Pull me in closer
Close to Your heart
May I be a pure reflection of all You are
Love that is patient
Love that is kind
And love that keeps no offences
or wrongs in my mind
Make me like Jesus
Make me like Jesus
You’re faithful to find me
Right where I am
Though even in my wandering You call me friend
And mercy receives me
and lifts me to my feet
And I’m caught up in the wonder and mystery
Of knowing Jesus
Of knowing Jesus
My heart is an open space
for You to come and have Your way
I’m open, I’m open
Prayer of Confession
God of belonging and embrace,
You are the Creator of all things
and we open our hearts to You.
When we are anxious, lead us to still waters.
When we feel lonely, be with us.
When we feel lost, guide us in Your paths.
Hear us, O God, we pray:
— Moment of silent prayer —
Your love, O Lord, is steadfast.
Make us a faithful people,
receiving and sharing Your love.
Amen.
Assurance of God’s Love
Prayers of the People
After each phrase, the congregation will reply with one voice:
Lord, have mercy.
For those who are hungry, whether in body or in spirit…
For those who are grieving loss this day…
For those threatened by violence, discrimination, or hatred…
For our friends who need to know Your love and the friendship of our Anchor & Hope community…
For the body of Christ around the world to walk in the way of Your love…
Amen.
Offering Prayer
Announcements
- Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
- Art & Faith Kids Camp: Next Sunday, July 28th, we will host an afternoon kids camp for kids K through 5th grade from 1:00 to 5:00 pm here at Sandburg (after our regular worship gathering) • Volunteers needed, please register your kids and invite your friends!
- Balboa Park 8-Miler: Anchor & Hope is putting a team together for the Balboa Park 8-miler on August 3rd. If you’re interested in participating, please talk to Jin Cho.
- Blessing of the Backpacks: On Sunday, August 11th, we will have a short Blessing of the Backpacks — we invite all students, teachers, and administrators to bring their backpacks to receive a blessing that day as we start a new school year! We are also planning a clean-up/service day at Sandburg afterward, so show up ready to serve!
- Home Groups: We will kick off our next season of Home Groups starting throughout this month. Your Home Group leaders will be in touch soon!
Passing of the Peace
Let’s greet each other at this time!
Family Praise
~~~
Blessing of the Children
Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way!
Worship Song
I Speak Jesus / Hope’s Anthem
I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus
I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over fear and all anxiety
‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus
Your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire
We just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every hurt and suffering
Declaring there is hope and there is freedom
Our hope is in You God
We are steadfast
We will not be moved
We’re anchored
Never shaken
All our hope is in You
Scripture Reading
Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Ephesians 5:1-2
12 So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments of the Lord and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well-being.
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Walking in the Way of Love
Pastor Dan
Reflection Questions:
- ~~~
Worship Song
Let Us Be Known
Let us be known by our love
In every word, in every deed
Honor the Son
Let our light shine
in every eye
Let us be known by our love
For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our love
Let us be known by our joy
In every home, in every heart
Sing to the Lord
Let our lives show
goodness and hope
Let us be known by our joy
For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our joy
Let us be known by our peace
In every town, in every tribe
Jesus is King
Let us go forth
heal and restore
Let us be known by our peace
For the glory of our Savior
For the glory of our God
For the glory of the Spirit
Let us be known by our peace
Anchor & Hope Church 