We believe that Jesus calls us to be His faithful disciples by welcoming all people, serving others and sharing generously.
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
16th Sunday after Pentecost
August 16th, 2026
4357 South New Hope Rd.
Gastonia, NC 28056
704.824.1697 www.nhpchurch.com
Find us on Facebook: New Hope Presbyterian Church
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
One: This is the day the Lord has made!
All: Let us rejoice, and be glad in it!
PRELUDE “The Love Of God” Lehman/Nehorai
Please prepare your hearts and minds for worship.
WE PREPARE
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Come and see what love God has given to us.
All: Come and see what it means to be the children of God.
One: Come with the hope and promise that Christ’s presence is among us.
All: With joy and expectation, we come to meet our Lord.
*HYMN “Jesus, The Very Thought Of You” No. 629
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, the economy of your love is beautiful, expending goodness and extending lines of forgiveness beyond our imagining. The economy of our love, however, is all too often cramped and calculating. We confess that we invest love where it can be repaid; we spend mercy where it yields gain. We tend to advance blessings we can bank on. We hold grudges with interest. We do all of this with no recognition of how deeply indebted we are to you. In your mercy, Lord, forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, we pray with our whole hearts. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
… in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven
Thanks be to God!
As God offers us the peace of Christ, let us now offer the peace to one another:
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
And also with you.
Please share the peace with those around you.
*OUR RESPONSE “In His Time” (see insert)
WE LISTEN
TIME WITH THE CHILDREN Rev. Dr. Robert Evans
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST READING Psalm 63: 1-4 p. 516
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
ANTHEM “If That Isn’t Love” Dottie Rambo
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 13, 14:1a
(To be read in Unison – insert in the bulletin)
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
SERMON “The Love Chapter from the Backside” Rev. Dr. Robert Evans
WE RESPOND
*HYMN “Lord, I Want To Be A Christian” No. 729
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles Creed
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 Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE/THE LORD’S PRAYER
…Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY “I Love You, Lord” No. 627
*DOXOLOGY No. 606
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” No. 39
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “Lord, I Thank You ” Andrae Crouch
*Please rise, in body or in spirit.
If you need childcare, please see an usher.
THE LIFE OF NEW HOPE CHURCH If you are visiting with us and would like more information about New Hope Presbyterian Church, or are interested in membership, please speak to the minister.
WORSHIP LEADERSHIP
Leslie Sauceda, Liturgist Dean Newkirk, Music Director