First Lesson: Acts 7:55-60

Theme: The stoning of Stephen

Call to Worship
Pastor: The message of Christ was proclaimed by the early church, even when persecution cost their lives.
People: We remember the commitment of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who gave his life for the cause of Christ.
Pastor: We remember Stephen, also because he prayed tor his persecutors, among whom was Saul, who later became a great missionary.
People: We praise God for the faith of the early Christians which produced a growing fellowship of believers in spite of persecution.

Collect
Eternal God, our Father: Your church has survived the storms of persecution, flourishing on the very forces that would destroy it. Deepen our commitment to your church, that our faith and conduct may turn the indifference of ou…