Worship 8/20/23

TheWorshipofGod

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

August 20, 2023 ╬ 11:00 a.m.

*We invite you to stand as you are able.

Gathering at God’s Invitation

Welcome AngelaZimmerman

CalltoWorship AngelaZimmerman

Spirit of Love, you come to us in many ways.

Open our hearts to see you before us.

Open our ears to hear your voice.

Open our hearts to receive your love.

Open our hands to bear your love to all.

Open our mouths to sing your praise.

LightingoftheChristCandle PatSmith

We light the Christ candle as a reminder that Christ is the one who has drawn us to this place, abides with us now, and is with us to the end of the age.

Prelude Praise His Greatness arr.MarkHayes

LifeoftheCommunity AnneStultz

Offering Ourselves to God

*Hymn#295 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing NETTLETON

ScriptureReading Romans11:1-2a,29-32

The Word of God for the People of God

Thanks Be to God.

AngelaZimmerman

PrayerofConfession

AnneStultz

God of infinite mercy and love, we come before you this day, knowing that we have not always been faithful to what you would have us do.

We have too often turned our backs on those in need, choosing not to hear their cries.

Forgive us, O Lord.

We know that you do not want us to behave in this way. Your love and mercy, so generously showered over us, should be a beacon to guide our own actions.

We make no excuses, for none would suffice.

We ask your forgiveness and blessing, Turning us again around and placing us on the path of compassion and peace. AMEN.

AssuranceofPardon

God’s love is greater than our understanding and our comprehension. That love is continually given to each and every one of us each day.

Rejoice! God’s forgiving love is poured out for us now and always. AMEN.

*Hymn#44

GivingourTithesandOfferings

OffertoryPrayer

AnneStultz

O My Soul, Bless God the Father STUTTGART

Offertory Beautiful Savior

*Doxology(Hymn#706)

JoanJoyce

DaleWood

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Listening to God

TheChurchatPrayer&TheLord’sPrayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Anthem God of Great and God of Small

NatalieSleeth

*ScriptureReading

Genesis45:1-15

AngelaZimmerman

For the Word of God in Scripture, for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us.

Thanks be to God

Sermon “Mercy”

Responding to God’s Word

DisciplineofSilence

AngelaZimmerman

To be in God’s presence is to be changed. During this moment of silent reflection, consider the change God wishes to make in you.

*Hymn#41 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy WELLESLEY

If you sense God calling you today, we invite you to respond during this time of invitation. If God is calling you to follow Jesus for the first time, to rededicate yourself as a Christ-follower, or as a faithful Christian, to join the fellowship of our church, we encourage you to come forward to speak to our pastor during this closing hymn.

Sending Into God’s World

Benediction

Postlude

Sonata No. 4 4th movement

AngelaZimmerman

FelixMendelssohn

(Please put your nametag in the basket provided at either entrance when leaving.)