Wadhams United Church of Christ

2665 County Route 10, Wadhams, NY 12993
Town of Westport, Essex County, NY
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Order of Service
typical summer 2011

Sunday, September 18, 2011 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Rev. Michael Richards, Pastor and Teacher

Theme: What kind of a Savior did we get?
Thought for the Day: Grace is comforting when aimed at us and those like us. But what happens when grace includes those who offend or disturb us?
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Call to Worship
One: Christ bids us come with welcoming grace.
All: We celebrate Christ’s wide-embracing love.
One: God bids us to be filled with Spirit’s empowering gifts.
All: We rejoice in the community God gathers for praise, and scatters for service.

* Hymn of Praise: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”                      # 304
* Invocation                                         Pastor Michael
* Prayer of Confession                                       in unison
God of peace and lover of shalom: We have not always done what you want us to do, and we have often done what you would rather we didn’t. We have turned away from neighbors in need. We have judged people harshly, put off by the speck in their eye, while ignoring the log in our own. We have prayed for everything we ever wanted, but forgotten to pray for the forgiveness we need. Hear this confession of ours, O God, and relieve us of the weight of guilt which slows us in the service of your Son. Amen.
* Words of Assurance: The good news is for us all this day. Christ loves us and calls us forth to new life. No matter the past and no matter what we have done or not done, God’s love nourishes us with new life and hope.
* People: Thanks be to God.
* The Lord’s Prayer:
        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 sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
        And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom; the power, and the glory for ever. Amen

We Worship Through Sharing Our God-given Talents
Ministry of Music

We Worship Through Prayer and Praise.
Pastoral Prayer –                                           Pastor Michael
Giving Our Offerings and Tythes as our Response to God’s love.
Offertory Music
The Presentation of our Gifts for God’s work.
* Doxology:    Praise God from whom all blessings flow;                            # 780
        Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Creator, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
* Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self                               (in unison)
God of love, for all you have given, we give you thanks. May this offering be but one expression of those thanks.
May these gifts, as well as our lives, be engaged in your mission and witness: extending mercy, doing justice, deepening community, all for the sake of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

We Worship Through Receiving God’s Word.
   First Scripture Reading:     Exodus 17:1-7
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord        All:        Thanks be to God!
* Hymn:        “All My Hope on God is Founded”                                   # 408
   Second Scripture Reading:   Matthew 21:23-32                    Pastor Michael
   Reader: This is the Word of the Lord        All:       Thanks be to God!
A Moment to Reflect Silently on God’s Word before the Message
   The Afternoon Message “Showing Up”                        Pastor Michael

We Depart to Serve Our Saviour and Lord.
* Hymn    “O God, Our Help In Ages Past”                             # 25
* Closing Corporate Prayer:                                              In unison
May our Lord Jesus Christ be near us to defend us, within us to refresh us, around us to preserve us, before us to guide us, above us to bless us; who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forevermore. Amen
* Benediction                                                      Pastor Michael
* Congregational Response    “Go, My Children, With My Blessing.”        vs. 1                 # 82
   Postlude

* Would the Congregation please stand, if able.