ORDER OF WORSHIP
July 23, 2023 10:30 AM
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
If you have individual prayer requests, please write them on prayer cards in the pews and bring them up or give them to an usher during the prelude.
**Kindly stand if you are able
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 139)
Leader: O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
People: You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Leader: Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely.
People: Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
Leader: If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,”
People: Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Leader: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
People: See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
INVOCATION
Gracious God we come to your light to escape the darkness. We ask that you spark your light of redemption in our hearts so that we can go into the world to further spread your love. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
**OPENING HYMN: “When Morning Gilds the Skies” Red #99
CALL TO CONFESSION
We are often unsure how to carry out God’s will and get defensive and tribal. Know that God’s love and forgiveness is for everyone, and all are welcome in his house. Let us pray.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of all, we too often approach life as a competition between each other. Instead of helping each other thrive we look to hoard what we can and take from others. Forgive us for our fears and our isolation. Teach us to love one other not just in words but also in action. Assure us that the joy of salvation is available for all and not just a select few. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
As has been true since the beginning, God offers us forgiveness for our sins. The life and death and resurrection of Christ renewed that forgiveness and it is available to all who ask.
**HYMN OF PRAISE: ”Be Thou My Vision” Red #532
PASSING OF THE PEACE
**AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Apostles Creed Traditional)
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.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Teach us, O, Lord through your words so that we may find peace and salvation through our risen savior. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Genesis 28:10-19a Theresa Cotanche
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43
SERMON MESSAGE Turning Weeds Into Wheat James Phillips
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
God of all that is and will be, we humbly pray for your love and care for everyone in our communities and the greater world. We ask that you help us to see every person as worthy of the grace of your kingdom. Help us to help each other find the redemption your love promises. Please send your healing touch on those in grief and those close to us whom we name here: And Lord we pray for those in our own hearts whose names you already know, for their own healing and comfort, in your name and that of our redeemer Jesus Christ, who taught to pray, saying:
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 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
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We are blessed to have all that we have been given. We give back to God and the church so that our gifts may be shared with those in need.
OFFERTORY “Andante” (from Op. 36, no. 1) By Clementi
**DOXOLOGY (Traditional)
PRAYER OF THANKS
Lord God, we thank you for these gifts. As we follow in faith, may we find ways to honor you by giving of our treasure, our time and our talents to glorify you and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
**CLOSING HYMN: “The Church’s One Foundation” Red #689
BENEDICTION (From 1 Thessalonians)
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
POSTLUDE “Arietta” By Grieg Jean MacDonald, Piano
Blessings!
James Phillips
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954 Fax: (845) 562-0955