ORDER OF WORSHIP
October 1, 2023 10:30 AM
EIGHTEENTH 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
PRELUDE. ”Organ Prelude” Mary Lee Farris, Organ
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 145)
Leader: To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
PEOPLE: O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
Leader: Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
PEOPLE: Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.
Leader: Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
PEOPLE: According to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O LORD!
Leader: Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
PEOPLE: He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
INVOCATION
God of the ages, whose care for all your children spans generations and centuries, se come in praise and adoration. From the first moments of creation to where we stand today, you have been our beacon and our guide, leading us as we wandered and carrying us when we fell. Lead us now to come closer to you, in Jesus’ name.
**OPENING HYMN: “I Love to Tell the Story” Red #498
CALL TO CONFESSION
We think of ourselves as faithful, but we aren’t always faithful. We think of ourselves as just, but we often are not just. Let us come together in prayer:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God of creation, you entrust us as stewards; we confess our abuse of what you place in our care. We foul the water by deliberate disposal, the air is choked with emissions we create. We burn the forests through carelessness, the oceans are poisoned with toxins and cluttered with debris. Forgive us our neglect of nature’s delicate balance and have mercy upon us as we renew our commitment to your created order.
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Hear again the words of assurance that Christ is the bringer of a new covenant , so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance, by the glory of Jesus, Amen.
**GLORIA PATRI (Traditional) Red# 805
**AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Adapted by John Redman)
I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was born of a young peasant woman, trained as a carpenter, and baptized by His cousin John. He taught many, He healed many, and He angered many. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He defeated death and He offers us grace and love in the name of God the Father Almighty; from that time through all time to come. I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit; the universal Church of Christ; the Communion of sharing our gifts with others; the forgiveness of our sins; the Grace of God’s love, and that each soul may have life everlasting. Amen
**HYMN OF PRAISE “Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us” Red# 522
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Gracious God, we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from your mouth. Make us hungry for this heavenly food, that it may nourish us today in the ways of eternal life; through Jesus Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING Exodus 17: 1-7 John Safran
GOSPEL READING Matthew 21: 23-32
SERMON MESSAGE By What Authority? John Redman, CRE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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
COMMUNION HYMN “Bread of the World in Mercy Broken” Red # 774
HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation to the Table
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Words of Institution
Prayer after Communion
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We give freely from the bounty we have been given by our Gracious God. May what we offer in these moments help to become the very blessing and hope that others need. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
OFFERTORY “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
**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 “Lord, Let Us Now, Depart in Peace” Red #842
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “Reflection” by Mark Hayes Mary Lee Farris, Piano
Blessings!
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954 Fax: (845) 562-0955
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