ORDER OF WORSHIP
AUGUST 18, 2024 10:30 AM
THIRTEENTH 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 Mary Lee Farris, Organ
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 111)
Leader: Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
PEOPLE: Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
Leader: Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
PEOPLE: He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the LORD is gracious and merciful.
Leader: He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
PEOPLE: The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
INVOCATION
Eternal God, we gaze at the stars, they dance to your music; the moon shines, reflecting your glory. We greet the sunrise and rejoice in creation. Tasting the rain, we affirm your care for us; touching the sand, we are in awe of your power. You spark our senses to the scope of your grandeur, and we give you honor as we worship your name. Amen.
**OPENING HYMN “Stand Up and Bless the Lord” Red #41
CALL TO CONFESSION
We struggle in our lives, in our thoughts, and in our hearts. Let us come to God to relieve ourselves of our guilt, our doubts, and our failings as we come closer to our Creator.
PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING
Gracious Lord, we come to you as your children knowing that we follow a broken pathway. Show us the true path of Jesus that we can walk with you in this life and all of our lives to come. We thank you for the blessings we receive, as manna was given to those who wandered in the wilderness, and we are grateful for the message of unfailing love in Jesus. Amen
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
The mercy and forgiveness of our Lord is as infinite as the skies and more plentiful than the stars. In the name of our savior, we are forgiven. Amen
**GLORIA PATRI Red #805
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
**AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – (Loosely Translated from Lakota Sioux)
We believe in the Great Creator, who made all that is and will be made, and in his shining Son of the East, whose bright light came with a star and lived among the people and died among them for his own light. The Great Spirit raised him to live again among the people of the stars and the mother earth, as he leads all who wish to join him in the feast of his being, for as long as the stars shall shine, and the rivers shall flow.
**HYMN OF PRAISE “How Great Thou Art” Red #21
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
O Lord, your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Give us grace to receive your truth in faith and love, and strength to follow on the path you set before us, through Jesus Christ, Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1 Kings 3: 4-14 Dan Olson
EPISTLE READING Ephesians 5: 15-20
GOSPEL READING John 6: 51-58
SERMON: Did I Hear that Right?
John Redman, CRE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Gracious God, keep in our hearts all those whose names you already know and who ask for healing in their own quiet ways, let us pray together as our redeemer taught us, saying:
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
It is right to share our abundance with those who have less or need more. May what we offer here help to be the answer of the prayers of others in the name of Jesus, Amen.
OFFERTORY By Christ Redeemed
**DOXOLOGY Traditional Red #809
**PRAYER OF THANKS
Gracious God, accept our gifts that they may be used wisely in your service for those who hunger, or thirst, or merely seek a greater understanding of your love. This we gratefully pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
**HYMN OF PARTING “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing” Red #834
BENEDICTION
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and may the blessing of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you in this day and in all those days to come. Amen
POSTLUDE “Take My Life, Lead Me, Lord” Red #566 Mary Lee Farris, Piano
Blessings!
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954
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