ORDER OF WORSHIP - AUGUST 23RD, 2026
- Union Church
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
ORDER OF WORSHIP
AUGUST 23RD, 2026 - 10:30 AM
THE TWENTY-FIRST DAY IN ORDINARY TIME
**Kindly stand if you are able
**PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR PHONE before Worship
PRELUDE “Just As I Am” John Coates, Organ
- William B. Bradbury
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 124)
LEADER: If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when our enemies
attacked us,
PEOPLE: Then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;
LEADER: If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
PEOPLE: Then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;
LEADER: If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
PEOPLE: Then over us would have gone the raging waters.
LEADER AND PEOPLE: Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
INVOCATION
Mighty God, we ask you to bless us here today as we gather to worship. Send your Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love and wisdom.
**OPENING HYMN “Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated” Red #568
CALL TO CONFESSION
We come to God to confess our sins because in him we will find forgiveness and
redemption. We are all sinners, and we are all worthy of God’s love.
PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING
Almighty God, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
(A moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
The love of God is offered to all who seek it. We do not live alone; God is with us in everything we do.
**GLORIA PATRI “Glory Be to The Father” Red #805
**HYMN OF PRAISE “Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing” Red #45
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Apostles’ Creed)
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
The words of the Scriptures offer us a way to understand the will of God. Let these
words enter into our hearts so that we can live lives in your service.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT Exodus 1:8-2:10 Theresa Cotanche
GOSPEL Matthew 16:13-20
SERMON MESSAGE “When Women Break the Law” James Phillips
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 us to pray, 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
Let us return to God the offerings of our life and the gifts of the earth. May our gifts be a blessing to those who receive them. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
**OFFERTORY “Wedding Song” Vocals: Nancy Mann
Guitar: John Coates
Percussion: John Safran
As man we all are human with our will put to the test
We must travel on his road and try to do our best
What's to be the reason for embracing Christian might?
Is it love that brings you here or need to cope with life?
**DOXOLOGY Avery & Marsh (Back of the Red hymnal)
PRAYER OF THANKS
We thank you, our Lord for those gifts to us that we send to you for your work and ours in congregation, community, and culture. Guide us in good use as we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
**HYMN OF PARTING “Lord, Let Us Now Depart in Peace” Red #842
BENEDICTION
All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.
-Sophocles
POSTLUDE “Great Is the Lord” Red #44
James Phillips
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh, NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954
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