ORDER OF WORSHIP - JULY 13th, 2025

Union Church
6 days ago
4 min read

JULY 13th, 2025 10:30 AM

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

**Kindly stand if you are able

PRELUDE Mary Lee Farris, Organ

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 66)

Leader: God has taken his place in the divine council, in the midst of the gods he holds judgment

PEOPLE: How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?

Leader: Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the

destitute.

PEOPLE: Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk around in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Leader: I say, “You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, and fall like any prince.”

ALL: Rise up, O God, judge the earth; for all the nations belong to you!

INVOCATION

Holy God, as we come together in this house of yours, we pray to open ourselves to your spirit. We ask “Who is our neighbor?” We are people of the covenant, called to care for one another without exception. Bring fresh understanding as to why we should be unafraid in giving compassion and bringing hope to all. Guide us in being open to helping the stranger, the outcast, and the one without community. Amen.

**OPENING HYMN “Pass it On” Red #739

CALL TO CONFESSION

God calls us to relationships of trust and hope. As your children we are drawn to the good and the holy. We come now to confess that we sometimes have too narrow a view of what is good, missing the holy even when we are in its midst. Let us pray together.

PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING

God we pray, inspire courage and compassion and open us beyond the usual boundaries that come with fear and privilege. We acknowledge we fail to see our neighbors unless it is convenient and scheduled. It’s easier to withdraw and to hide in our homes. The divisions that plague our nation will require a new kind of coming together in understanding and love. Forgive our hesitation and make bold our faith Amen.

(A moment for silent personal confession)

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Our God is a God of grace and mercy and love; know that our sins have been forgiven.

Let us proclaim the Good News: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven Amen

**GLORIA PATRI Traditional Red #805

**AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – (Apostles Creed)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen

**HYMN OF PRAISE “In Christ there is No East or West” Red #697

**PASSING OF THE PEACE

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Gracious God, May the Spirit enlighten us to the lessons within these passages, revealing the true meaning of loving your neighbor and that in your light we may see light, in your words find wisdom, and in your will discover your peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

SCRIPTURE READINGS

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Amos 7:7-17 Rob Ferguson

NEW TESTAMENT READING: Colossians 1:1-14

GOSPEL READING: Luke 10:25-37

SERMON MESSAGE “You had one job…and you’re blowing it” Mary Whidden

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE CHURCH

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:

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:

Having more than you need is a tremendous blessing. The response shouldn’t be to hoard all it all for ourselves but freely share with those less fortunate. Whether it’s funds, clothing, food, or other basic needs. We should care for others. Let us share our blessings.

OFFERTORY “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” Red # 539

**DOXOLOGY Traditional Red #808

** PRAYER OF THANKS

We thank you, our Lord for those gifts may we use them to bring hope and healing to our community and beyond. Guide us. In Jesus’ name. Amen

HYMN OF PARTING “Make Me a Channel of your Peace” Insert

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Like a River Glorious” Mary Lee Farris, Piano

Blessings!

Mary Whidden

John Redman, CRE

john.t.redman@gmail.com

Mobile: (914) 474-0722