ORDER OF WORSHIP
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 10:30 AM
FIFTEENTH 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 13)
Leader: How long, Lord? Will you forget me? How long will you hide your face from me?
PEOPLE: How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
Leader: Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes,
PEOPLE: my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
Leader: But II trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
PEOPLE: I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.
INVOCATION
God of steadfast love, you have written your testimonies upon the hearts of your people; your commandments guide us through the ages. We thank you for Jesus, who makes your will known to us and we sense the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. Throughout all time and all of creation, you make your presence known and give us cause for rejoicing. Amen.
**OPENING HYMN “O, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Red #130
CALL TO CONFESSION
We know our need for forgiveness, even as we ignore its message. We often look the other way instead of at the bright light of faith. Let us pray together for a greater understanding of our Lord and our Savior.
PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING
Lord of all nations, we tremble at your awesome power. As your wisdom led our forefathers and mothers throughout the ages, make us more receptive to the testaments of your love. As we look to the example of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh to walk among us, deepen our faith in loving others as ourselves. Amen.
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Sisters and brothers, know that as you call on God’s name, Christ intercedes on our behalf to deliver us through his righteousness. Amen
**GLORIA PATRI (Avery & Marsh, back cover of the Red Hymnal)
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
**AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES CREED (As 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 “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” Red #52
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 Ecclesiastes 3: 9-15 Rob Ferguson
GOSPEL READING Mark 1: 1-15
SERMON: On Labor and Its Rewards John Redman, CRE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
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
COMMUNION HYMN “There’s a Quiet Understanding” Red # 788
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation to the Table
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Words of Institution
Prayer after Communion
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 “Arise My Soul, Arise”
**DOXOLOGY (Avery & Marsh, back cover of the Red Hymnal)
**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 “God Be with You” Red #840
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “Forth in Your Name, O Lord, I Go” 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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