ORDER OF WORSHIP - SEPTEMBER 21st, 2025

Union Church
38 minutes ago
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ORDER OF WORSHIP

SEPTEMBER 21st, 2025 10:30 AM

FIFTHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

**Kindly stand if you are able

PRELUDE John Coates

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 113)

Leader: Who is like the Lord our God,

High above the heavens in glory?

People: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Leader: Who raises the poor from the dust,

And lifts up the needy from the ashes?

People: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Leader: Who makes the light shine in darkness,

And brings light out of darkness?

People: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

All: Let us worship God.

INVOCATION

Generous God, who overwhelms us with goodness and mercy, we thank you for waking us this morning, giving us the gift of life, calling us to be your people. Look upon us today as you do every day, with love and grace. Amen.

**OPENING HYMN “From All That Dwell Beneath the Skies” Blue #229

CALL TO CONFESSION

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins, and welcome our return. Please join me in the unison Prayer of Confession, followed by a moment for silent personal confession.

PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING

Gracious God, we have squandered the gifts you have given us. We have failed to forgive our debtors as you have forgiven us. We are shrewd in seeking wealth and foolish in not following your way. Forgive our many sins. Make us faithful stewards of the grace you have given and generous in forgiving others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(A moment for silent personal confession)

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Friends, believe the good news. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.

**GLORIA PATRI Avery & Marsh (Back of the Red Hymnal)

PASSING OF THE PEACE

**AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Apostles’ Creed - Traditional)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will 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 the life everlasting. Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE “Be Still, My Soul” Red #530

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

God our Savior, as we hear your Word, send your Holy Spirit to be our teacher of faith and truth and show us how we are called to live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

OLD TESTAMENT Psalm 113 Cathy McCarty

NEW TESTAMENT 1 Timothy 2:1-7

GOSPEL Luke 16:1-13

SERMON MESSAGE “Managing Our Money” Kenneth Godshall

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE CHURCH

We ask for your blessings in the words of 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,

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, 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 “All Things Are Yours” Red #657

**DOXOLOGY Avery & Marsh (Back of the Red Hymnal)

** PRAYER OF THANKS

Merciful and gracious God,

From whom we have all received so much,

We ask you to accept the offering of your people.

Remember those who have brought this offering

And remember those who will benefit from it.

May our gifts with your blessing

Promote peace and good will. Amen.

HYMN OF PARTING “Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim” Red #103

BENEDICTION