ORDER OF WORSHIP
SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 10:30 AM
SIXTEENTH 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 146)
Leader: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
PEOPLE: I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
Leader: Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help.
PEOPLE: Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God,
Leader: who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever;
PEOPLE: who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.
Leader: The LORD will reign forever, for all generations.
PEOPLE: Praise the LORD!
INVOCATION
We gather before you to give you our praise, O God. Our ears have been opened to the sounds of angels singing hosanna! Our tongues have been loosed to shout ‘Alleluia!’ We listen attentively for your word and wait expectantly to confess again our allegiance in faith. Make you face to shine upon us, Lord in Jesus name, Amen.
**OPENING HYMN “Open My Eyes, That I may See” Red #557
CALL TO CONFESSION
The God of mercy, grace and forgiveness sees us and hears us and knows our thoughts and actions. Let us come together in search of understanding for God’s just and mighty way in our lives.
PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING
We speak when we should listen; we hesitate when we should act. Our fear prevents us from righteousness; our selfishness inhibits our acts toward justice. When called upon to proclaim your kingdom, our shouts are mere whispers. Bring us closer to you, dear God, and redeem us in Jesus in whose name we pray. 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 – NICENE CREED (Abridged)
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. Spoken through the Prophets, worshipped and glorified with the Father and the Son. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sin. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the eternal life to come. Amen.
**HYMN OF PRAISE “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life” Red #433
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Almighty God, in you are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Open our eyes that we may see the wonders of your Word; and give us grace that we may clearly understand and freely choose the way of your wisdom; through Christ our Lord. Amen
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 38: 4-7 Cathy McCarty
EPISTLE READING Romans 12: 1-18
GOSPEL READING Luke 19: 1-10
SERMON: Only the Lonely 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
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 (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 “God Be with You” Red #840
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory” Mary Lee Farris, Piano
Blessings!
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954
Comments