ORDER OF WORSHIP
September 10, 2023 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. ”Sing a New Song to the Lord” Mary Lee Farris, Piano
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Adapted from Psalm 119)
Leader: Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
PEOPLE: Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my
whole heart.
Leader: Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
PEOPLE: Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
Leader: Turn my eyes from looking at your vanities; give me life in your ways.
PEOPLE: Confirm to your servant promise, which is for those who fear you.
Leader: Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.
PEOPLE: See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.
INVOCATION
Gracious God, we rejoice in our company here today, to offer our worship and devotion to you and to the teachings of Scripture. Guide us in our pathways of faith, step by step in your name and that of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
**OPENING HYMN: “O Breath of Life” Red #299
CALL TO CONFESSION
As imperfect creatures, our failings are sometimes too many to count. But our God knows them all and forgives us. Let us pray together:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Oh Lord, giver of mercy, hear us as we confess our shortcomings. We speak when we should listen; we hesitate when we should act. Anger prevents us from working righteously, and selfishness inhibits our responding in faith. We are called to proclaim the dawn of your Kingdom, but our shouts turn out to be mere whispers. Redeem us in Christ, in whose name we pray.
(a moment for silent personal confession)
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
By the Good News of the Gospels, through the Love of our heavenly father, in the name of Jesus, we are forgiven. Amen.
**HYMN OF PRAISE “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” Red #558
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
**AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles Creed (Traditional)
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
Calm us now, O Lord, into a quietness that heals and listens. Open wounded hearts to the balm of your Word. Speak to us in clear tones so that we might feel our spirits leap for joy and skip with hope as your resurrection witnesses. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING Exodus 12 1-14 Debby & Paul Hill
GOSPEL READING Matthew 18: 15-20
SERMON MESSAGE Can We Agree to Disagree! John Redman, CRE
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 to pray, saying:
LORD’S PRAYER
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
We give freely from the bounty we have been given by our Gracious God. May what we offer in these moments help to become the very blessing and hope that others need. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
OFFERTORY “Awake O Sleeper, Rise from Death”
**DOXOLOGY (Traditional)
PRAYER OF THANKS
Lord God, we thank you for these gifts. As we follow in faith, may we find ways to honor you by giving of our treasure, our time and our talents to glorify you and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
**CLOSING HYMN “Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing” Red #834
BENEDICTION
Go into the world with the love of God, returning no one evil for evil, but by spreading the good news of eternal life in our lives through Christ our Lord. Amen.
POSTLUDE “Dance Fantasy” by R. Schumann Mary Lee Farris, Piano
Blessings!
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954 Fax: (845) 562-0955
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