Webster United Church of Christ
July 26, 2026
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
ORDER OF SERVICE
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Welcome
WE INVITE GOD’S PRESENCE INTO OUR HEARTS
Ringing of the Bell
Gathering Music
Centering Music “Sanctuary”
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.
Moment of Silence
*Call to Worship
One: Jesus says, “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.
All: We are weary of the cares of the world.
One: Our God gives us a spirit of power and love.
All: Fill us with this spirit, O God.
*Opening Hymn #419 “Now Thank We All Our God,” vs. 1 & 3
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
Holy Spirit, you do not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of love, power, and self-discipline. Help us to lean into you and this beloved community that we might be refreshed for your work in the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Children’s Time
One: People of God, what is your prayer for our youth?
All: Our prayer is that they grow up to be like Jesus—strong and brave, full of grace and truth! And, we pray that we will help them. Amen.
Shared Prayer: Prayer of Jesus (sins)
Unison Singing (while youth depart) “This Little Light of Mine” #524
WE PRAYERFULLY ENTRUST OURSELVES TO GOD
Silent Prayer of Confession
Words of Encouragement
Every day and night, we have been blessed by the wonders of our God, whose ways are beyond our understanding, but whose mercy never fails; and whose gentle powers are shown through God’s unfailing kindness to people who are weak and in need of strength, encouragement and hope for the future.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture 2 Timothy 1:1-14; * Luke 17:5-6
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Message
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WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
Loving God, you kindle in us a spirit of generosity, that we might meaningfully respond to the needs of our neighbors. Accept these gifts from what you have first given us, and use them on behalf of our suffering world.
Gathering of Gifts
*Song of Praise “We Give You but Your Own” #785
We give you but your own, what e’er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.
*Litany of Commitment:
One: We are discouraged, O God.
All: We see evil all around us.
One: We weep in frustration and fear.
All: We cannot understand others’ actions.
One: We want to proclaim your love for the world.
All: We are sometimes too tired to even try.
One: Take heart, children of God, for you are not alone.
All: Take joy in this community.
One: Take strength in our shared vision.
All: Take comfort in our shared history.
One: God will rekindle in us the Holy Spirit.
All: Come, Holy Spirit, and fill us with new life. Amen.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #438 “When Peace, Like a River,” vs. 1 & 4
*Blessing
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music