Webster United Church of Christ
September 15, 2024
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
ORDER OF SERVICE
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: Praise God, who meets us in this holy house.
All: God’s promises are sure.
One: Praise God, who fills us with all good things.
All: God’s promises are sure.
One: Praise God, who knows our needs and lovingly meets them.
All: God’s promises are sure.
*Opening Hymn #410 “If You But Trust in God to Guide You” vs. 1 & 3
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
Holy God, still our hearts and calm our minds. Remind us of your steadfast love, and teach us to trust in your promises, for you keep your word. 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
Hear these words of hope, beloved of God. Our God is rich in mercy and abundance in love and forgives you all your sins for the sake of Jesus Christ, who lives within and among us, and invites us to have life abundantly.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture Genesis 15:1-6; *Luke 3:8
Message
WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
God of promise, you fill us with all good things. In gratitude we return to you this small portion of our possessions. Accept them for the sake of Jesus Christ, and use them to further his holy work in the 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.
*Prayer of Commitment (unison)
With God all things are possible. Sometimes it’s hard to see or believe. God keeps God’s promises. Yet we still doubt, and try to take matters into our own hands. God calls us to keep asking, keep praying, keep trusting. We will do our best, though we will fail. God loves us anyway, and walks with us in the messiness of our imperfect lives. God, help us to live our lives in and to you. Amen.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #403 “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” vs. 1 & 4
*Blessing
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music