Webster United Church of Christ
October 25, 2026
Twenty-Second 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: God desires truth in our inward being.
All: O God, teach us wisdom.
One: God cleans away our sinfulness.
All: O God, give us gratitude and joy.
One: God forgives us and sets us free.
All: O God, let us bear your love to the world.
*Opening Hymn #188 “Give Me a Clean Heart,” sing twice
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
Holy God, you hold us accountable for the ways in which we have turned away from you. Forgive us for all the ways we, like King David, fall short. Commit us to doing better—to recognizing our errors and making restitution for them. Remind us that you love us no matter what, and will be with us as we seek to grow toward your desire for us. 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
Our God still reigns over all that is, and cherishes each and every one of us as beloved children. Knowing that our sins are forgiven, we go forth in that knowledge to serve and do justice in all the earth.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 26-27; 12:1-9; Psalm 51:1-9; *Matthew 21:33-41
Message
WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
Holy God, like King David, we have far more than we could possibly need. We now offer to you this portion of our treasure that you might bless and use it for the abundant life of this community and its ministries to those who are in need.
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: Have mercy on us, O God.
All: We have sinned and fallen short.
One: We have hoarded away our material possessions,
All: and taken what is not ours.
One: We have allowed some to amass great flocks,
All: and still take the precious lamb of the poor.
One: Wash us clean of our guilt,
All: that we might be fundamentally changed.
One: Transform us at our very core,
All: that we might work for your justice in all creation.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #207 “Just As I Am,” vs. 3 & 4
*Blessing
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music