Webster United Church of Christ
September 13, 2026
Sixteenth 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: Do not be afraid.
All: The storm is so great! We are perishing!
One: Our God can calm any storm within us.
All: Save us, O God, from our fear.
*Opening Hymn #556 “God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens,” vs. 1-3
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
God of promise, you are not a God of destruction, but of rebirth. In your love, you protect and cherish us. Your eternal promise is to renew us and lead us into flourishing. May our gratitude for your love so spill over that we, in turn, commit ourselves to the flourishing of your whole creation. 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
The God whose love outpoured caused the world to be continues to pour this creative love on us. The God whose love outpoured in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ continues to pour this redeeming love upon us.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture Genesis 6:5-22; 8:6-12; 9:8-17; *Matthew 8:24-27
Message
WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
Holy God, all of creation—all that is—comes from you and belongs to you. Free us from our attachments to our earthly possessions, and receive from them these offered gifts out of what you have given us, for the ongoing work of your love for all 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.
*Litany of Commitment:
One: The wickedness of the earth is very great.
All: God’s heart grieves at what God sees.
One: God has promised never again to destroy us.
All: Yet we seem to be trying to destroy ourselves.
One: What are we to do with our confusion and pain?
All: Turn again to the promise of God’s love.
One: Remember that God hung up God’s weapon in the sky,
All: and made it a beautiful sign of hope.
One: Let us, with God’s help, hang up our weapons,
All: and be transformed. Amen.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #472 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” vs. 1 & 3
*Blessing
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music