October 11 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

 

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s Meditation Verse: “For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.’” --Romans 14:11

Welcome—Pastor Charles

Prelude: “Theme from Masterpiece Theater” by Louise C. and Sharon G.

Call to Worship (Psalm 106:1-5)—Pastor Charles (Leader) and Angela B. (People) Congregation is encouraged to read People’s response aloud on mute setting.

Leader: Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.  People: Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD, or declare all God’s praise? Leader: Happy are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times. People: Remember me, O LORD, when You show favor to Your people; help me when You deliver them; that I may see the prosperity of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory in Your heritage.            

Hymn: “Lord of All Hopefulness” (verses 1 & 2)—Christopher W. and Rebecca G. Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

A Word of Hope (Mark Charles)—Angela B. - Congregation is encouraged to read aloud on mute setting

Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we come before You as many parts of a single body. People drawn from every tribe, every nation, every language; some indigenous—peoples of the land; some refugees, immigrants, pilgrims—people on the move; some hosts, some guests, some both hosts and guests; all of us searching for an eternal place where we can belong. Creator, forgive us. The earth is Yours and everything that is in it. But we forget. In our arrogance we think we own it. In our greed we think we can steal it. In our ignorance we worship it. In our thoughtlessness we destroy it. We forget that You created the earth to bring praise and joy to You. That You gave it as a gift, for us to steward, for us to enjoy, for us to see more clearly Your beauty and Your majesty. Jesus, save us. We wait for Your kingdom. We long for Your throne. We hunger for Your reconciliation, for that day where people from every tribe and every tongue will gather around You and sing Your praises. Holy Spirit, teach us. Help us to remember that the body is made up of many parts, each one unique and every one necessary. Teach us to embrace the discomfort that comes from our diversity and to celebrate the fact that we are unified, not through our sameness, but through the blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Triune God, we love You. Your creation is beautiful. Your salvation is merciful. And Your wisdom is beyond compare. We pray all this in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations—Pastor Charles

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer—Pastor Charles Congregation is encouraged to pray The Lord’s Prayer aloud on mute setting

Epistle Lesson: Philippians 4:1-9—Angela B.

Musical Offering: “Children’s Song Medley” by Louise C.    

                       

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 22:1-14—Pastor Charles

Sermon: “Forty million reasons but not a single excuse”—Pastor Charles

Celebration of Ministry: Stewardship--Bob M.

Words for the Journey—Pastor Charles

Postlude: “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” by Louise C.