July 24 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s Meditation Verse: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the One who is first over all creation....” —Colossians 1:15

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude... Lorie Courier / “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

*Call to Worship... Amy Abshire

Leader: Praise be to God who reigns above the heavens.

People: Praise be to God who dwells within our hearts.

Leader: Let the majesty of creation worship in reverence.

People: Let everyone pray in faith. Praise be to God. 

—Reprinted by permission of the publisher from Touch Holiness, Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi, eds. © 1990 The Pilgrim Press.

*Hymn... “Take My Life, And Let It Be” (UMH #399)

Litany of Fullness...Amy Abshire

For God says, “I do not speak in vain. My words do not fall on unyielding ground and shall not return to me empty. I speak with confidence. My Word will return to me full of fruit. My voice waters the earth, and my breath gives it life. You who despair look up in hope. I speak with power. My Word will return to me full of fruit. My will is abundance; my intention for you is courage and healing and grace. I speak with compassion. My Word will return to me full of fruit. You shall go out with joy and be led back in peace. All of creation will join in the dance of your celebration! We are the fruit of Your Word, and we return to You full.

—Reprinted by permission of the publisher from Before the Amen, Maren C. Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirabassi, eds. © 2007 The Pilgrim Press.

*Offering/Doxology

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer... Pastor Charles

Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:13-21... Amy Abshire

Special Music... Lorie Courier / “Deep River”

Second Lesson: Luke 17:12-19... Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon... Pastor Charles / “Account your blessings”

*Hymn... “O Jesus, I Have Promised” (UMH #396)

*Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

*Postlude... Lorie Courier / “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”