September 18 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s Meditation Verse: “No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” —Luke 16:13

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude... Hyeji Park / “Master, No Offering, Costly and Sweet,” arranged by Sumin Choi

*Call to Worship (Psalm 113:1-8)...Amy Abshire

Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD.   Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time on and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, who is seated on high, Who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, To make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people.

*Hymn... “I’ll Praise My Maker While I’ve Breath” (UMH #60)

Prayer of Confession (based on Genesis 17, 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31 & 3: 18-20)... Amy Abshire

Awesome God, when we catch sight of the totality of Your claim on our lives, our believing wavers. When we hear the absurdity of Your unbreakable covenant with us, like Sarai and Abram, we laugh. When we face the foolish wisdom of the looming cross, like Peter, we suggest an alternative. Meet us in our disbelieving, loving God, move us gently into the deep waters of faith. 

—Katherine Hawker, Liturgies Outside website

*Offering/Doxology (UMH #95)

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

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

Epistle Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7... Amy Abshire

Bell Anthem... Jubilate Ringers

Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:1-13 ... Pastor Charles

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

Sermon... Pastor Charles / “So, what’s the catch?”

*Hymn... “Stand Up and Bless the Lord” (UMH #662)

*Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

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Postlude... Hyeji Park / “Blessed Assurance,” arranged by Sumin Choi