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Sunday, August 20, 2023

August 20 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

 
L-R: Liturgist Ben Glancy, Dr. Angela Baker

Suzanne Polacek directs the Jubilante Bell Choir's musical offering

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s Meditation Verse:  "As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the good news.” —Romans 10:5b (CEB)

Welcome... Amy Abshire

Prelude...Louise Cook / “I Love to Tell the Story,” arranged by Gordon Young

*Call to Worship...Ben Glancy

Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth! He subdued peoples under us and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises, for He is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm God reigns over the nations, God sits on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham, For the shields of the earth belong to God: He is highly exalted!

*Hymn...“When Morning Gilds the Sky” (UMH #185)

Almost a Creed (inspired by Psalm 20)...Ben Glancy

Do we believe? Yes, in spite of ourselves, we do believe! While some follow fad and fashion, changing the man from Nazareth. While some put their hope in a big lotto win or chase profits no matter what the cost to family, we put our hope in loving one another as our Christ has loved us. While some may give in to a sophisticated cynicism or fall into apathy or despair, we put our faith in the God who has given us the only true son. While some may boast of their superior education, culture, race, or living standard, we boast in the self-giving of that Son on a Cross. While some try to justify themselves by prizing fame or power or by claiming superior morals, we allow the grace of our Lord Jesus to be our best prize. Because of Jesus, yes, we believe in the living God by whose Holy Spirit all things are open to change and renewal. And that includes us and the church, thanks be to God!

—written by Bruce Prewer, http://www.bruceprewer.com/

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations / The Lord’s Prayer...Angela Baker

Old Testament Lesson: Psalm 145:8-13...Ben Glancy

Hymn...“Bind Us Together” (TFWS #2226)

New Testament Lesson: Romans 12:1-2...Ben Glancy

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

Sermon...Dr. Angela Baker / “Morning Watch—Thoughts on Christian Practice”

*Hymn...“Pass It On” (UMH #572)

*Words for the Journey... Dr. Angela Baker

Postlude...Louise Cook / “Soldiers of the Cross,” arranged by Robert J. Hughes

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