July 14 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s Meditation Verse: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us in that we should be called God’s children, and that is what we are!” —1 John 3:1a

Welcome...Pastor Charles

Prelude...Hyeji Miranda / “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” by Oliver Holden

*Call to Worship (Psalm 24:1, 7-9)...Amy Abshire

Leader: The earth and everything on it—the world and all who live in it—belong to YHWH. People: Fling wide the gates, open the ancient doors, and the Glorious Liberator will come in!

Leader: Who is this “Glorious Liberator”? YHWH, strong and mighty, YHWH, victorious in battle! People: Fling wide the gates, open the ancient doors, and the Glorious Liberator will come in!

*Hymn...“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” (UMH #213)

Litany of Grace...Amy Abshire

We are God’s work of art—each one of us a precious gem, a marvelous melody, a potter’s delight. We are God’s handiwork—woven together in love, shaped with infinite compassion, painted with incredible beauty. We are the church of Jesus Christ—diverse in human qualities, but united in our call to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

We are the Body of Christ—living in his truth, sharing his peace, carrying his hope, and embodying his love throughout the world he loved so much. We are here to be reminded once more who we are, whose we are, and what our lives are about.

We are here to be uplifted, renewed, and empowered to live out the miracle of who we are, by the power of God working in and among us. We open ourselves to God, who makes all things new.

—Rev. David Inglis, Henrietta (NY) United Church of Christ

First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-11...Amy Abshire

Special Music...Bell Quintet / “'Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” arranged by Jason W. Krug

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

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

Second Lesson: Judges 8:22-26...Pastor Charles

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

Sermon...Pastor Charles / “Gideon should have known better”

*Hymn...“There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” (UMH #121)

*Words for the Journey...Pastor Charles.

Postlude...Hyeji Miranda / “My Tribute” by Andrae Crouch