13th Sunday after
Pentecost
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We Gather as the Body of Christ
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WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS,
and FUNNY STORY Pastor Bob
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CENTERING WORDS
(Exodus 2, Romans 12) Pastor Bob
When we give ourselves fully to God, God transforms our lives. In this Transformation, God connects us to others whose lives are being transformed, as they too give themselves fully to God.
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CALL TO WORSHIP
(Matthew 16) Sharon Stewart
Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples gave him feedback from what they’d been hearing from the crowds: “John the Baptist? Elijah? One of the prophets?” Jesus pressed them further, “But who do you say that I am?”
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This question that Jesus asked his followers long ago is still the question that is at the heart of the Christian faith. It’s a question that is asked of each one of us: Who do you say that Jesus is? Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us worship God!
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HYMN: Take My Life, and Let It Be
UMC Hymnal #399
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OPENING PRAYER (Unison)
Sharon Stewart
Gracious and loving God, bless us with your presence as we worship this day. Bless us with your love as we grow in love and mature faith. Bless us with your guidance as we give ourselves to you, to your church, and to your work in the world. Amen.
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EPISTLE READING
Romans 12: 1-8 Sharon Stewart
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CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PREPARATION to PRAYER
Sanctuary
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2164
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
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We Attend to the Word
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HYMN:
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
UMC Hymnal #400
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GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 16: 13-20
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MEDITATION Pastor Bob
Who Do You Say I Am?
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We Gather at Christ's Table
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INVITATION to the OFFERING
(Romans 12) Pastor Bob
Sisters and brothers, as Paul encouraged the earliest Christians,
I invite you now to present yourselves and your gifts as a living
sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Give as you are called and as you are able.
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OFFERTORY Erin Tellier
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DOXOLOGY
Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal #94
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BLESSING of the OFFERING
(Unison) Pastor Bob
O God, you have created our hearts to be generous and our hands to serve others in your name. Bless these gifts and those who give them. May they feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and help to bring justice to all ends of the earth, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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HYMN: Amazing Grace
UMC Hymnal #378
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We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
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BENEDICTION (Matthew 16)
Pastor Bob
Take this question that Jesus asks each one of us, into your prayer and meditation this week: “Who do you say that I am?” Spend some time considering how it is that you uniquely answer that question. And may the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the soul-renewing encouragement of the Holy Spirit be with you. Amen.
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SENDING FORTH HYMN
Shalom to You
UMC Hymnal #666
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DEPART in PEACE…SHALOM!
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Worship Liturgy is taken from two sources: Lectionary Liturgies and the Abingdon Worship Annual 2023.