14th 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 3)
Pastor Bob
God speaks from burning bushes and souls on fire. May God grant us eyes to see and ears to hear, as we worship this day.
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CALL TO WORSHIP Sharon Stewart
Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone wants to become my follower, they must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.” What does this mean? For you? For me? For those of us who want to follow Jesus, in 2023 and in the future, here at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. What does it mean to deny ourselves? What does it mean to take up our cross? This morning in worship we will spend time with these questions and others, as we offer our intention to God – to follow Jesus with all our hearts, all our minds and with all our strength. Let us worship God together.
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HYMN: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2129
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OLD TESTAMENT READING
Exodus 3: 1-15 Sharon Stewart
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CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
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PREPARATION to PRAYER
Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2193
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
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We Attend to the Word
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GOSPEL READING
Matthew 16: 21-28
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MEDITATION Pastor Bob
Our Place Is Behind Jesus
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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
(Romans 12) (Unison) Pastor Bob
O God of new beginnings, receive the gifts of our hands, that hospitality might be extended to those in need. Bless today’s offering, that the hungry may be fed and the thirsty may be satisfied. May these gifts seal our commitment to do what is just and honorable in your sight. Amen.
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COMMUNION HYMN
Let Us Break Bread Together
UMC Hymnal #618
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GREAT THANKSGIVING
HOLY COMMUNION...
Come to the Table of Genuine Love
LORD’S PRAYER
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We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
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HYMN
Lord, I Want to Be a Christian
UMC Hymnal #402
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BENEDICTION (Romans 12)
Pastor Bob
Live peaceably with others.
Hold fast to what is good.
Honor what is just and show mutual affection for all.
Go with the blessings from the almighty God. 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.