9th Sunday Following
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 Pastor Bob
Good things come to those who wait.
Like seeds buried in the ground,
God’s love bursts forth in the fullness of time
to bring new life and new possibilities.
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CALL TO WORSHIP
(Romans 8: 26) Sharon Stewart
Sometimes we know exactly what to say to God. Our prayers flow effortlessly as we articulate the longing of our hearts. But sometimes we don’t know what to say. Sometimes our thoughts and our words get in the way of what we need to offer God. In the book of Romans, chapter 8, verse 26, Paul tells us that when we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit prays through us, with a sigh that is too deep for words. Let us worship God together, in the words that we speak, in the music that we make, and in the deepest, wordless longing of our hearts.
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HYMN: I Am Thine, O Lord
UMC Hymnal #419
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OPENING PRAYER (Unison)
(Romans 8, Matthew 13) Sharon Stewart
Spirit of God, you intercede for us with sighs too deep for words. When all seems lost, you heal our hearts and give us strength to carry on. Set our hearts and minds on you, Great Spirit, that we may know your abiding presence and your never-failing love. Amen.
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EPISTLE READING Romans 8: 26-39
Sharon Stewart
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CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PREPARATION TO PRAYER
Spirit of the Living God
UMC Hymnal #393
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
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We Attend to the Word
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HYMN: Seek Ye First
UMC Hymnal #405
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GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 13: 31-33
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MEDITATION Pastor Bob
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like... (part 2)
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We Gather at Christ's Table
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INVITATION to the OFFERING (Psalm 105)
Pastor Bob
Let us share our gifts to make God’s deeds known among the peoples. May our gifts and offerings glorify God and tell of Christ’s wonderful works. 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)
(Psalm 105, Matthew 13) Pastor Bob
God, you bless us with gifts of love and moments of grace and mercy. For this earth and its bounty, we give you our thanks. For our lives and for the opportunity to share them with those we love, we offer you our praise. Bless the gifts we lay before you, that they may be signs of your loving kingdom to a world awaiting good news. Amen.
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HYMN: Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
UMC Hymnal #694
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We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
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BENEDICTION (Matthew 13)
Pastor Bob
Remember that there are reminders all around us that the kingdom of God is in our midst. Everyday objects and situations can turn our attention to our faith and the difference that our faith can make in the midst of life.
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So, be attentive. Be aware. Be receptive to the lessons that God might want you to learn. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, The love of God, And the encouragement of the Holy Spirit be with you always. 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
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