11th 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
(Matthew 14) Pastor Bob
Jesus called to his friends as they were rocked by fear:
“Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Find shalom and rest in the midst of daily anxiety.
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CALL TO WORSHIP
(Romans 10) Sharon Stewart
In the book of Romans, we learn that the word of faith is near us – on our lips and in our hearts. Sometimes we sense that nearness – that our faith is accessible and a source of help and comfort. Sometimes we don’t. Sometimes our faith can feel unreachable and inaccessible, or even a source of struggle. May our time of worship be a reminder that God is near. Even if we don’t feel near to God, God is near to us. As close as our own breath. As much a part of us as our own heartbeat. Let us worship God together.
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HYMN: Here I Am, Lord
UMC Hymnal #593
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CALL TO CONFESSION Sharon Stewart
Over and over again in scripture, God reminds us to not be afraid. As we draw near to God in confession, we do so not out of fear, but out of faith in the one who promises to forgive. Let us confess our sin together.
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PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
We reach for you, O God, as our faith falters and we realize that we have yet again forgotten to trust you. You ask us not to fear, yet our minds and hearts are filled with fear and worry and what ifs? The winds of life make us weary. Waves of struggle wash over us, and we fail to rely on you. We can’t see your outstretched hand, ready to pull us to safety. Forgive us, we pray, O God, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
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ASSURANCE OF PARDON Pastor Bob
Like Jesus extended a hand to Peter, who felt as if he was drowning, so God extends a hand of forgiveness and grace to us when we falter and fail. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel:
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.
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EPISTLE READING
Romans 10: 5-15 Sharon Stewart
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CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PREPARATION to PRAYER
He Touched Me
UMC Hymnal #367
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
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We Attend to the Word
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HYMN: Stand By Me
UMC Hymnal #512
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GOSPEL LESSON
Matthew 14: 22-33
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MEDITATION Pastor Bob
Take Heart
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We Gather at Christ's Table
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INVITATION to the OFFERING
Pastor Bob
God invites us to share what we have with others, with a generous heart and a willing spirit. Let us offer our gifts 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
Through our struggles, you carve out hope. Through our suffering, You give us gifts – gifts not just for us, but to give away. Gracious, almighty God, receive the fruit of our struggles and the pain of our suffering. Receive our lives, our whole lives, and every step on our journeys, that we might shine with your glory in all our endeavors. Amen.
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HYMN: My Hope Is Built
UMC Hymnal #368
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We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
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BENEDICTION (Genesis 37, Matthew 14)
Pastor Bob
May the God of the journey…walk with you – in and out of pits,
and in and out of storms.
May our Creator God continue to form you and bless you.
May the God of grace encourage you, this day,
and every day, and beyond our days. 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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