17th 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
(Exodus 15, Romans 14) Pastor Bob
O God, you are our strength and our salvation.
You uphold and save us.
We offer you our very lives.
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CALL TO WORSHIP Sharon Stewart
Jesus says some things that are difficult to hear, because we are invited to change who we are or how we are thinking about something or someone. In the gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, verses 21–22, Peter asks Jesus how often we should forgive each other. “Seven times?” Peter wonders.
“Not seven times,” Jesus says, “but seventy-seven times.” I don’t think Jesus meant that we keep a running tally. I think he meant that we forgive each other as often as we need to, even when it’s difficult. Even when it seems impossible. Whom do you need to forgive? Who needs to forgive you? And how might God help you to consider how forgiveness might be possible?
Let us worship God together.
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HYMN: Crown Him with Many Crowns
UMC Hymnal #327
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EPISTLE READING
Romans 14: 1-12 Sharon Stewart
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CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PREPARATION to PRAYER
He Is Lord UMC Hymnal #177
PASTORAL PRAYER
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We Attend to the Word
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HYMN: Freely, Freely UMC Hymnal #389
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GOSPEL READING
Matthew 18: 21-35
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MEDITATION Pastor Bob
The “F” Word
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We Gather at Christ's Table
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INVITATION to the OFFERING
(Exodus 14 &15, Romans 14) Pastor Bob
Let us share gifts of every kind in the service of God’s healing justice and love. 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 14) Pastor Bob
Our lives belong to you, O God. Our time, talent and treasure belong
to you. We return but a portion of all that you have given us, to do your will in this world. Bless these gifts, O Lord, and the generosity of those who give them. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
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COMMUNION HYMN
Broken for Me
The Faith We Sing Hymnal #2263
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GREAT THANKSGIVING Pastor Bob
HOLY COMMUNION...
Come to the Table of Forgiveness
LORD’S PRAYER
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We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
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HYMN
Majesty, Worship His Majesty
UMC Hymnal #176
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BENEDICTION Pastor Bob
This week, I invite you to consider what it would mean to forgive someone. Not 77 times, but just once. In one huge act of faith and trust – to forgive one person. Forgive them, knowing that God is with you in that bold and courageous act. Forgive them, knowing that God judges them, and you don’t have to. Forgive them, knowing that even if it doesn’t make a difference for them, it will make a difference for you.
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And may the grace of God 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.