August 27, 2023
Join us for worship on Sunday, August 27, 2023. The sermon is by Dr. Richard C. Meyer, HR, based on Matthew 16: 13-20. Our music is provided by Kristi Treu, soprano; Mark Kanitz, organ.
- To watch the service, click the Service tab below. The livestream will begin just before 10:00 a.m. A recording of the livestream will be available afterward, and you can watch it anytime.
- To read the Bulletin, click the Bulletin tab below. You may flip back and forth between the Service and Bulletin tabs at anytime without interruption. Below the video screen, you can use the button to access a PDF of the Bulletin, if you prefer.
Please make sure your device and the service video are not muted. Please set your volume appropriately.
Bulletin for August 27, 2023 Worship Service
Livestream at 10:00 a.m.
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME
PRELUDE
“Fanfare” William Mathias
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.
SILENT MEDITATION
“The God who made this world has blessed it with good things, yes – but all of them take working at: coconuts need to be cracked, soil needs to be tilled, mountains need to be climbed, water needs to be conserved. God does not do this for us. God simply companions us as we go. God has given us in this unfinished world a glimpse of eternity and walks with us through here to there.”
Joan Chittister, from Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope
CALL TO WORSHIP
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth.
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
then the flood would have swept us away.
The God who saved Israel is still at work in the world,
hearing the cries of the afflicting and setting God’s people free. Thanks be to God!
PRAISE AND ADORATION
*OPENING HYMN
#310 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord ST. THOMAS
(*Please stand, if you are able.)
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, you are always present and active amidst your people. We confess that sometimes we fail to recognize and respond to your saving work in the world. We defer to power and privilege, expect the tried and true, and succumb to doubt and despair when your ways are not clear. Behold, you are doing a new thing; help us to perceive it. Forgive us when we do not respond to your call. Liberate us from our fears and self-imposed limitations. Guide us into the fullness of life and love that you are at work preparing, and hear us now as we pray to you in the silence of our hearts…
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION
KYRIE ELEISON
“Lord, Have Mercy” Schubert
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI
(#581) “Glory Be to the Father” GLORIA PATRI
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMISSIONING TO SERVE
COMMISSIONING OF PCOC MISSION TEAM TO MOLDOVA AND ROMANIA
Karen Morey and Anne Wattles
COMMISSIONING HYMN
#767 Together We Serve SAN ANSELMO
During the hymn, children are invited to come forward for our Time for Young Disciples
TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES
NEW TESTAMENT READING
Romans 12: 1-8 page 922 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
ANTHEM
“Thy Holy Wings” Swedish folk tune arr. John Ferguson
PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 16: 13-20 page 798 of the pew Bible
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
SERMON
“The Project and the Promise” Dr. Richard C. Meyer, HR
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
from The Confession of Belhar, South Africa, 1986
We believe in one holy, universal Christian church, the communion of saints called from the entire human family. We believe … that this unity of the people of God must be manifested and be active in a variety of ways;
in that we love one another;
that we experience, practice and pursue community with one another;
that we are obligated to give ourselves willingly and joyfully to be of benefit and blessing to one another.
*SANCTUS
“Holy, Holy, Holy” SANCTUS (Schubert)
RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY
“Be thou my vision” Bob Chilcott
* DOXOLOGY
(#609) “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God, in Jesus fully known; Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Generous God, you are the source of all good gifts, and you are the one who taught us how to give. Receive our offering — an act of faith that even our small gifts have power and purpose in your world. Amen.
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
#81 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken AUSTRIAN HYMN
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE
“Go Now In Peace” Don Besig
POSTLUDE
“Now Thank We All Our God” Sigfrid Karg-Elert