Sunday October 22, 2023 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

Today we look to 2024 and ask God’s blessing as we plan for the future. 

You may drop your 2024 pledge card in the offering plate today or mail it to the church office asap!  

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE      

As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

“Prelude 1 & 2” (11:10) Herman Schroeder

SILENT MEDITATION

“Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left.”

-Bishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979)

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                                   

We have been blessed by the eternal God, who has been faithful to us.

As thankful stewards, we will remain faithful to God.

God has empowered us with the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter and Guide, our unfailing source of strength.

As Spirit-filled stewards, we will remain faithful to Christ, whom we worship and adore!

*HYMN OF PRAISE # 716

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending   BEACH STREET

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, in scripture you implore us to learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow.  Yet, we often turn away from those in need and focus on our own wants instead.  We prefer to gather riches and champion the powerful rather than give to just one in need.  God, help us refocus on our hearts and our heads to helping those who need us most, that they would live in the fullness of your creation.

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

KYRIE ELEISON (#551)

“Lord, Have Mercy” — LAND OF REST

Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.

Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                                                                                                   

*GLORIA PATRI (#447)          

“We Are Forgiven” — WE ARE FORGIVEN

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

MOMENT FOR MISSION  — Karen Morey, for the BURM Conference

MOMENT FOR STEWARDSHIP — Mimi Bauer, co-Moderator, Finance Committee   

HYMN # 708

“We Give Thee but Thine Own” — SCHUMANN

During the hymn, children are invited to come forward for a time with Dr. Zieman

TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES

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  

“O for a closer walk with God” (11:10) — C.V. Stanford

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 22: 15-22      page 803 of the pew Bible

This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God!

SERMON

“The Things That Are Already God’s” — Dr. Zieman

*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 (#572)

“Holy, Holy, Holy” (Pavlechko)

RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                

“Amazing Grace” (11:10) — Marianne Forman

* DOXOLOGY (#607)              

“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” — OLD HUNDREDTH

Arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise Christ, all people here below.

Praise Holy Spirit evermore. Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

*RESPONSIVE PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Creator of all, the earth is yours, the world and all who live in it.

You have entrusted us with gifts – time, talent, energy, money – and asked us to use them to

build your kingdom.  With thanks and praise, we respond to your call.

We bring these gifts you have given, returning your generosity, paying it forward.

We offer ourselves, our lives, our hopes and fears, our dollars and our hours.  We commit ourselves to work for your world, to love and serve wherever you call.

We ask your blessing on this, your church, as we seek to follow you with heart, mind, and soul.

Bless also these gifts, our investment in your future, that they may multiply in faith, hope, and love.  Amen.

*HYMN OF DEDICATION # 711

Lord of All Good — TOULON

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE               

Amen from “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” (11:10)         John Rutter

POSTLUDE                                                      “Prelude 6”        Herman Schroeder