We Gather Together to Worship Our God
Gathering Hymn: Hymnal #170 Fairest Lord Jesus
Announcements:
Today:
- 10:30 Worship in the sanctuary.
This Week:
- 6:20 am, Thursday, Men’s Prayer-time and Bible Study.
- 8:45 am, MomCo (formally known as MOPS) meets at the church. We are looking for three adults and some teens to help with childcare during the meeting. We are also looking for a few women who would be willing to come and connect with the unchurched mothers who are coming to the MomCo ministry. See Amy Karrels for more information.
- 8:00 am, Saturday, Men’s Prayer-time and Bible Study.
General:
- • 1:00—3:00 pm, September 7th, all are welcome to attend a Farewell Gathering for Denzel and Charlie at First Presbyterian Church (3119 Junction Ave).
- 9:00 am, September 8th, Sunday School resumes for all ages.
- Following worship, September 8th, Communicants’ Class meets. Meal provided.
- 5:30 pm, September 8th, Young Adult Bible Study at Jay and Kayla’s (address in bulletin). Meal provided.
- 5:30 pm, September 8th, “Respectable Sins” study at the church. This group begins with a potluck meal and fellowship, sing hymns together, study, and end in prayer.
- 6:00 pm, September 8th, “Respectable Sins” study at the Allen and Karen’s. This is a great option for those in the Piedmont area. Dessert provided.
- 5:00 pm, September 15th, Fall Kick-off BBQ.
- 5:30 pm, September 18th, Kids’ Quest and Middle School Youth, for grades pre-k—8th resumes. Meal provided.
- 5:30 pm, September 18th, Habits of the Household Study on Wednesday evenings during Kids’ Quest. This study helps you discover simple habits to create a home where kids and parents alike practice how to love God and each other.
- 6:15 pm, September 18th, High School Youth Group, grades 9-12th, at the Community Center resumes. Meal provided.
- Starting Thursday, September 19, at 10:00 am, and 6:30 pm, Women’s Bible Study begins. Please join us as we begin, “No Empty Word: Relentless Pursuit, A Study on Hosea.” See the newsletter for more information.
- September 22nd, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
- The Women’s Ministry team has several upcoming opportunities for you to engage in (Bible Study, Discipleship Groups, and the Fall Conference on October 11th and 12th). Please see the newsletter and/or the table in the Foyer for information and registration.
A Moment for Ministry: Adult Sunday School
Responsive Call to Worship: Psalm 118: 22-24
Leader: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
All: This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Prayer of Adoration
Hymn of Praise: Hymnal #347 (1, 2, 5, 6) The Church’s One Foundation
We Confess Our Sin
Call to Confession: From Luke 18: 9 – 14
Leader: To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Silent Confession of Sin
Corporate Prayer of Confession:
All: Gracious God, we come before You with humble hearts, knowing that we have fallen short of Your glory. We confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed. We have been quick to judge others while overlooking our own faults. We have been selfish and have failed to reflect the grace and mercy You show us through Jesus. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have neglected the needs of others and missed opportunities to act justly and with compassion. Help us to remember that Christ’s sacrifice calls us to live in a way that honors His love and grace. Help us to live each day in a manner that reflects the forgiveness we have received and the hope we have in Jesus. In His holy name, we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon: Isaiah 55:6-7
Leader: Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Hymn of Assurance: Songs of Faith #41 God Be Merciful to Me
We Welcome New Members to God’s Covenant Community
We Welcome Audrey S. and Nick S. to Our Fellowship as Communing Members
We Baptize and Welcome Stephen A. into Our Fellowship as a Non-Communing Member
Hymn of Response: Psalm 92, Lord It Is Good to Give Thanks
We Give Thanks To The Lord
Tithes and Offerings
Doxology
We Hear God Speak
Small Talk
(Following this time, a nursery is available for ages 0-2, and Toddlers’ Church for ages 2-5.)
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, The power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Prayer of God’s People
Rejoicing Together 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Audio Only:
Hymn of Response: The Family of God
We Are Dismissed with God’s Blessing
Benediction
Hymn: Psalm 150 Sing Hallelujah! Praise the Lord (verse 1)