The Celebration of Christian Worship
Celebrating over 175 Years of Faith & Hope
October 4, 2009 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost 10:00 AM
The Christian Church "flips out!"
Here are the blessings that every Christian church should offer to anyone who walks through our doors:
Forgiveness Optimism
Love Unity
Insight Tolerance
Purpose
Salvation
Today we'll hear what the gospel teaches about forgiveness.
Prelude -
Welcome
Announcements
Passing of the Peace
OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Votum
Sentences (Psalm 32, responsively)
Leader: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
People: Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Leader: While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
People: For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Leader: Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity;
People: I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Leader: Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
People: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
Leader: I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will
counsel you with my eye upon you.
People: Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will
not stay near you.
Leader: Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
ALL: Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
Salutation
*Hymn 381 (blue) – “Open My Eyes, That I May See”
Summary of the Law of God
Prayer of Confession
We confess, Lord, that while we believe that living together in peace is what you have called us to do, we do not do it very well. We have people in our lives with whom we struggle, carrying resentments for past hurts and injuries. And while we are eager to accept your love and forgiveness, our memories are short when it comes to giving love and forgiveness to our brothers and sisters. Forgive us, Lord. Help us to give to each other that which you have freely and generously given to us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
*Gloria Patri (Hymnal #623)
THE WORD OF GOD
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Children's Sermon
*Hymn #202 (blue) – “Amazing Grace”
Communion Meditation: Divine Accounting
Prayer for Blessing on the Word
OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD
*Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering
*Doxology (Hymnal #625)
*Offertory Prayer
O God of infinite love and forgiveness, you have given us your spirit of compassion and understanding. Help us to use these spiritual gifts wisely and well as we shape our world according to your desire. In offering our material gifts today, we also offer ourselves as your servants, overlooking minor differences with others, preserving the goodness of our material world, supporting those who work for justice and peace, and forgiving those who act selfishly and harmfully. We thank you for the confidence you place in us as we recommit and dedicate ourselves to your service through the same Spirit who guided Jesus to fulfill your will. Amen.
Sacrament of Holy Communion See Pew Card
Family Prayers, 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 for ever. Amen.
*Hymn 382 (blue) – “Be Thou My Vision”
*Benediction
*Threefold Amen (Hymnal #628)
*Postlude