WELCOME TO WORSHIP
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Most holy and gracious God accept these gifts from our hearts. May they be used to share the message of your love with a world that is hurting. May these gifts shine like light in the darkness offering hope, and peace. May we offer ourselves and dedicate our lives to your service this week using our talents and time to build your kingdom. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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BAPTISM
WE GO AS GOD’S PEOPLE INTO THE WORLD
BAPTISMAL RESPONSE Do you as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ? We do. Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include this family, now before you, in your care?
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST • SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 • 11:00AM
We give thanks for all that God has given you and welcome you in Christian love. With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround Beau with a community of love and forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others. We will pray for him, that he may be a true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life.
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS The prelude signifies the beginning of worship. You are invited to be in a spirit of prayer and meditation. Please silence all mobile communication devices. †
Please stand as you are able
HYMN
GREETING INTROIT
#159 Lift High the Cross — CRUCIFER
BENEDICTION
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BENEDICTION RESPONSE Go Now in Peace — Robert Lau Go now in peace, and may God’s peace be with you. Believe and trust his holy word. Amen.
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POSTLUDE
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#191 Jesus Loves Me — JESUS LOVES ME
(Children, kindergartners through third grade, are invited to exit the Sanctuary for Children’s Worship. Children will return to reserved pews in the Sanctuary at the close of worship.)
PRELUDE
HYMN
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Thank you for joining us in worship today.
WE HEAR THE WORD PROCLAIMED When I Survey the Wondrous Cross — Gilbert M. Martin Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
OPENING PRAYER Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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HYMN OF PROCESSION #185 When Morning Gilds the Skies — LAUDES DOMINI
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AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.
CANTICLE Nearer, My God, to Thee — arr. Dan Forrest Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee, even though it be a cross that raisesth me. Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God to Thee. Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee. Oh let the way appear, leading to heaven, all that Thou sendest me, in mercy given. Thy Spirit beckons me, nearer, my God to Thee. Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee. There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, there in my Saviour’s love, perfectly blest. Age after age to be nearer, my God to Thee! Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee. SCRIPTURE — Matthew 16:24-25 This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
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GLORIA PATRI #71 Glory Be to the Father — GREATOREX Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
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SERMON
PARTICIPANTS IN WORSHIP
WE RENEW OUR COMMITMENT OFFERTORY Rhapsody on HAMBURG — Howard Helvey DOXOLOGY #95 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow — OLD 100th Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
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PREACHING The Reverend Dr. P. Glenn Kinken III Senior Minister LITURGIST The Reverend Susannah Pittman, Assoc. Minister MUSIC Jonathan Emmons, Director of Music Ministries Joshua Sobel, Organ Scholar The Chancel Choir
CRUCIFER Jack Norman TORCHBEARERS Hamilton Norman Mary Claire Norman FLOWERS The Chancel Flowers are given in loving memory of Kitty and Jack Felts, Kitty and Stan Huber, and Robert Huber by Margaret Felts Huber and Scott Huber.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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