15th Sunday of Pentecost
Bulletin for September 13, 2020
Prelude – “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” – Thad Goodwin
Afro-American Spiritual, arr. Brian Glyncannon
Announcements and Centering – Rev. Wesley Snedeker
Responsive Call to Worship – Rev. Wesley Snedeker
(Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13)
One: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless the holy name.
Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts—
All: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless the holy name.
Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts–
One: Forgiveness flowing into healing,
Tireless goodness and joy:
Strength and youth of the eagle’s flight.
All: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless the holy name.
Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts–
One: Vindication, justice for all those oppressed;
Liberation from bondage, and guidance for the way;
Unending mercy, steadfast love.
All: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless the holy name.
Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts–
One: For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is GOD’s love toward those who are faithful;
As a parent has compassion for children,
so our GOD has compassion for us.
All: Bless GOD, O friends: with all our strength, bless the holy name.
Bless GOD, O friends, and never forget God’s gifts.
Unison Invocation
Compassionate-One, Lover-of-Goodness, Patience-with-Sinners,
Draw near to us.
Surround us with confidence in your good news:
that you love us as parents love their children;
that your mercy is boundless and generous,
that you beckon us always and will wait forever
as we find our way back to you.
Open our hearts to receive your compassion;
And then show us how to forgive,
So that we may be vessels of resurrection hope in our troubled world.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Children’s Sermon – Rev. Dave Bucey
LIFE Team Leaders Commissioning – Rev. Dave Bucey
LIFE Team Leader Testimony – Rev. Wesley Snedeker
Special Music – “Dona Nobis” – Linda Fairleigh
Mozart
Scripture Reading – Rev. Wesley Snedeker
Matthew 18:21-35
Sermon – “Forgiveness: How Many Times?” – Rev. David Bucey
Call to Offering
Offertory Music – “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” – Thad Goodwin / Amy Maneval
Unison Offering Prayer of Dedication
May our gifts become symbols of our intention
to minister with God to satisfy the needs
of those whom God loves.
Amen
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer
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.
Benediction
Postlude – “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” – Thad Goodwin
Louis Bourgeois, Aaron. Robert J. Hughes
Service Prayers for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost are written by the Rev. Susan A. Blain, Minister for Worship and Gospel Arts, Faith INFO Ministry Team, UCC.
Copyright 2020 Justice and Local Church Ministries, Faith INFO Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.
