16th Sunday of Pentecost
Bulletin for September 20, 2020
Prelude – “Fantasia in Eco” – Thad Goodwin
Adriano Banchieri
Announcements and Centering
Passing of the Peace
Call to Worship – (inspired by Matthew 20:1-16)
One: Our eyes are heavy. Our hope is soaring.
We wait in the marketplace.
All: Our God is gracious.
One: Our feet are tired. Our expectations rise.
We are hired first.
All: Our God is merciful.
One: Our backs are sore. Our spirits are low.
We are paid last.
All: Our God is slow to anger.
One: Our tempers flare. Our anger rages.
We take what belongs to us.
All: Our God abounds in steadfast love.
Unison Invocation (inspired by Matthew 20:1-16)
Call all the laborers, O God,
Call your laborers who woke early,
Call your laborers who came late,
Call your laborers who feel wronged,
Call your laborers who feel overlooked,
Call your laborers who have no employment,
Call your laborers who can’t feed their children with this wage,
Call your laborers who know they are working in your fields,
Call your laborers who use their wage to increase your love,
Call all your laborers, O God,
Tell us to roll up our sleeves
For we know that we have work to do.
Let us find you in the work we share here and now,
in Christ’s presence we pray.
Amen.
Children’s Sermon
L.I.F.E. Team Leader Testimonial – Sharon Tilbe
Special Music – “Be Still My Soul/It is Well With My Soul” – Amy Maneval
Jean Sibelius, arr. Melody Bober
Scripture Reading
Psalms 145:1-8 – Natalia C. Estrella-Torres
Matthew 20:1-16 – Erica Sofia Estrella-Torres
Sermon – “Unhappy Servants” – Rev. David Bucey
Call to Offering
Offertory Music – “Jesus – The Very Thought to Me” – Thad Goodwin / Amy Maneval
Offering Prayer of Dedication
O God, you have called your laborers to give their gifts.
Bless these offerings so that they reflect the work of the kingdom of heaven.
With Christ, our servant, we pray.
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
One: Let us continue in our work.
All: Let us live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
One: Let us be in one spirit, striving side by side,
All: Let us find Christ in our struggles,
One: Let us be surprised by the joy in our faith,
All: Let us find you, O God, in all our work.
Amen.
Postlude – “Fantasia in C Minor” – Thad Goodwin
A. Va Den Kerckhoven
Written by the Rev. Elsa A. Cook, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a budding spiritual director and wandering interim minister. She writes liturgies and shares her thoughts on cookingwithelsa.org. Adapted for online use by Susan Blain.
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
