Rangeley Congregational Church, United Church of Christ An Open and Affirming Church. Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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1 Rangeley Congregational Church, United Church of Christ An Open and Affirming Church Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 23, :00 AM Meditation: It is hard to understand why so many people put Thou shalt not do any work in a different category from Thou shalt not kill or Thou shalt have no other gods before me, especially since those teachings are all on the same list. The ancient wisdom of the Sabbath commandment and of the Christian gospel as well is that there is no saying yes to God without saying no to God s rivals. No, I will not earn my way today. No, I will not make anyone else work either. No, I will not worry about my life, what I will eat or what I will drink, or about my body, what I will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? And there was evening and there was morning, the seventh day. --Barbara Brown Taylor ORDER OF WORSHIP COMING INTO GOD S PRESENCE RINGING OF THE BELL PRELUDE We Gather Together WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist 1

2 PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Unison) O God, we come here today a little bit from habit, a little bit from longing, a little bit for no particular reason at all. But now that we are here, it is good. We need this loving community; we need this sacred celebration; we need to encounter again your startling Word. Keep us open, honest, and responsive in this hour. Then send us out to be your new creations in this desperate and wonder-filled world. Amen. CALL TO WORSHIP Liturgist In the beginning was the Word: And creation unfolded at God s direction. In the beginning was the Word: And the prophets spoke by God s direction: In the beginning was the Word: And Christ lived that Word to God s glory. May God s Word be spoken, heard, and celebrated among us today. Amen. *GATHERING HYMN #28 (NCH) For the Beauty of the Earth CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison) O God, we confess that we are weighed down by our failings: envy distances us from other people; greed alerts us only to our own desires. Where we might bring reconciliation, we create conflicts. Where your presence beckons, we resist. Deal with us not as we deserve, dear Lord, but according to your mercy. Forgive us, cleanse us, and teach us your way 2

3 TIME FOR SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF HOPE AND ASSURANCE TIME WITH THE YOUNG AT HEART SERVICE OF THE WORD PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE LESSONS James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37 SERMON *HYMN OF RESPONSE #539 (NCH) Won t You Let Me Be Your Servant SERVICE OF PRAYER PRAYER FOR GOD S PEOPLE (As you name a joy or concern later in the prayer, please finish by saying This is my prayer. The church family responds by saying This is our prayer. ) We pray for: Ev & Tom McAllister; Roger Roy (significant other of Daphne, Donna Wilcox s sister); Lisa Hall; Zeb Wentzell (Terri Wentzell s grandson); Toni Millette; Becky Walker; Kris Nozal (Marcia Baker s niece); Karen Lantz; Haelyn Vorous; John and Martha Bicknell; the Moody family; our law enforcement personnel, first responders and the communities they serve; our military personnel worldwide; and all those who serve our country. 3

4 And we hold in prayer those friends and members of our church family who are unable to join us in worship today. OUR LORD S PRAYER ( forgive us our sins ) 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 sins as we forgive those who sin 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. CHORAL AMEN #812 (NCH) Threefold Amen SERVICE OF GIVING INVITATION OFFERTORY Dear Lord and Father *DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison) Thank you, God, for this opportunity to support the ministry and mission of this congregation. May there be a harvest of righteousness among us, demonstrated in the peaceful handling of disputes, in mutual love and support of one another, and in generous outreach to others. Amen. 4

5 *CLOSING HYMN #82 (NCH) Go, My Children, with My Blessing *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE AND EXTINGUISHING OF THE CANDLES A Mighty Fortress is our God Special Thanks to all who helped with the service today: Nancy Zambraski, Liturgist Rick & Marcia Baker, Ushers Sandy Moore & Linda Caspar, Coffee Hour Donna Wilcox, Sunday School Music Team for the months of August & September ~This Week: Rangeley Ringers - Monday, 9/24, 8 am, Sanctuary Deacon s Meeting Monday, 9/24, 3:30 pm, East Room Pastor Annette s Drop In Hours - Tuesday, 9/25, 1-3 pm, Pastor s Office Women s Fellowship Friday, 9/28, 10 am, Barn ~Next Week: Rangeley Ringers - Monday, 10/1, 8 am, Sanctuary Prayer Shawl Monday, 10/1, 2 pm, Barn Christian Ed Monday, 10/2, 8:30 am, Fellowship Hall Pastor Annette s Drop In Hours - Tuesday, 10/2, 1-3 pm, Pastor s Office 5

6 ~Announcement: Fall Meeting of the Living Water Association outdoor worship service today at 1:30 p.m. In recognition of First Congregational Church in Wilton's 200th anniversary, the event will be held at Kineowatha Park. A map and details are posted on the bulletin board in the Barn. Refreshments will be served following the service, and you are welcome to picnic at the park before worship. Please bring your own lawn chair. A short Association meeting will be held at 3:00. Come for all or part and embrace the theme, "God's Natural World". Rangeley Congregational Church, Pastor Annette Mott (Office) (Cell) Church Office rangeleyucc@gmail.com Secretary Ethna L. Thompson Council President Rick Baker Chair of Deacons Scott Hatfield Deacon of the Month Fred Dubay Conference Deacon Dick Waddell riwad36@gmail.com 6