Order of Worship

October 10, 2021, Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Theme: DISCIPLESHIP: Follow

Welcome: comments from Rev. Greta Hietpas.

Hymn: The Summons, The Faith We Sing, Hymn 2130, verses 1,2,4.

Call to Worship: Rev. Susan Bresser

Leader: God has called all God’s people to lives of hope and service.
People: We want to serve God, but sometimes life gets to be too difficult for us.
Leader: Place your trust in God’s power and love.
People: God understands our needs, our sorrows, and our joys.
Leader: Come, let us worship God who is with us always.
People: Praise God for God’s eternal presence. Amen.

Hymn: The Summons, The Faith We Sing, Hymn 2130, verse 5.

A Time of Prayer (with Lord’s Prayer): offered by Rev. Susan Bresser.

Musical Response: Amazing Grace sung by the Bresser Family.

THE WORD

Musical Setting for the Scripture - “Thy Word.”

The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Mark 10:17-31 New Revised Standard Version. Read by Polly Mather.

“As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.”
Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Contemporary Message: Follow Me: offered by, Rev. Greta Hietpas.

RESPONSE
Presentation of Bibles to 7th and 8th Graders and Confirmands:

Clergy: The Bible is a very important book because it holds our story; it tells us who God is and who we are. The members of our church are pleased to present you with these Bibles.
Congregation: We believe you are important members of our community, and it is our hope that you will use your Bible regularly.
Youth: We receive these Bibles with our hands, our hearts, and our minds. Thank you. We will read and study the Bible, but we need your guidance. We will have questions as we seek understanding.
Clergy, Parents, Teachers and Friends: We take seriously our responsibility for helping you engage the Bible. With God's guidance, we will lead you and share with you.
Congregation: As a congregation, we, too, have the privilege and responsibility to share our faith stories and support you as you learn. We pray for God's grace as we grow together. The Word of God is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path. Thanks be to God.

Ministry Moment: Rev. Susan Bresser.

Prayer of Dedication: Rev. Susan Bresser.

We think what we offer in these moments is not that much, or can accomplish anything of worth, but with you, God, all things are possible. So we trust you will use them, multiply them, offer them to those who need hope, healing, grace, and peace in their lives. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, The Faith We Sing, Hymn 2129, verses 1,2,3.

Benediction: Rev. Greta Hietpas.

Postlude: Postlude in D - by Healey Willan, John Sheaffer, pipe organ.

Prepare for worship next Sunday: 1 Corinthians 12:3-13.

Flowers Donated by: Tekla Fingland: Happy Birthday to both Jon & Mailen Fingland. We love you both!