Order of Worship
September 26, 2021, Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Theme: DISCIPLESHIP: Awareness
Welcome: comments from Rev. Susan
Hymn: #577, God of Grace and God of Glory, verses 1 & 2. Hymn Tune: CWM RHONDDA (Welsh origin)
1: God of grace and God of glory,
on the people pour thy power;
crown thine ancient church's story,
bring her bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.

2: Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn thy Christ, assail his ways!
Fears and doubts too long have bound us;
free our hearts to work and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
Call to Worship: offered by Rev. Greta

Leader: We have walked with you, O God, from many parts of the world to this time and place.
People: And we will walk with you, O God, into the world to serve all people.
Leader: We leave behind our old securities; we leave behind our reliance on worldly goods.
People: And we will walk with you, O God, into the world to live with all people.
Leader: We leave behind all which holds us back; we leave behind all which keeps us from following you.
People: And we will walk with you, O God, into the world to work with all people.
Leader: We leave behind the fears which bind us; we leave behind the hurts which damage us.
People: And we will walk with you, O God, into the peace you offer to all people. Amen.

Hymn: #577 (red hymnal): God of Grace and God of Glory, verse 4. Hymn Tune: CWM RHONDDA (Welsh origin)
4: Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the search for thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving thee whom we adore,
serving thee whom we adore.
A Time of Prayer (with Lord’s Prayer): offered by Rev. Greta
Musical Response: “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” by David Cherwien, John Sheaffer, pipe organ
THE WORD
Musical Setting for the Scripture - “Thy Word”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Mark 9:38-50 (CEV)
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone throwing demons out in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.”
Jesus replied, “Don’t stop him. No one who does powerful acts in my name can quickly turn around and curse me. Whoever isn’t against us is for us. I assure you that whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will certainly be rewarded.
“As for whoever causes these little ones who believe in me to trip and fall into sin, it would be better for them to have a huge stone hung around their necks and to be thrown into the lake. If your hand causes you to fall into sin, chop it off. It’s better for you to enter into life crippled than to go away with two hands into the fire of hell, which can’t be put out. If your foot causes you to fall into sin, chop it off. It’s better for you to enter life lame than to be thrown into hell with two feet. If your eye causes you to fall into sin, tear it out. It’s better for you to enter God’s kingdom with one eye than to be thrown into hell with two. That’s a place where worms don’t die and the fire never goes out. Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? Maintain salt among yourselves and keep peace with each other.”
Contemporary Message: Awareness, Rev. Susan
RESPONSE
Ministry Moment: Rev. Greta
Prayer of Dedication: Offered by Rev. Greta

Giving God, receive our offerings, even if they are as small as a drink for someone who thirsts.
Transform them into the mystery of your reign here and now on earth, in the name of Jesus, your greatest gift. Amen.
Hymn: #2190: (black hymnal) Bring Forth the Kingdom, verses 1-3.
1: You are the salt of the earth, O people:
Salt for the Kingdom of God!
Share the flavor of life, O people:
Life in the Kingdom of God!
Bring forth the Kingdom of mercy,
bring forth the Kingdom of peace;
bring forth the Kingdom of justice;
bring forth the City of God!

2: You are a light on the hill, O people:
Light for the City of God!
Shine so holy and bright, O people:
Shine for the Kingdom of God!
Bring forth the Kingdom of mercy,
Bring forth the Kingdom of peace;
Bring forth the Kingdom of justice,
Bring forth the City of God!

3: You are a seed of the Word, O people:
Bring forth the Kingdom of God!
Seeds of mercy and seeds of justice,
Grow in the Kingdom of God!
Bring forth the Kingdom of mercy,
Bring forth the Kingdom of peace;
Bring forth the Kingdom of justice,
Bring forth the City of God!
Benediction: offered by Rev. Susan
Postlude: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” by David Dahl, John Sheaffer, pipe organ

Prepare for worship next Sunday: by reading Romans 12:9-21
Flowers Donated by: Tim Sears