Order of Worship

GATHERING
October 31, 2021, Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Theme: Beyond the Offering Plate
Prelude: John Sheaffer, piano, On Eagle’s Wings, by John Carter, Fairest Lord Jesus, by Mark Hayes.
Introit: “Be Thou My Vision,” Arr. Alice Porter.
Welcome: comments by Reverend Susan Bresser.

Hymn: United Methodist Hymnal (red), #57 - O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (verses 1-3, 7), John Sheaffer, pipe organ.

Call to Worship: by Rev. Greta Hietpas.
Leader: We see light, hope, and joy;
People: We bring heart, soul, mind, and body;
Leader: We share blessings and fears;
People: We bring faith and doubt.
Leader: With all that we are and all that we have, let us worship God.

Hymn: Thy Word” – John Sheaffer, pipe organ.
A Time of Prayer (with Lord’s Prayer): by Reverend Greta Hietpas.
Musical Response: “Ode to Joy,” Ludwig van Beethoven, Tom Ajack, Guitar.
THE WORD
Musical Setting for the Scripture: “Thy Word” by
Tom Ajack, guitar.
Bible readings: read by Tom Taft.
Readings from the Hebrew Scriptures:
Genesis 1:26-28 (CEB)
Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.”

God created humanity in God’s own image,
in the divine image God created them,
male and female God created them.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and master it. Take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, and everything crawling on the ground.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (CEB)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength. These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds. Recite them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up. Tie them on your hand as a sign. They should be on your forehead as a symbol. Write them on your house’s doorframes and on your city’s gates.

Contemporary Message: Stewardship of Body and Mind, by Reverend Susan Bresser.

Stewardship Witness: Tom Taft

RESPONSE

Ministry Moment: Reverend Greta Hietpas.

Prayer of Dedication: Reverend Greta Hietpas.
God of grace, we hear your call to generous giving in the way you meet our needs each day, and in the peace you give which passes understanding. Having received so much, we offer all we have, our time, talents and money for your kingdom. Bless these gifts for the work of your church. Amen

Hymn: Worship and Song Hymnal (green), #3148, There’s a Spirit of Love (all verses): Tom Ajack, guitar and John Sheaffer, pipe organ.
Benediction: by Reverend Susan Bresser.
Postlude: “Recessional” by Healey Willan, John Sheaffer, pipe organ.
Prepare for worship next Sunday, November 7, 2021: 1 Peter 4:8-1.