Join us for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost at 915am (in-person or Facebook livestream)
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Lesson of the Week
Thank you for worshiping with us. We are so glad that you are spending part of your day with us!
Order of Service
Worship Service Participants
- Rev. Scott Siefert
- Organist: Penny Rolf
- Special Guest Speaker: Christie Larson, Southern Valley Alliance
- Choir: YOU!
Ringing of the Church Bell
Announcements
Greeting
Rev Scott: Jesus says “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Call to Worship
Rev Scott: The Word is the lamp and a light. The Word illuminates our life.
All: We welcome The Word with praise and thanksgiving.
Rev Scott: The Word comes from the mouth of God and accomplishes its purpose.
All: We hear The Word that loves and embraces, challenges and convicts, renews and restores.
Rev Scott: The Word is life, offers a future with hope, and creates peace in the midst of the storm.
All: We receive the Word among us and rejoice. We worship The Word in spirit and in truth!
Opening Hymn: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” (The Hymnal #272
Prayer of Invocation
Rev Scott: Creator, your presence in our life illuminates our lives. Makes us fertile soil, receptive to the seeds planted by your word. Nourish us with Living Water and grow us through the energy of your empowerment and healing rays of sunshine. Let us encounter you afresh as we gather in community.
All: May our worship show our love for you and each other. Make your presence known to us and through us for your glory. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Rev Scott: God who is our rock and our redeemer, the words of our mouths often lead to hurt and harm. We tear down when we could build up. We speak of death and destruction when the power of life resides in our tongues. We say what is unnecessary and unhelpful while hesitating to offer encouragement and hope. We turn away and hide ourselves when she be showing compassion and empathy. Let us encounter you afresh as we gather together in community.
All: May our worship show our love for you and each other. Make your presence known to us and through us for Your glory. AMEN.
I invite you to quietly reflect on our need for forgiveness and grace.
–Time of Silent Confession-
Assurance of Grace
Rev Scott: Paul tells us in Romans 8, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” God does not shame or condemn; rather, the One who is holy makes us holy, restored, and whole. Receive the grace of God as it is freely given. Be empowered by the one who observes you and declares you good. KNow that you are loved, forgiven, and transformed in Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 55-10-13 and Matthew 13:1-9
Special Presentation by Christie Larson
Pastoral Meditation: “Being Good Soil”
Hymn of Response: ““Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” (New Century Hymnal #454)
Prayers and Concerns
Joys – Concerns – Blessings
Please share any special concerns, joys, and blessings.
Silent Prayer – Leader’s Prayer – Lord’s Prayer
ALL: 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.
Collection and Presentation of the Offering
Invitation to the Offering
Rev Scott: Jesus said, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free. All our gifts, resources, and blessings come from our Generous God, our Creator. May we return a portion of these gifts in grateful generosity for the ministry of the kingdom.
*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
*Prayer of Dedication
All: O God, receive your gifts from the open hearts from which we give them. Thank you for blessing us with gifts to share, so that good works can thrive and abound. We offer our gifts gladly. May they be used to meet the needs of our church and our world. AMEN.
Closing and Blessing
*Closing Hymn: “Amazing Grace” (Back of The Hymnal)
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Wednesdays – Bongards Farmers Market – 3pm to 6pm
- Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall & Zoom
- TODAY – Sept 24th – Coffee and Fellowship – following worship –
- Oct. 1st – World Communion Sunday – 915am
- Oct. 1st – Indoor Fall Cleaning – following worship
- Oct. 15th – Fellowship and Painting – 1pm – Fellowship Hall
- Oct. 29th – Service of Remembrance – 915am
Fruit of the Spirit. This month, Southern Valley Alliance will benefit from the donations. A special collection vessel is at the entrance to the sanctuary. Thank you to Christie for sharing more about what our support will do to help SVA and local residents in need of their services.
Fellowship and Painting. Registration is required for this event. Cost is $25. If you need help with online registration, contact Michelle.
God uses everyone’s talents. Check out this month’s Team Up flier for ways to share your time and talents to inspire and uplift our community.
Live Streaming. We want to train others on live-streaming and recording services. If you can make a post on Facebook from your computer, you can do this. Contact Michelle Bachmann if you’re interested.
Looking for a church community? If you have been led to St. John’s looking to be more than a visitor, we welcome you openly and would love an opportunity to chat. Contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
The Word To Go: Find Sunday morning worship services on our Facebook Page, St. John’s UCC of Bongards. Worship will also be live-streamed on Facebook, when available.
Bongards Buzz: Submit items for the newsletter by the 1st of each month to Michelle Bachmann or sjuccbongards@gmail.com. Catch up online with the Buzz here.
For Pastoral Care. Please contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
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St. John's United Church of Christ 
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