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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
- 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
One: O God Embodied, the one made flesh who dwelt among us, help us to arrive this morning with a “yes.” A “yes” to our faith that says our bodies are good and holy.
All: A “yes” to show up here, even if our minds may be in other places at times.
One: A “yes” to believing enough in you, this community, and our own call to know this is where we need to be in this moment.
All: A “yes” to bringing all that comes from and through our hearts to you.
One: Come, let us bring ourselves to God’s table of plenty.
All: With our inherent worth and dignity to guide us. Selah. AMEN.
Opening Hymn: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (The Hymnal #184)
Prayer of Invocation
One: Have mercy on us, O God of Healing. We call out to you for ourselves, our community, and our world that has so much suffering. At times we are discouraged to name what we need, by society or family expectations that were uncomfortable with needs. So often we are simply never taught how to hold this part of us with tenderness and boundaries. But your Word invites us in to name what torments us and to receive your love and acceptance.
All: Grant us your grace to take in the strength of belonging. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Rev Scott: Today, our scripture passage shows us the power of repentance. And how profound is it to see this embodied in Christ, who changed his perspective and actions because of an encounter with the force of a mother advocating for her child with dignity. May we have the courage to admit when we’ve been wrong, the courage to ask for forgiveness, and the open heart to change our ways. AMEN.
I invite you to quietly reflect on our need for forgiveness and grace.
–Time of Silent Confession-
Assurance of Grace
Rev Scott: What a blessing to experience a change in life resulting from penitence and spiritual transformation and to have it offered by our God who made us to grow and change. In times when we struggle to make the turns we need in our lives, may God’s grace and this community walk with us on the path of forgiveness. AMEN.
Scripture Readings & Pastoral Meditation
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 and Matthew 15:21-28
Pastoral Meditation: “Perseverance”
Hymn of Response: “Depth of Mercy! Can There Be” (The Hymnal #209)
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: The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that God’s house is “a house of prayer for all peoples.” And it is in such a place where offerings are acceptable to God. Here, in this place of extravagant welcome, may our offerings of time, energy, money, resources, skills, hope, and prayer be lifted up to God. May they be discerned for the good that ripples out beyond our walls and felt by all who enter them. AMEN.
*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
*Prayer of Dedication
All: Let us give thanks for all that we share, as well as the way that we share. May our gratitude for this community and the Spirit’s presence in this space guide us in how to show up in our lives. May we know how to give but also how to receive, how to say, “yes” and when we need to say, “not today.” Let us lift up, and take in, the gift of thanksgiving. AMEN.
Closing and Blessing
*Closing Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” (Back of The Hymnal)
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall & Zoom
- Oct. 9th – Women’s Guild – 6pm – Fellowship Hall
- Oct. 15th – Fellowship and Painting – 1pm – Fellowship Hall
- Oct. 22nd – Worship & Gather Meeting – following Worship
- Oct. 29th – Service of Remembrance – 915am
- Oct. 29th – Fellowship following the service – Hosted by Cheryl and Michelle Bachmann
- Oct. 30th – Faith and Service Team Meeting – 6pm via Zoom
- Nov. 19th – “His By Grace” and Pie Social – 915am
Fruit of the Spirit. This month, the UCC “Our Church’s Wider Mission” will benefit from the donations. A special collection vessel is at the entrance to the sanctuary.
Fellowship and Painting. Registration is required for this event. Cost is $25. If you need help with online registration, contact Michelle.
All Saints Day Service. Sunday, October 29th will be a special service to remember those who have come and gone before us. Please invite your friends and family to join us. Bring a small memento in honor of a loved one, to be placed on the altar for the service. If you have a special poem, reading, or musical suggestion you’d like considered for the service or want to participate, contact Pastor Scott.
God uses everyone’s talents. The October Team Up will be available shortly.
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.
We’ve partnered with easyTithe so you can use your bank account for a direct ACH, debit card, or a credit card to make a secure one time or reoccurring gift. General giving and Fruit of the Spirit can both be done electronically.
St. John's United Church of Christ 
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