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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
- Liturgist: Kenneth Kohls
- 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
Kenneth: Sing to the Lord! Let our praise today be made new.
All: May we sing a new song, pray a new prayer, dance a new dance.
Kenneth: Let the faithful delight in our Creator’s marvelous acts.
All: From the seats of the sanctuary to the couches of our homes.
Kenneth: Let us glorify God with our voices, the work of our lives and the joy of our souls.
All: Glory to God! Praise the Lord!
Opening Hymn: “Come Ye Thankful People, Come” (The Hymnal #434)
Prayer of Invocation
Kenneth: God who journeys with us, we give thanks to be gathered in Your presence. May we acknowledge you in the brightness of day and in the stillness of night. Give us a vision of your reign on earth and in our lives. Make us your witnesses to a world in need of hope and peace.
All: Infuse us with your love, and may this time gathered as your people transform us to reflect your goodness in the world. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
Rev Scott: O God, we confess that accountability can be discomforting, and we avoid discomfort. We seek the good enough, convenient, and easy over the good, possible, and hard. Hold us accountable to the gospel. Hold us accountable to our claim and commitment to follow you. Hold us accountable to your will.
All: Help us to receive Your grace in order to embrace accountability as a loving act of community.
–Time of Silent Confession-
Assurance of Grace
Rev Scott: Beloved, accountability from God is rooted in love, hope, and mercy. Know that your past actions and attitudes do not define your present nor limit your future. Through God’s grace, you can grow, learn, and thrive.
Scripture Readings & Pastoral Meditation
Ezekiel 33:7-11 and Matthew 18:15-20
Pastoral Meditation: “Two or Three or More!”
Hymn of Response: “I Need Thee Every Hour” (The Hymnal #469)
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 apostle Paul tells us, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.” Sharing of our time, talent, and treasure manifests our love in the world. Let us give generously to the ministry of this church from the abundance of love of God, neighbor, and self.
*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
*Prayer of Dedication
All: Gracious God, thank you for the gifts you give and allowing us to be gift givers as well. May our generous offerings bear fruit to nurture our community, our neighbors, and all creation. AMEN.
Closing and Blessing
*Closing Hymn: “More Love to Thee, O Christ” (The Hymnal #471)
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall & Zoom
- 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. 12th – Veterans Sunday – 915am
- Nov. 13th – Women’s Guild Meeting – 6pm – Fellowship Hall
- Nov. 19th – “His By Grace” followed by annual Pie Social – 915am to benefit Southwest Carver County Food Shelf
- Nov. 22nd – UCC Community Thanksgiving Eve Service led by Pastor Scott – 7pm – First Congregational UCC, Glencoe
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.
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.
Veterans Sunday. If you have any special readings or musical requests, please place them in the suggestion box at the entrance to the sanctuary.
God uses everyone’s talents. The October/November Team Up will be available soon.
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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