08/18/2024
THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
August 18, 2024
GRACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Ministers: The People
Worship Leader: Rev. Dr. Samuel Boys
Accompanist: Sharon Coffey
Secretary: Peggy Dawson
307 N. Plymouth St, Culver, IN 46511574-842-2331
WE GATHER TO SERVE GOD IN WORSHIP
GATHERING MUSIC
WORDS OF WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MUSIC FOR MEDITATION
*CALL TO WORSHIP:
Welcome to this sanctuary of God’s healing Love.
We gather in the safety of God’s presence – who loves us unconditionally.
Wherever you are along your life’s journey; whatever your name; however you feel – Come one and all. Come, and experience the abundance of God’s love for you, providing for your every need.
O Lord, our God, We Trust you; for you are our help and shield.
Come, all you who are struggling. Let us worship God
*HYMN OF PRAISE: #30 “How Majestic is Thy Name”
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of healing, God of wholeness, we bring our brokenness,
our sinfulness, our fears and despair, and lay them at your feet.
God of healing, God of wholeness, we hold out hearts and hands,
minds and souls to feel your touch, and know the peace
that only you can bring.
God of healing, God of wholeness, this precious moment
in your presence and power grant us faith and confidence
that here broken lives are made whole…
SILENCE
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS:
We have called out to God and God has heard our cries. God’s merciful Spirit is poured out on all people.
Our Creator has offered us forgiveness of our sins and fullness of grace through Jesus Christ. For these abundant gifts of God, let us sing praise…
GLORIA PATRI: #623
PASSING THE PEACE
SCRIPTURE:James 5: 7-16RSV
7 Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the early and the late rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the doors. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
12 But above all, my beloved in Christ, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation.
13 Is any one among you suffering? Let them pray. Is any cheerful? Let them sing praise. 14 Is any among you sick? Let them call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed sins, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous has great power in its effects.
REFLECTION ON SCRIPTURE
MUSIC #247 “Spirit of the Living God”
WE RESPOND TO THE WORD OF GOD
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER (inside back of red hymnal or purple sheet)
OFFERING OURSELVES and OUR GIFTS
DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures here below
Praise God above ye heavenly host
Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
WE GO FORTH TO SERVE GOD
*BENEDICTION
*COMMISSIONING SONG “Go Now in Peace” (inside back of red hymnal)
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Grace UCC Statement of Inclusion
As an oasis of Christian love, Grace United Church of Christ is grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the great commandment to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. We welcome and affirm all persons by embracing diversity of identity including, but not limited to, race, age, gender, gender identity and expression, marital standing, physical or mental ability, economic status, nationality, and sexual orientation or identity. We welcome all people into the full life and ministry of this community of faith, including membership and leadership. We appreciate and embrace the God-given gifts that each person brings to the life of our congregation.
As an Open and Affirming church, we join our partners in the United Church of Christ and all persons who are committed to justice, inclusiveness, and love. We believe that God’s love, Christ’s church, and the power of the Holy Spirit are for all people. We believe our unity as one body in Christ transcends worldly differences. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Announcements
Women’s Voice September Meeting
We will be celebrating and sharing our Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday family food traditions. Please bring the recipe and sample with the story. It could be anything from soup to dessert. Jan Fitterling is bringing her famous lasagna, so plan on dinner during the meeting. All recipes will be copied and shared. What’s one of your favorite holiday food memories? All women are invited!
August 20Bible Study, 6:00 p.m.,
