09/01/2026
The Antes Fort and Oriole Methodist Churches
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 6, 2026
The Gathering
Greeting and Announcements
Musical Prelude and Lighting of the Altar Candles
a time of reflection and prayer as we ready ourselves for worship
Call to Worship
L: God said, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
P: But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord.”
L: Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,
P: And I will give you rest.”
L: We come in the name of the Spirit, resting from our labors,
P: Let us worship God this day!
*Opening Hymn: "We Gather Together" #131
*Doxology #95
(Offering plates to be brought forward as we sing)
Responsive Act of Praise “Psalm 148” #861
(Using Musical Response)
Opening Prayer in Unison
Almighty and everlasting God, may our hearts be prepared for this time of worship. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and minds to comprehend your message for us as we seek to encounter You this day. Walk among us as we have gathered, perhaps tired and weary. Offer to us Your springs of living water that will renew us and prepare us to go forth and serve you faithfully through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Celebration of Birthdays and Anniversaries
Celebration of Labor Followed by Prayer for the Laborers
Children’s Chat
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Paul reminds us:
"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
Praying for Our Brother or Sister
Pastoral Prayer Followed by the Lord’s Prayer
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Proclamation and Response
*Hymn: “Forth in Thy Name, O Lord" #438
Prayer for Guidance #366
The Gospel Lectionary Lesson: Matthew 18:15-20
L: This is the Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God!
The Affirmation of Faith "The Apostle's Creed" #881
The Sharing of Communion (Page 9)
Message:
Text: John 9:1-4
Title: Work Never Stops
*Closing Hymn: “Now Let Us from This Table Rise" #634
*Benediction
*Parting Farewell “Shalom to You” #666
*The Extinguishing of the Altar Candles
The service does not end until the light of Christ has been taken
from the altar by the Acolyte and brought to the rear of the
Sanctuary. During this time, please remain in a prayerful
attitude of worship
*The Musical Postlude
*The congregation will please stand if able.
