09/13/2026
PRELUDE “Abide with Me” arr. Tornquist
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING WORDS
*HYMN “Just As I Am, Without One Plea” # 339
*UNISON PRAYER:
Majestic God, who led our spiritual ancestors, lead us through
the difficult times in which we live. On this day, grant strength
to those who are weak and support for all who are struggling.
Let every tongue praise you as we worship you in humble
gratitude. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
One: The Peace of Christ be with you
Many: And also with you.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
RESPONSE “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
He’s got the whole world in his hands,
He’s got the whole world in his hands,
He’s got the whole world in his hands,
He’s got the whole world in his hands.
THE MINISTRY OF GIVING
Offertory “Be Thou My Vision” arr. Labenske
*Response “Come Thou Almighty King” # 27 Verse 1
*Prayer of Dedication
O God, we honor you when we give. We are accountable to
you and share in responsibility for one another and for the
care of this world. Thus, we dedicate our resources and our
lives to you for the work of your realm. Receive our gifts and
draw us to yourself. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER (using ‘debts’ and ‘debtors’)
*HYMN:
“Help us Accept Each Other”
SCRIPTURE TEXT: Genesis 50:15-21 and Matthew 18:21-22
Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What
if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for
all the wrong that we did to him?” So they approached Joseph,
saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, ‘Say to
Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong
they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of
the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they
spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him,
and said, “We are here as your slaves.” But Joseph said to them,
“Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you
intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to
preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no
fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way
he reassure them, speaking kindly to them.
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the
church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as
seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you,
seventy-seven times.
SERMON
“How Often Should I Forgive?”
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:
# 487
Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Gregory
We believe in a God who created everyone and called them very
good. No one is created broken, defective, or unnecessary. Every
life is created with sacred worth and everyone is a wondrous gift
from God to the world.
We believe in Jesus Christ who is found most clearly in the lives
of those who seem to be the least important to society. Jesus
invites all to live their lives fully, teaching that it is our faith that
makes us whole.
We believe in the Holy Spirit who calls us all to serve and not to
be served and who gives to all holy gifts for the edification of the
body. The Holy Spirit cultivates the fruits of productive life in every
believer, enabling them to share with others: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.
We believe that the Church is the body of Christ and every one
of us has an essential part to play in the salvation of the world
through its ministries of grace. Every life radiates the glory of
God, and every life is a blessed gift to the world. Amen.
*HYMN
“Great is Thy Faithfulness”
# 86
BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” (from Gesandbuch Der Herzogl)
*For those willing and able, please stand.
