First Congregational Church of Onekama

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

September 6, 2026 – 15th Sunday after Pentecost
COMMUNION SUNDAY – LABOR DAY SUNDAY

Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Rev. Alison Dutton Jacobs
Music Director & Liturgist Dan Wilson
Pianist Carolyn Brooks
Choir Accompanist Kathy Wilson
GATHERING
Welcome to Worship
Ringing of the Bell
Prelude “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It” Carolyn Brooks
Music: William Kirkpatrick (1923); Arr. James Koerts (2020)
Announcements
Introit “There is Sunshine in My Soul Today” Choir
Words: Eliza E Hewitt; Music: John R Sweeney (1873)
Arranged: Dan Wilson
*Praise Hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians“ #595
Words & Music: Peter Scholtes (1966)
*Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 149)
Pastor: Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
People: Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children
of Zion rejoice in their King.
Pastor: Let them praise his name with dancing, making
melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
People: For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with victory.
Pastor: Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing
for joy . . .
People: Let the high praises of God be in their
throats . . .
ALL: Sing praise in the congregation
Special Music “Lord, Help Me Show Love” Choir
Words: Grenville Kleiser; Music: Roger C Wilson (1978)
Arranged: Dan Wilson
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to glorify God by sharing God’s love and promise of Salvation through: Caring, Hearing,
Rejoicing, Inviting, Serving, and Teaching. Which spells C.H.R.I.S.T.
Litany for Labor Day
SHARING OF OURSELVES
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Joys and Concerns
Silent Prayer - Pastoral Prayer –
Lord’s Prayer (Debts)
Offering
Offertory "God Leads Us Along” Carolyn Brooks
Words & Music: George A Young (1903)
*Doxology #34
Holy Communion
Communion Hymn “We Are Called To Be God’s People” #580
Words:Thomas A Jackson; Music: Franz Joseph Haydn(1974) THE WORD
Scriptures:
Ezekiel 33:7-11 (Pew Bible, p. 1343)
Romans 13:8-14 (Pew Bible, p.1763)
Matthew 18:15-20 (Pew Bible, p.1530-1531)
Sermon “Nearer To Us Now?”
*Hymn “O Master Let Me Walk With Thee” #589
Words: Washington Gladden; Music: H Percy Smith (1879)
*Sung Benediction “May the Road Rise to Meet You” (Screen)
An Irish Blessing
_____________________________________________
*Indicates to please stand if you wish

08/28/2026

August 30, 2026 – 14th Sunday after Pentecost

Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Rev. Alison Dutton Jacobs
Music Director & Liturgist Dan Wilson
Pianist Carolyn Brooks
Choir Accompanist Kathy Wilson
GATHERING
Welcome to Worship
Ringing of the Bell
Prelude “Footsteps of Jesus” Carolyn Brooks
Music: Asa Everett (1871); Arr: James Koerts (2017)
Announcements
Introit “Come Christians, Join to Sing” Choir
Arr: David Clydesdale; ed: Dan Wilson
*Praise Hymn “This is the Day” #652
Words & Music: Les Garrett (1967)
*Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 105)
Pastor: O give thanks to God, the I Am Who I Am, who calls us together and makes his name known.
People: We glory in God’s holy name! Let the hearts that seek God rejoice and testify!
Pastor: O give thanks to God, God of our ancestors, who lives and reigns with all generations.
People: Sing praises to our God. Remember God’s
wonderful works, saving acts, and redemptive deeds.
Pastor: O give thanks to God, Mighty and Just, who lends strength in the struggle and leads in
righteousness.
People: Seek the presence of God. Praise God!
Special Music “Ashokan Farewell” By Jay Ungar
(CCLI978564)
Gladys Kerns, Fiddle Jason Jard, guitar
Piano: Patsy Vandenberge
(FYI to Facebook viewers: due to copyright issues, this section of the service will be muted)
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to glorify God by sharing God’s love and promise of Salvation through: Caring, Hearing,
Rejoicing, Inviting, Serving, and Teaching. Which spells C.H.R.I.S.T.
SHARING OF OURSELVES
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Joys and Concerns
Silent Prayer - Pastoral Prayer –
Lord’s Prayer (Debts)
Offering
Offertory "If I Gained the World but Lost the Savior”
Words: Anna Olander; Swedish tune 1904 Carolyn Brooks
Doxology #34
*Hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” #344
Words: Anonymous; Music: Indian Folk Melody
THE WORD
Scriptures:
Jeremiah 15:15-21 (Pew Bible. p. 1201)
Romans 12:9-21 (Pew Bible, p.1762)
Matthew 16:21-28 (Pew Bible, p.1528)
Sermon “Desiderata”
*Hymn “Jesus Calls Us” #345
Words: Cecil F Alexander; Music: William H Jude (1852)
*Benediction
*Sung Benediction “May the Road Rise to Meet You” (Screen)
An Irish Blessing
*Indicates to please stand if you wish

08/15/2026

August 16, 2026 – 12th Sunday after Pentecost

Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Rev. Alison Dutton Jacobs
Music Director & Liturgist Dan Wilson
Pianist Carolyn Brooks
Choir Accompanist Kathy Wilson
GATHERING
Welcome to Worship
Ringing of the Bell

Prelude “Faith Unlocks the Door” Carolyn Brooks
Words & Music: Samuel T Scott & Robert L Sande (1904)
Announcements
Introit “Come Christians, Join to Sing” Choir
Arr: David Clydesdale; ed: Dan Wilson
*Praise Hymn “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands” #80
Words & Music: African-American spiritual

*Call to Worship (Inspired By Psalm 133)
Pastor: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
People: We gather together to worship the Holy One in unity!
Pastor: How very good and powerful it is when we commit to the kingdom of God!
People: We gather together to discern God’s will and declare God’s reign!
Pastor: How very good and hopeful it is when we reconcile and repair our brokenness and bless one another!
People: We gather together to love and to serve! Praise God!
Special Music “I Know Whom I Have Believed”
Words: Daniel W Whittle; Music: James McGranahan
Steve & Carolyn Brooks, Duet

MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to glorify God by sharing God’s love and promise of Salvation through: Caring, Hearing,
Rejoicing, Inviting, Serving, and Teaching. Which spells C.H.R.I.S.T.
Stewardship Moment – Receiving of Donation Planning Cards and Placing of figures in the Ark
SHARING OF OURSELVES
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Joys and Concerns
Silent Prayer - Pastoral Prayer –
Lord’s Prayer (Debts)
Offering
Offertory "Rise and Be Healed” Carolyn Brooks
Words & Music: Milton Bourgeois (1972)
*Doxology #34
*Hymn “O, How I Love Jesus” #109
Words: Frederick Whitfield (1855); Music: American Melody 19thc
THE WORD
Scriptures:
Genesis 45:1-15 (Pew Bible, pp.74-75)
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 (Pew Bible, p.1761)
Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28 (Pew Bible, p.1525-1526)
Sermon “And What Remains?”
*Hymn “Heal Me, Hands Of Jesus #636
Words: Michael Perry; Music: Herbert S Irons (1982)
*“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” (v. 1 & 4) (Screen) Words: John Fawcett Music: Johann Nageli Arr. Lowell Mason 17thC
____________________________________________*Indicates to please stand if you wish

08/09/2026

August 9, 2026 – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.
Pastor Rev. Alison Dutton Jacobs
Music Director & Liturgist Dan Wilson
Pianist Carolyn Brooks
Choir Accompanist Kathy Wilson
GATHERING
Welcome to Worship
Ringing of the Bell
Prelude “Meekness and Majesty” Carolyn Brooks
Words & Music: Gordon Kendrick (1986)
Announcements
Introit “Come Christians, Join to Sing” Choir
Arr: David Clydesdale; ed: Dan Wilson
*Praise Hymn “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” #574
Words & Music: African-American spiritual
Prayer for Transformation and New Life (Unison)
Gracious and eternal God, we, like Jacob, struggle when confronted with hard things. We use avoidance to shield us from acknowledging and correcting the wrongs we have done and continue to perpetuate. We, like Joseph, fail to consider the impact we have on others and how we contribute to making life better or worse for those around us. We, like those jealous siblings, attempt to find our own way and create our own schemes rather than trusting in your love that knows no favorites and embraces us all. Help us to shift our attitude and behaviors toward accountability, reconciliation, and love. Amen.
Words of Grace (Pastor)
Special Music “He Is Lord/Medley” Choir
Arr: Gary Lanier (2024); Ed by Dan Wilson
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Mission is to glorify God by sharing God’s love and promise of Salvation through: Caring, Hearing,
Rejoicing, Inviting, Serving, and Teaching. Which spells C.H.R.I.S.T.
Stewardship Moment – Receiving of Donation Planning Cards and Placing of figures in the Ark
SHARING OF OURSELVES
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Joys and Concerns
Silent Prayer - Pastoral Prayer –
Lord’s Prayer (Debts)
Offering
Offertory "Cares Chorus” Carolyn Brooks
Words & Music: Kelly Willard (1978)
*Doxology #34
*Hymn “So Send I You” #578
Words: Margaret Clarkson; Music: John W Peterson (1964)
THE WORD
Scriptures:
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (Pew Bible, pp.60-61)
Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b (Pew Bible, pp.942-943)
Romans 10:5-15 (Pew Bible, pp.1758-1759)
Sermon “Beautiful Dreamer”

*Hymn “How Firm A Foundation” (vv. 1,3,5 only) #411
Words: Rippon‘s Selection of Hymns, 1787;
Music: Funk’s Genuine Church Music, 1832
*“Blest Be the Tie That Binds” (v. 1 & 4) (Screen) Words: John Fawcett Music: Johann Nageli Arr. Lowell Mason 17thC
_____________________________________________
*Indicates to please stand if you wish

08/08/2026

Come visit John this Saturday, August 8th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Onekama Days Arts and Craft Fair on Main Street in front of the high school. John will be there signing books, including his newest novel, Finding Innocence, and talking with readers. You don't want to miss this fun community event!

THEN

Join John at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 4920 Spring Street (at the corner of Zosel) at 4:00 PM. He will be there to talk about the story-behind-the-story of Finding Innocence. If you haven't heard about this latest novel by John, you will be surprised to hear why he felt he was "compelled to write this book!"

The book's early success is captured in this review by Midwest Book Review: "Original, deftly crafted, and simply riveting."

Stop by. Meet John. Hear what it took to write this haunting novel of abuse, resilience, and success, and pick up your signed copy.