United Congregational Church of Westerly, United Church of Christ

09/13/2026

Sunday September 13, 2026

09/13/2026

THE WORSHIP RESOURCE
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
with UCC Westerly
September 13, 2026 @ 9:45am
In-person & Broadcast live from our sanctuary
CCLI Streaming License #21022154

GATHERING MUSIC – [WORDS & MUSIC: Doug Brummund, ©2024-25 B.R. Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.]

PASTOR’S WELCOME

PRELUDE Consider and Hear Me
[Carl Pflueger, arranged by Roger C. Wilson. ©1972, 2007 Lorenz Publishing Company. CCLI #329883]

DEACON’S WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP – excerpted from Psalm 103 (from The Message)
One: O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless God’s holy name.
All: God forgives your sins – every one; God heals when we are hurting.
One: God crowns you with love and mercy.
All: God wraps in goodness and renews your youth.

OPENING HYMN This Is a Day of New Beginnings W&R #355
[WORDS: Brian Wren & MUSIC: Carlton Young. ©1983,1987 WORDS & ©1987 MUSIC, Hope Publishing Company. CCLI #231043]

UNISON PRAYER OF REFLECTION (from The United Methodist Hymnal)
New every morning is your love, Great God of light. All day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to be faithful members of this church family, to live peacefully with our neighbors, our families and our friends. Enable us to devote our energies each day to your Son and our Redeemer, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

THE MORNING MESSAGE
Scripture Reading: Genesis 50:51-21
Message – Living from Love Rev. Ruth
Meditation Music – Face to Face [© Public Domain]

MOMENT TO BREATHE

A TIME OF PRAYER
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer in whatever words are most comfortable for you.
Musical response

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GIFTS AND OFFERINGS*
Special Music How Can I Keep from Singing offered by The Voice Choir
[WORDS & MUSIC: Robert Lowry, setting by Timothy Shaw. ©2013 Hope Publishing Company., CCLI #7019813]
Doxology “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ all creature here below; Praise
Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.” [©Public Domain]

CLOSING HYMN Blest Be the Tie That Binds W&R #393
[©Public Domain]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PRAYER OF BENEDICTION
Sung Response – Let There Be Peace on Earth W&R #614
[WORDS & MUSIC: Sy Miller & Jill Jackson, © 1955, Ren.1983 Jen-Lee Music. Used by Permission. CCLI Copyright License 93690]

PASSING OF THE PEACE

POSTLUDE Ceremonial March
[Muriel Dillon, ©1969. Lorenz Publishing Company. CCLI #759587]

~~~
*ABOUT THE OFFERING. We offer our deepest gratitude to our members and friends who are so generous with their pledges and financial gifts to the church, both those here in person and those joining online. Online participants are invited to give online via our “Donate” button @ www.uccwesterly.org or mail your checks, made payable to UCC Westerly, to us at 9 Castle Hill Road, Pawcatuck, CT 06379.

GENESIS 50:15-21 Page #42 in Pew Bible
15 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?” 16 So they approached[a] Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, 17 ‘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. 18 Then his brothers also wept,[b] fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20 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. 21 So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

A copy of today’s message can be sent to you by contacting the office.

Photo credit: Bing Creative Commons

09/06/2026

Sunday morning worship September 6, 2026

09/05/2026

THE WORSHIP RESOURCE for Labor Day Weekend
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP with UCC Westerly
September 6, 2026 @ 9:45am
In-person & Broadcast live from our sanctuary
CCLI Streaming License #21022154

GATHERING MUSIC – [WORDS & MUSIC: Doug Brummund, ©2024-25 B.R. Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.]

PASTOR’S WELCOME

PRELUDE Song of Peace
[Michael Shea © 2006, 2007 Lorenz Publishing Company. CCLI #4818166]

DEACON’S WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP – excerpted from Psalm 119 (from The Message)
One: You are blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road God reveals;
All: You are blessed when you follow God’s directions, doing your best to find him.
One: You, God, prescribed the right way to live, now you expect us to live it.
All: Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set.

OPENING HYMN Lord of All Hopefulness
[WORDS: Jan Struther & MUSIC: Jack Schrader, based on Irish melody; Words © 1931 Oxford University Press & Music © 1989 Hope Publishing Company. CCLI #4971395]

MUTUAL PRAYERS OF REFLECTION, CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
[from The Iona Community]
Pastor: Before God, with the people of God, I confess to turning away from God, in the ways I wound my life, the lives of others and the life of the world.
Deacon & Congregation: May God forgive you, Christ renew you and the Spirit enable you to grow in love.

Deacon & Congregation: Before God, with the people of God, we confess to turning away from God, in the ways we wound our lives, the lives of others and the life of the world.
Pastor: May God forgive you, Christ renew you and the Spirit enable you to grow in love. Amen.

A CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Note: Ours is an Open Table meaning that anyone who finds meaning in the sacrament is welcome to partake. Do note that our elements are gluten and alcohol free.
An Affirmation of Faith – [A Statement of Faith of the United Church of Canada]]
We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: Who has created and is creating; Who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new; Who works in others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the church: To celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Song of Preparation – Let Us Break Bread Together W&R #699, v. 1 [© Public Domain]
Words of Invitation, Explanation and Consecration
Partaking in the bread and cup together
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Bountiful God, we give you thanks that you have refreshed us at your table as we are nourished, body, mind and soul by the presence of Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and rejoicing, renewed and refreshed by the power of the Holy Spirit made tangible in this sacrament. Amen.

THE MORNING MESSAGE
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:31 – 2:3”
Message – Hallowed Rest Rev. Ruth
Meditation Music – Loving Spirit [© Public Domain]

MOMENT TO BREATHE

A TIME OF PRAYER
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer in whatever words are most comfortable for you.
Musical response

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GIFTS AND OFFERINGS*
Special Music offered by Doug Brummund
Doxology “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ all creature here below; Praise
Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.” [©Public Domain]

CLOSING HYMN Go Now in Peace
[WORDS: Brian Wren & MUSIC: Thomas Tallis. © Words 1993 Hope Publishing Company. CCLI #1232601]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PRAYER OF BENEDICTION
Sung Response – Let There Be Peace on Earth
[WORDS & MUSIC: Sy Miller & Jill Jackson, © 1955, Ren.1983 Jen-Lee Music. Used by Permission. CCLI Copyright License 93690]

PASSING OF THE PEACE

POSTLUDE Living for Christ
[Lani Smith, ©2003. Lorenz Publishing Company. CCLI #4061092]

~~~

GENESIS 1:31 – 2:3
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and God rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

A copy of today’s message can be sent to you by contacting the office.

Image Credit: Bing Creative Commons

08/30/2026

Sunday morning worship on August 30, 2026

08/29/2026

THE WORSHIP RESOURCE
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP with UCC Westerly
August 30, 2026 @ 9:45am
In-person & Broadcast live from our sanctuary
CCLI Streaming License #21022154
GATHERING MUSIC – [WORDS & MUSIC: Doug Brummund, ©2024-25 B.R. Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.]

PASTOR’S WELCOME

PRELUDE Balm in Gilead
[MUSIC: Roger C. Wilson, c1954 by the Lorenz Publishing Company, use by permission]

DEACON’S WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP – from Psalm 71
One: In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
All: In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me.
One: Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
All: For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust.

OPENING HYMN Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
[©Public Domain]

UNISON PRAYER OF REFLECTION
[Bankson & Sokolove, Eds. Calling on God, ©2014 Skylight Paths Publishing, p. 221-2]
How lovely is your dwelling place, most Holy One. Our souls long for your presence; our hearts and bodies sing our joy to the living God. In our prayers and in our singing, in our words and in our silence, bring us ever closer to your heart and will. Enable us to know that our strength is in you alone. Clothe us in your loving power, so that we may live in you and become your people in every aspect of our lives. Amen.

MOMENT FOR MISSION – The Blessing of the School Supplies
One: Merciful God, as this new school year begins, we are grateful for students, teachers, school staff, parents, caregivers and administrators. The challenges our schools face are considerable and yet they keep plugging away at the work of teaching and learning together.
All: We ask for your blessing on teachers and staff at every level, often struggling with expectations impossible to meet and yet they still keep smiling. They still keep putting their students first. Fill them with your strength and resilience every day.
One: We pray for our students and the adults who love and care for them outside of school. May their homes be filled with kindness and with patience and strength for dealing with all the things that are not as they should be. Surround them with your abiding love and be with them in all the moments the new school year will hold, the good and the bad, the unfortunate and the amazing, the everyday and the extraordinary.
All: We pray for a better year; for a safe return to classrooms; for the health of students, teachers and school staff; for school boards and administrators under pressure to make difficult decisions; and for parents exhausted by the rigors of life each day.
One: This morning, Holy One, we especially ask your blessing on these school supplies we have collected together to be shared at middle schools. May these items carry with them our tangible love and strength for students and teachers for the year just beginning. May they be used to fill empty spaces in lives as well as on shelves.
All: All this we ask in the name of Jesus whose love of teaching was the foundation of his ministry among us. Amen.

Musical Response – This Little Light of Mine [©Public Domain]
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine (3 x)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

THE MORNING MESSAGE
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21
Message – “Honor Thy Mother” An Introduction Rev. Ruth
Meditation Music Take Time to be Holy [©Public Domain]

MOMENT TO BREATHE

A TIME OF PRAYER
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer in whatever words are most comfortable for you.
Musical response

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GIFTS AND OFFERINGS*
Special Music Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart Melissa Stratton and Ed Stratton
[© Public Domain]
Doxology “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ all creatures here below; Praise Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.”
[©Public Domain]

CLOSING HYMN – Shall We Gather at the River
[©Public Domain]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PRAYER OF BENEDICTION The UCC Book of Worship
May God’s Holy Spirit lead you. May God’s strength protect you. May God’s peace be with you. Go now in the name of God, by the grace of Christ, and with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sung Response – Let There Be Peace on Earth W&R #614
[WORDS & MUSIC: Sy Miller & Jill Jackson © 1955, Ren.1983 Jen-Lee Music. CCLI Copyright License 93690]

PASSING OF THE PEACE

POSTLUDE Trumpet Tune
[MUSIC: Michael A. Johnson, c2005 by Lorenz Publishing Company, CCLI # 7116276]



*ABOUT THE OFFERING. We offer our deepest gratitude to our members and friends who are so generous with their pledges and financial gifts to the church, both those here in person and those joining online. Online participants are encouraged to give via the “Donate” button at www.uccwesterly.org or mail your checks, made payable to UCC Westerly, to us at 9 Castle Hill Road, Pawcatuck, CT 06379. A REMINDER that offering plates are located at each entrance to the sanctuary. Thank you!


ROMANS 12:9-21
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly;[a] do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God,[b] for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
To request a copy of today’s message be sent to you, kindly contact the office at
(860) 599-1226 or [email protected].

UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WESTERLY United Church of Christ United Church of Christ No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. Who Are We & What Do We Believe? We are followers of Jesus in the congregational tradition and we acknowledge the Statement of Fa...

08/23/2026

Worship on Sunday August 23, 2026

08/22/2026

WORSHIP RESOURCE

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP with UCC Westerly
August 23, 2026 @ 9:45am
In-person & Broadcast live from our sanctuary
CCLI Streaming License #21022154
GATHERING MUSIC – [WORDS & MUSIC: Doug Brummund, ©2024-25 B.R. Music. All rights reserved. Used with permission.]

PASTOR’S WELCOME

PRELUDE A Song in Summer
[James Southbridge. ©1969 Lorenz Publishing Company. CCLI #4275895]

DEACON’S WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP – from Touch Holiness, Duck & Tirabassi, Eds.
One: What does this worship service need?
All: Quiet where faith can grow, song that blossoms hope, scripture that remembers love, honest words to untangle a small length of knotty existence, gifts offering service of heart.
One: Who shall come to this worship service?
All: All who are seeking for the peace of God, longing to be enfolded in God’s abiding love.

OPENING HYMN Sweet Hour of Prayer
[©Public Domain]

UNISON PRAYER OF REFLECTION adapted from Touch Holiness, Duck & Tirabassi, Eds.
Merciful God, Just God, Faithful God, God of blessing and God of our most difficult times, we come to you for a moment of quiet in our too busy lives. We come to you for energy in our weariness. We come to you for challenge when we are quick to settle for our own small plans and dreams. We long for the peace of your presence, even as we are timid in the face of your call to be reflected in our lives. Enter, Spirit of God, into each of our lives bringing fresh perspectives and new hope. Enter, Spirit of God, into our community and enable us to love and serve you and all your children. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

THE MORNING MESSAGE
Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:21-23
Message – Stumbling Blocks Rev. Ruth
Meditation Music – Restore in Us, O God [© Public Domain]
MOMENT TO BREATHE

A TIME OF PRAYER
Pastoral Prayer & Silent Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer in whatever words are most comfortable for you.
Musical response

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GIFTS AND OFFERINGS*
Special Music This Is A Time to Remember The Tone Chimes Choir
[Bryan Jeffery Leech ©1982, 1990. Pavanne Publishing, CCLI #244913]
Doxology “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ all creature here below; Praise Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.” [©Public Domain]

CLOSING HYMN – Will You Let Me Be Your Servant
[WORDS & MUSIC: Richard Gillard ©1977. Scripture In Song ( a division of Integrity Music)]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PRAYER OF BENEDICTION
Sung Response – Let There Be Peace on Earth
[WORDS & MUSIC: Sy Miller & Jill Jackson, © 1955, Ren.1983 Jen-Lee Music. Used by Permission. CCLI Copyright License 93690]

PASSING OF THE PEACE

POSTLUDE Trumpet Tune
[Michael A. Johnson ©2005. Lorenz Publishing Company. Used by permission. ]

~~~
*ABOUT THE OFFERING. We offer our deepest gratitude to our members and friends who are so generous with their pledges and financial gifts to the church, both those here in person and those joining online. Online participants are invited to give online via our “Donate” button @ www.uccwesterly.org or mail your checks, made payable to UCC Westerly, to us at 9 Castle Hill Road, Pawcatuck, CT 06379.


MATTHEW 16:21-23
21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance[a] to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”

A copy of today’s message can be sent to you by contacting the office.

08/19/2026

Hello Members and Friends of UCC Westerly,

As promised, I wanted to let you know about the final arrangements for Rosemary Jette which have just been confirmed as of this morning. It's a bit of a tight timeframe, but here they are!

Calling Hours: Thursday, August 20, 4-6pm @ Gaffney Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce Street in Westerly

Memorial Service: Friday, August 21 @ 10am at UCC Westerly with burial to follow
No reception at the church.

This notice will not appear in the paper until tomorrow (Thursday) so if you can think of anyone who might like to have this information, kindly share it with them. Thanks so much!
Fondly,
Pastor Ruth

08/16/2026