09/05/2026
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Carillon Chimes
Welcome and Announcements
Introit Rochelle Sallee, Piano
*Call to Worship
*Affirmation of Faith Nicene Creed
*Hymn 426 Blest Be the Tie that Binds DENNIS S.M.
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
Invitation to Confession
Confession: Merciful God, you have told us to owe no one anything, except the debt of love. But we have kept score instead of forgiving. We have avoided the brother or sister who has wronged us, rather than going to them in honesty and hope. We have nursed grudges when you called us to seek reconciliation, and we have confused peace-keeping with the harder, better work of peace-making. Forgive us, O Lord. Where two or three of us have gathered, you have promised to be present — yet we have too often let conflict scatter us instead. Teach us to love our neighbor as ourselves, for love is the fulfilling of your law. In the name of Christ, who reconciles us to you and to one another, we pray. Amen.
(Silence for Individual Confession)
*Assurance of Pardon
*Response: #257 (PH) Give Praise to the Lord
With timbrel and harp and joyful acclaim,
With gladness and mirth, we praise Your great name;
For now in Your people good pleasure You seek.
With robes of salvation You cover the meek.
Pastoral Prayer
Choir Anthem In This Very Room Rochelle Sallee, piano
Sermon Lesson Matthew 18:15-20
Sermon “The Christian and the Difficult Conversation” Rev. Jeff Wood
Invitation to the Lord’s Supper
Words of Institution
L: The Lord be with You.
P: And also with You.
L: Lift up your hearts.
P: We lift them to the Lord.
L: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give God our thanks and praise.
(The Great Prayer)
Breaking the Bread and Presenting the Cup
Offering Ourselves to God
Prayer of Dedication and the Lord’s Prayer
Ascription of Praise Psalm 149:1-2
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
*Hymn Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
Paschal Lamb, by God appointed,
All our sins on Thee were laid;
By our Father's love anointed,
Thou redemption's price hast paid.
All who trust Thee are forgiven
Through the virtue of Thy blood;
Opened are the things of heaven,
Grace shines forth to man from God.
Savior, hail! Enthroned in glory,
Where for us Thou dost abide;
We, by faith, do now adore Thee,
Seated at Thy Father's side.
There, for us Thou now art pleading,
There Thou dost our sorrows share,
Ever for us interceding, Till in glory we appear.
Worship, honor, praise, and blessing,
Thou art worthy to receive;
Loudest praises, without ceasing,
Meet it is for us to give.
In that day Thy saints will meet Thee,
Welcome Thee with grateful song;
Joyful hearts will ever greet Thee,
Source of joy to all the throng!
*Charge and Benediction
Wherever you are, Christ has put you there.
There is something He wants to do through you there.
Wherever you go, Christ is sending you.
The indwelling Christ has something
He wants to do through you there.
Believe this and rely on His power,
His grace, and His love.
--Adapted from R. Halverson, former Chaplain of the Senate
*Response “Shalom”
Shalom to you now, shalom, my friends.
May God’s full mercies bless you, my friends.
In all your living and through your loving,
Christ be your shalom, Christ be your shalom.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY, SEPT. 6, 2026
Greetings! We are happy you are here today.
May you be empowered with fresh revelation from God.
PLEASE provide the information requested on our Friendship Pads which the ushers give out. If you are interested in getting oriented to the church and pastor/session, and/or joining, please call (772) 589-5656 or email the church office ([email protected]) or indicate on the Friendship Pad.
HEARING DEVICES and LARGE PRINT BULLETINS are available at the back of the sanctuary. Please ask an usher if needed. Or, if you wish, hearing aids with Bluetooth can utilize our sound enhancement by downloading the Wave-Cast app from wherever you get your smartphone apps.
THANK YOU for your continuing support of the Ecumenical Food Pantry. Please bring MAC N’ CHEESE next week.
LITURGIST: Fred Augenstein
ELDER OF THE MONTH: Fred Augenstein
COFFEE HOST: Karen Rose
LABOR DAY—Monday, September 7th. The church office will be closed. Have a safe and restful holiday!
WORSHIP TEAM MTG: Monday, Sept. 7, 10:30 a.m.
NEXT SUNDAY, SEPT. 13: MUSIC DEPARTMENT MEETING after church. We would like all former, present, and potential future members/interested parties to come to this fairly brief but very important meeting. Bring your open mind and good spirits while we work out details for the coming year!
THE MEN'S BIBLE STUDY on Thursdays at 5 p.m. will resume this week: Sept. 10th.
CHURCH AT PRAYER now meets on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
POST DEADLINE: Please send submissions to the church office by SEPT. 15 for the OCTOBER/NOVEMBER issue. Thanks! Mail prep will take place Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m.
A BRIEF SERVICE for Don Kern will take place prior to the next Session meeting on Tuesday, September 15th at 3:30 p.m. We will recognize Don's life before the Lord of the Resurrection, Jesus Christ. If you can be there, that would be great. Session will meet at 4 p.m.
MARTHA CIRCLE — Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 11:30 a.m. Bring your lunch and join your Sisters in Christ for bible study and sharing how you spent your summer vacation.
LIT LOVERS BOOK CLUB meets on the third Monday of the month at 4 p.m. (9/21) We’re talking about “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi. join us for a lively discussion!
SPECIAL GATHERING: Sunday, September 27, 10 a.m. The choir returns and we look forward to their performance. Please come and welcome them to our church.
CHOMP N’ CHAT— bring your brown-bag lunch and have a chat with Pastor Jeff. Tuesday, September 29th at noon.
