Worship Service
October 4, 2020
Note: The prelude begins 15 minutes into the video and the audio file
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
PRELUDE
WELCOME
OPENING PRAYER
Creator God, as we gather together today, I rejoice in the beauty of autumn in New England. The burst of color and the bounty of fresh, local produce remind us of your abundant grace. In the midst of this abundance, help us to be mindful of our neighbors who are hungry, who are sick, and who are grieving. We gather food every month for our local neighbors in need and on this food Sunday we are reminded to share our gifts of food.
Today we also join with our siblings in Christ around the world in World Communion Sunday. The table is set and is open to everyone. Help us to work for a world where everyone truly has a place at the table and where no one goes hungry or thirsty. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
SONG – Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life UM Hymnal # 427
CHILDREN’S TIME
SONG – Be Still My Soul
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of Jesus Christ
MATTHEW 15:1-3
1 Some Pharisees and teachers of religious law now arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They asked him, 2 “Why do your disciples disobey our age-old tradition? For they ignore our tradition of ceremonial hand washing before they eat.”
3 Jesus replied, “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God?
MATTHEW 5:38-39, 43:45
38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.
43 “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you 45 so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven.
MATTHEW 5:17-18
17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.
GOOD NEWS What Did Jesus Do? part 3
SONG – Let There Be Peace on Earth UM Hymnal # 431
THE HOLY COMMUNION (WOLRD COMMUNION SUNDAY)
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE (OFFERING)
Pastor: God wants our love more than God wants our offerings; God cares about our hearts not the amounts of our offerings. (Hosea 6:6).
All: As we count all the blessings God has already given to us, we cheerfully give our offerings to God, the Provider, with grateful hearts. Amen! (2 Corinthians 9:7).
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
We are SENT in the Power of the Holy Spirit
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING AND SENDING
May the grace and peace of Christ be with you, my friends.
Go and share the love of God, love that never ends.
POSTLUDE