ORDER OF WORSHIP

Gathering and Centering Ourselves for Worship

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude

Call to Worship 

One:

We ask for God’s blessing on the church in this place.

Many:

Here may the faithful find salvation, and the careless be awakened.

One:

Here may the doubting find faith, and the anxious be encouraged.

Many:

Here may the tempted find help, and the sorrowful find comfort.

One:

Here may the weary find rest, and the strong be renewed.

Many:

Here may the aged find consolation and the young be inspired.

Let us worship God!

Hymn of Praise

O Worship the King

LYONS

The Prayer of Confession

in unison

Eternal God, you have told us to be strong and courageous. You promise to go with us wherever we go, yet we still cower in fear: fear of making mistakes or looking foolish, fear of the unknown that lies ahead, fear that we are not enough to live into Your call on our lives. Forgive us when we falter. Help us forgive ourselves for past mistakes. Guide us into the future reminding us that you are with us. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

The Assurance of Forgiveness

One:

Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel

Many:

In Christ we are all forgiven.

Assurance Response

God Is Here Today

DIOS ESTÁ AQUÍ

Affirmation of Community | Passing of the Peace

Proclaiming the Word

A Reading from the Gospels

Matthew 20:20-28

The Word of the Lord - Thanks be to God.

Musical Offering

Rêverie - Debussy/Stoughton

Joyce Randolph, piano & Joshua Hearn, organ

A Time for All God's Children

A Reading from the Old Testament

Joshua 1:1-9

The Word of the Lord - Thanks be to God.

Sermon

"Words of Wisdom: Be Strong and Courageous"

Rev. Karen Wright

Hymn

How Firm a Foundation

FOUNDATION

Our Response to the Word

The Invitation to Discipleship and Life in the Church

The Church at Prayer

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

The Sharing of Joys and Concerns - Lord, hear our prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

(in unison)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Presentation & Dedication of Our Gifts

Offertory

Offertory Response

I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

I'M GONNA LIVE

Prayer of Thanksgiving

in unison

O God, most merciful and gracious, of whose bounty we have all received, accept this offering of your people. Remember in your love those who have brought it and those for whom it is given, and so follow it with your blessing that it may promote peace and goodwill among all peoples and advance the kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Going Forth into the World to Live the Gospel

Sending Hymn

He Is King of Kings

HE IS KING

Benediction & Response

We Are the Church

PORT JERVIS

Postlude

The flowers for today’s worship service are from the garden of Ruth Ann Unruh and are given to the Glory of God in memory of Loren Sommer.

Annehara Tatschl, liturgist

Rick Blinn & Tim Thomas, audio/visual

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Karen Wright, Associate Pastor

Joshua G. Hearn, Director of Music Ministry

Denise Dillon-Gruber, Office Manager

God Is Here Today | Text & Tune: Raúl Galeano, © 1999 Choristers Guild. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-726989. All rights reserved.

I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me | Tune: arr. Wendell P. Whalum, Tune arr. © 1984 Estate of Wendell P. Whalum. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-726989. All rights reserved.

We Are the Church | Text & Tune: Avery & Marsh, © 1972 Hope Publishing Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-726989. All rights reserved.