St. David’s United Church Order of Worship September 13, 2020  

All copyrighted material used with permission under One License No. A722095 Gathering Worship Resources Year A 2017, 2020 Re:worshipblogspot.com    

RELIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE  

One: The candle is lit as a reminder of the light of Christ given to us all, a symbol of God’s presence each and every day.

All: For the Light of Christ within us and around us, thanks be to God!

GATHERING CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 114  

One: When Israel was delivered from Egypt unbelievable things happened- the sea fled, and the River Jordan tuned back.

All: The mountains seem to skip like rams and the hills to frolic like little lambs.

One: What awesome power caused river and sea to change their course- mountains and hills to jump and skip?

All: The whole earth was surely trembling in the presence of God. Praise God who sets people free in unexpected ways and sustains them through unexpected acts of grace.

OPENING PRAYER  

God of all our wandering, now guide our feet that stray.

God of all our wondering, speak to our minds each day.

God of  all our pondering, now open hearts to care.

God of our floundering, give strength and will to dare.

Christ, the risen sun, our light, be with us all we pray. Amen.

HYMN: VU#402 We are One

SCRIPTURE- Matthew 18:21-35 Ralph Milton Lectionary Year A  

ASCRIPTION

One: In ages past, disciples, prophets, priests and historians wrote down their faith. This is a faithful witness of our ancestors,– Word of God for us today.

All: Thanks be to God.  

HYMN: MV#89 Love is the Touch

STORYTELLING Godly Play   Exodus 14:19-31, Exodus 15: 1b-11, 20-21   

HYMN: VU#453 Out of Deep Unordered Water    

THE OFFERING

Our offering has already been received. You have had an opportunity to leave your gifts on the table at the back of the church (as you entered), at the office or through pre authorized remittance.   Information on how to support the ongoing mission and ministry of St. David’s United Church is available on our website and in the weekly e-News. Thank you for your ongoing support!  

DEDICATION HYMN: “What Can I Do?” 

What can I do? What can I bring? What can I say? What can I sing? I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer. I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share. (Repeat)  

DEDICATION PRAYER

We are loved, let us show our love for others. As we are forgiven, let us help others encounter the merciful love of God. As we have received, let us give to the glory of God. Amen

PASTORAL PRAYERS VU# 909  

Pray for the Life, Work and Mission of the Church Give thanks for examples of new life... Pray for places and people who are in need of new life...  

 Compassionate God, hear us as we pray: For your church and it’s varied ministries…..

Gracious God, hear our prayer                                                                  

And in your love answer

For the work of justice and the healing of creation…. Gracious God, hear our prayer                                

And in your love answer

For the care of strangers, neighbors, family, friends ….. Gracious God, hear our prayer                           

And in your love answer  

For those isolated by sickness, sorrow, violence, fear….. Gracious God, hear our prayer                          

And in your love answer  

For those broken by the world….. Gracious God, hear our prayer                                                

And in your love answer  

For those who face death …... Gracious God, hear our prayer                                                

And in your love answer  

Generous and compassionate God, In your loving purpose, answer our prayers and fulfill our hopes; And in all things for which we pray give us grace and wisdom to accept your will for the sake of Jesus Christ.  Amen

PRAYER OF JESUS

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.  

HYMN Who am I? from seasons of the spirit volume 6  

COMMISSION & BLESSING

We go forth from here with a renewed sense of service to God and a deepened awareness of God’s gifts to us. We head into the week with replenished hearts and minds, assured of God’s love for us and all God’s children. Together we are nurtured and inspired to grow and love and serve the Lord. 

POSTLUDE: VU#227 For the Fruit of All Creation