Organ Prelude, Op. 20, no. 1 by Mieczyslaw Surzynski

Praise the God of life.

Let us praise God together.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is God’s steadfast love;

as far as the east is from the west, so far God removes our sins.

So let us rejoice in God’s gracious presence.

Let us praise the God of mercy together.

Hear the Call of the Kingdom (see songsheets)

God of might and mercy, the heavens and the earth are full of your glory. Your love transforms our lives. You enter our confusion and give insight. You bear our grief and bring healing. You see our fatigue and renew strength. You sense our fear and spark courage. You know death and raise up new life. So, we come before you in worship, handing over to you all that weighs us down. Renew us in this time of worship, we pray, so that we may serve you with joy in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Out of a desire to begin again with you and one another, we confess to you our sins:

Merciful God, our lives do not always reflect your transforming power. You are gracious, but we cling to judgment. You are kind, but we can be cruel. You are forgiving, but we nurse grudges and old wounds. Forgive us, O God. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and make us new through Christ, your Son and our Saviour.

The proof of God’s amazing love is this: that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Know that you are forgiven by his grace and be at peace with God, with yourselves and with each other. Amen.

Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me, and to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me, and to the Spirit, whose love has set me free. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

And also with you!

Following the Passing of the Peace, everyone is invited to sing the first verse of “Jesus Loves Me.”

God of wisdom, prepare our hearts and minds to receive your Word. Where it challenges us, lead us by your Spirit to respond in faithfulness for the sake of Christ who gives us both courage and compassion. Amen.

Colossians 3:12–17

The Word of God for the people of God.

Thanks be to God.

Matthew 22:1–14

But the Word of our God shall stand forever.

Thanks be to God.

“Grace Expectations”

How will you apply this message in your life? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you this morning?

Just As I Am (see songsheets)

River in Judea by L. Marcus & J. Feldman, arr. J. Leavitt

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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.

Amazing Grace (see songsheets)

Unending Love by Chris Tomlin

The Garden Lawn — all animals & lovers welcome.

Each year around the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we bring our loved ones for a blessing of health and happiness. Bring a dog, a cat, a bird, etc., or a photo if they’d rather stay home. Then invite your neighbors, friends and family along too.

Join us in the Anderson Lounge for Adult Education at 11:00 am after the worship service.

September 13 & 20
When and Why the Bible Was Written (a Thoughtful Christian study)

September 27
The Syria Lebanon Partnership Network. Meryle Gaston recently attended the 3-day annual meeting of the SLPN & will report on the meeting.

October 4
Erica Huff, the local artist responsible for designing and sewing the banners which were installed this morning, will share her experiences of their creation.

Singing in worship at least twice a month — everyone is welcome. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:00 pm in the Choir Room, with a choral warmup at 8:30 am on Sunday mornings. Interested in joining the fun? Contact Casey Molino Dunn.

Boxes for our college students will be out on the Sundays in September, and will be mailed October 1. Ideas: write a card, study stuff, health boosts, toys, snacks.