Webster United Church of Christ
November 17, 2024
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
ORDER OF SERVICE
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Welcome
WE INVITE GOD’S PRESENCE INTO OUR HEARTS
Ringing of the Bell
Gathering Music
Centering Music “Sanctuary”
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true; with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.
Moment of Silence
*Call to Worship
One: God calls us to speak God’s words of love and justice to all people.
All: We are not worthy to carry the message!
One: God equips us for God’s work – we are worthy.
All: God help us to accept your call.
*Opening Hymn #181 “You are Salt for the Earth, O People,” vs. 1 & 3
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
God of steadfast love, we stand before you today, humbled by your majesty and glory. Just as Isaiah was filled with awe, so too are we. Help us to be your servants, called to love and serve our neighbors. May we be instruments of your peace in the world. Amen.
Children’s Time
One: People of God, what is your prayer for our youth?
All: Our prayer is that they grow up to be like Jesus--strong and brave, full of grace and truth! And, we pray that we will help them. Amen.
Shared Prayer: Prayer of Jesus (sins)
Unison Singing (while youth depart) “This Little Light of Mine” #524
WE PRAYERFULLY ENTRUST OURSELVES TO GOD
Silent Prayer of Confession
Words of Encouragement
Beloved of God, hear these words of hope. God who created you in God’s image has redeemed you in Christ Jesus, and for his sake forgives you for all the ways you have sinned and fallen short. Receive this forgiveness with joy, in Jesus’ name.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture Isaiah 6:1-8; *Luke 5:8-10
Message
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WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
God, you have called us into your work in the world, and equipped us with all we need to live into this call. We now return to you this portion of our possessions as a sign of our commitment to what you have asked us to do. Bless them and use them according to your holy will.
Gathering of Gifts
*Song of Praise “We Give You but Your Own” #785
We give you but your own, what e’er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.
*Prayer of Commitment (unison)
O God, we pray for courage and vision. Just as Isaiah was sent with a message of hope and justice, you send us to do your work in the world. Strengthen us to speak out against injustice and to be beacons of your light to all people. We pray for leaders, elected officials, and all who hold positions of power or authority. Give them compassionate and understanding hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #567 (African American Hymnal) “Here I Am, Lord,” vs. 1-2
*Blessing
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music