Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 24, 2023 | 10:00am
Rev. Jeremy Campbell, Guest Pastor | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: “The march of God’s Providence is slow; it’s the devil who always hurries.” | Russell Kirk
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song | arr. Page
Call to Worship
Votum
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Amen
Opening Sentences
The Lord be with you.
And also with you!
We will sing to God and bless God’s name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised!
We will declare God’s mighty acts and celebrate God’s abundant goodness.
Let us worship, singing of God’s righteousness.
Salutation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise: Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven
Call to Confession
We try to live our lives in a manner worthy of Christ.
We try to stand firm in God’s spirit,
but our human self-interest gets the better of us.
In humility and faith,
let us confess.
Prayer of Confession
God of generosity,
we find ourselves bitter
when faced with your abundant grace.
We believe ourselves more deserving than others.
We nurse our anger and resentment at those you forgive,
instead of rejoicing in the abundant love you show.
Forgive us when we wish your grace was scarce.
Forgive the double standards we hold.
Help us to know that we are all in need of your grace,
and help us rejoice as we all gratefully receive your mercy.
Silent Confession
Assurance of Pardon
The grace of God is boundless,
poured out freely for all of us.
We will receive this gift of forgiveness,
and trust God to transform our lives!
The Law of God:
*Gloria Patri | #579
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
THE WORD OF GOD
Anthem How Great Thou Art | Hine/Forrest
Children’s Message
Prayer for Illumination
Faithful God, how blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Sanctify us by your Word and Spirit so that we may glorify you in the company of the faithful; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Matthew 20:1-16
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Hymn: When We Are Living
Second Reading: Exodus 16:2-15
Sermon: “What is it?” | Rev. Campbell
Silent Reflection
THE RESPONSE TO GOD
*Affirmation of Faith
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering All Things Bright and Beautiful | Rutter
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with Lord’s Prayer)
In Jesus’ Name, we pray as you taught us…
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, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
Hymn: Lead On, O King Eternal
Benediction
Postlude If You Will Only Let God Guide You | arr. Page
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Mark your calendars now to pick up these important items
and bring to church by the dates listed:
Sunday, September 24 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, October 1 - eggs
Sunday, October 8 - gallon(s) whole milk
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED