Gary United Methodist Church 16th Sunday of Pentecost September 24, 2017 9:00 & 11:00 AM *Please stand as you are able. Congregation reads bold print. Congregational song books are the hard cover Hymnal and the smaller flexible book, The Faith We Sing, both found in the pew racks. Prelude Meditation on “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” Robert Hebble Mission and Ministry at Gary Church Introit (9:00) This Is the Day Less Garrett Cherub Choir; Claire Austin, piano (11:00) I Will Rise Chris Tomlin arr. Courtney/Hasseler Celebration Singers and Chancel Choir Women Melinda Keske, Cindi Copeland, and Vickie Austin, solos *Call to Worship Whether we embrace God’s call in our lives or try to avoid it, God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Whether we are longtimers or latecomers in the life of faith, God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Whether our lives in Christ are comfortable or bring hardship, God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. We praise God’s name forever and ever! † *Hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing 400 Dedication of Our Tithes and Offerings (9:00) I Will Rise Chris Tomlin arr. Courtney/Hasseler Celebration Singers and Chancel Choir Women Melinda Keske, Cindi Copeland, and Vickie Austin, solos There's a peace I've come to know. Though my heart and flesh may fail, there’s an anchor for my soul. I can say, “It is well.” Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed. The victory is won, He is risen from the dead. I will rise when He calls my name, no more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise on eagle’s wings, before my God fall on my knees and rise, I will rise. There’s a day that’s drawing near, when this darkness breaks to light, and the shadows disappear, and my faith shall be my eyes. And I hear the voices of many angels sing “Worthy is the Lamb,” and I hear the cry of every longing heart, “Worthy is the Lamb.” (11:00) Christ hath a garden Carl Smith Chancel Choir Christ hath a garden walled around, a paradise of fruitful ground, chosen by love and fenced by grace from out the world’s wide wilderness. Like trees of spice his servants stand, there planted by his mighty hand; by Eden’s gracious streams that flow to feed their beauty where they grow. Awake, O wind of heaven, and bear their sweetest perfume through the air; stir up, O south, the boughs that bloom, till the beloved Master come; that he may come and linger yet among the trees that he hath set; that he may evermore be seen to walk amid the springing green. ~ Isaac Watts *Doxology OLD HUNDREDTH 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 *Hymn Go Forth for God 670 (Stanzas 1, 2, and 3) *Benediction *Postlude Toccata on OLD HUNDREDTH Robert Hebble † Reprinted by permission of Westminster John Knox Press from Feasting on the Word® Worship Companion. Copyright 2013 Opening Prayer Generous God, you come to us again and again, no matter how late it is in the day or in our lives. Calling to us, gathering us in, you give us your good work to do, daily bread, and abounding grace. Increase in us a generous spirit so that we may do your work with joy alongside others whom you also love. We celebrate your salvation not only in our lives, but also in the lives of other people, even those we had not imagined could be included in the kingdom you are bringing. Align us with your ways and help us receive your gift of justice and mercy as good news. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. † Scripture Lesson Jonah 3:10-4:11 Pew Bible p. 775 *Matthew 20:1-16 p.825 This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Readers: Bobbi Wheatley (9:00), Nancy Conley (11:00) *Hymn of Faith There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy 121 (9:00) Children Preschool 3’s–Grade 5 are invited to come forward during the hymn. After the Children’s Time, those in Grades 4–5 will worship with their families, while children Preschool 3’s–Grade 3 may follow their leaders downstairs to Kids’ Church. (11:00) Children are invited to worship with their families during this service. Children’s bulletins and activity bags are available from the ushers. Childcare is available for newborn–2 yrs. from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lower level. Children’s Time (9:00) Carey Bebar Sermon “It’s Just Not Fair” Rev. Dr. Chris Pierson Pastoral Prayer Lord’s Prayer 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.