First United Methodist Church of Montclair September 21, 2014 +++ Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost +++ 10:00 AM Abbreviations Key: * - If able, please stand where indicated. UMH - United Methodist Hymnal Bolded text - said in unison by all. FWS - The Faith We Sing Songbook CALLED TO PRAISE AND PRAY *Processional/Introit Praise Ye The Triune God - R. J. Hughes Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Leader: Give thanks to the Lord. Call on God’s holy name. All: Sing praises to our God. Tell of God’s wonderful works. Leader: Shout to the Lord. Proclaim the miracles that bless the people with life. All: Give thanks to our God. Let everything that draws breath praise God! *Opening Hymn Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (vs.1, 3, 5) UMH 160 Invocation Leader: Caretaker God, as we wander in the wilderness of our lives, lead us with your cloud by day and with your pillar of fire by night, that we may never lose our way. Bless us with your presence, Holy One, that we may know the strength of your hand and the tender mercy of your love. Feed us with your bread from heaven, that we may taste your Spirit and shout your praises. Amen. Prayer of Confession All: God of infinite patience, O how we love to complain: the journey is too long, we are hungry, we are thirsty, we are tired and want to go home, life isn’t fair… Yet, do not forsake us in our grumbling, but shower us with your blessings of old, for we are weary of our own complaining and long to make a fresh start. Open our minds to the glories of your love and we will shine like the sun. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. (Pausing for Silent Prayer and Confession…) Assurance of Pardon Pastor: Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. All: Rejoice, sisters and brothers in Christ, and count your blessings, not your troubles. Show gratitude in all things and you will find peace. Amen! Sharing Our Joys & Concerns Pastoral Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer Responsive Hymn Hear Our Prayer Voices of Praise HIGHER EDUCATION PRESENTATION Words of Wisdom Clarence Pratt, Ednah Nwafor, Michael Stewart (Children from 2 to 9 years old are dismissed to the Children’s Room) Higher Education: Its Purpose and Mission Nicole Peaks & Paula Blackman Presentation of Recipients & Giving of Gift Sylvia Bryant CALLED TO THE WORD *Psalter Lesson Psalm 105:1-11 UMH 828 Hebrew Lesson Exodus 16:11-15 Pew Bible, p.63 Epistle Lesson Philippians 1:21-30 Pew Bible, p.196 Anthem Hush + I Want to Be Ready Voices of Praise *Gospel Lesson Matthew 20:1-16 Pew Bible, p.21 Sermon “The Unfair Kingdom of God” Pastor Earl Kim *Passing the Peace of Christ CALLED TO SHARE Offering Amazing Grace Nicole Peaks *Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95