United Church of Christ Midland - Service of Worship- August 21, 2022

Liturgy for August 21, 2022 Gathering Music Welcome to Worship Joys, Concerns and Announcements Prelude Menuetto from Serenade in c minor Mozart *Call to Worship Psalm 1, NRSV, adapted Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Gathering Prayer In the name of Jesus, God’s Christ, led by God’s Holy Spirit, we gather for worship. Blessed God, Ruler of all creation, from all manner of living we come to this holy time, this place of peace. Here we would humble ourselves and feel the touch of your Spirit. Here we offer our dreams to your service. Here we bring our deepest need and highest hope, and seek what you would have us do. Teach us now, again, your word and your purpose, and make us now, again, your people. Speak to us, O God, through your Son, that in faith we would walk his way together. When we are weary help us to be strong, and when we are strong help us to serve you gladly, bravely and with trust, praying always this prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. [English Language Liturgical Consultation, 1988] Musical Offering Andante from Serenade in c minor Mozart Message for All Ages The Plastic Project Jenn Ringgold Readings Psalm 103: 1-8, CEV With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle. For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice. He taught his Law to Moses and showed all Israel what he could do. The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient, and his love never fails. Luke 13:10-17, CEV One Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, and a woman was there who had been crippled by an evil spirit for 18 years. She was completely bent over and could not straighten up. When Jesus saw the woman, he called her over and said, “You are now well.” He placed his hands on her, and at once she stood up straight and praised God. The man in charge of the synagogue was angry because Jesus had healed someone on the Sabbath. So he said to the people, “Each week has six days when we can work. Come and be healed on one of those days, but not on the Sabbath.” The Lord replied, “Are you trying to fool someone? Won't any one of you untie your ox or donkey and lead it out to drink on a Sabbath? This woman belongs to the family of Abraham, but Satan has kept her bound for 18 years. Isn't it right to set her free on the Sabbath?” Jesus' words made his enemies ashamed. But everyone else in the crowd was happy about the wonderful things he was doing. Sermon How Jesus Heals The Reverend Dr. Charles Guerreno Prayers Hymn Ask Me What Great Things I Know NCH #49 Benediction Postlude Allegro from Serenade in c minor Mozart