October 25th, 2020, St Peter's U C C , Kiel, WI

This week Lay Pastor Mike Mathes leads us in presenting the weekly worship service at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Kiel, WI. Please consider giving electronically to the mission of St. Peter's U.C.C. https://stpetersucckiel.com/giving--c... WELCOME AND OPENING WORDS CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 90 and 1 Thessalonians 2) ONE: God, we know you are with us. MANY: From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. ONE: We do not gather in vain, for God is working in our hearts. MANY: The love of Jesus Christ calls us together. ONE: You have showered your love upon all generations, since the beginning of time. MANY: From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. ONE: Our worship strengthens and empowers us to share the gospel. MANY: The love of Jesus Christ shines in our lives. ONE: Proclaim the good news with boldness. MANY: The love of Jesus Christ is at work in the world! ONE: Guide us now through this time of worship, and into the week ahead. MANY: From everlasting to everlasting, you are God. AMEN OPENING HYMN (VIDEO) “I Will Sing of your Love” Christopher Grundy Used with permission of Christopher Gundy - This song was commissioned for the 2018 Conference Annual Gathering of the Missouri/Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ. The song was written to communicate the "Three Great Loves" identity campaign of the UCC. CONFESSION OF SIN (unison) Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their sins. Restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON ONE: God hears the confession of our hearts and lips. Through Jesus Christ we are forgiven all our sins, and by the Holy Spirit we are empowered for new life. Anyone in Christ becomes a new person altogether; the past is finished and gone. Everything has become fresh and new. Friends believe the good news of the Gospel. MANY: Let give thanks to God, for In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. THE APOSTLE’S CREED (unison) I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again 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. SPECIAL MUSIC: “A Mighty Fortress is our God” St. Peter’s UCC Music Ministry bell, piano ensemble This favorite hymn is attributed too author Martin Luther. Today it is played for us by several gifted people from St. Peter’s UCC - Bell players Sandy Henschel, MariJane Weir, Deborah Opsteen and Scott Weir on piano. READING OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES Deuteronomy 6:4-6 Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 Matthew 22:34-46 NOTE: All readings from the New Revised Standard Version MESSAGE - “Hammering a point across” PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Sharing of Joys & Concerns Time for Silent Prayer Prayer of Our Savior (unison) 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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen SPECIAL MUSIC: “Love One Another” By Red Star Express NOTE: The song Love One Another was written and arranged by Mike Mathes and his bluegrass band, Red Star Express. It talks about how we are called to love God and neighbor. Mike has given permission to use this in our worship setting today. ANNOUNCEMENTS BENEDICTION