Time of Silent Confession

Words of Assurance

This is the good news: there is no ranking in God's realm. God graces everyone with the same gifts: mercy, restoration, new life. God has kept the covenant. We have been forgiven, we have been made new people. Thanks be to God. Amen

Gloria: Hymn 442 Just as I Am, without One Plea Stanza 3

The Peace

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

You may comment a message of peace in the comment section below the live stream if you wish.

Prayer for Illumination Loving God, fountain of every blessing, open us to your life-giving word, and fill us with your Holy Spirit so that living water may flow through our hearts— a spring of hope for a thirsty world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The First Lesson Philippians 1:21-30

Response Holy wisdom, holy Word. Thanks be to God.

Response Anthem Happy Are They Trad. Thailand Melody

The Gospel Lesson Matthew 20:1-16

Response The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon “In the Fields of the Lord” Sam Massey

We seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ and his call to the realm of God: the practice of justice, mercy and faith. Our mission is represented by the

Celtic cross, a shepherd’s crook, the extension of the right arm of fellowship into the world and the

church’s hospitality toward the world.

September 20, 2020 16th Sunday after Pentecost

Prelude Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Paul Manz

Greeting The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Focus on Ministry

Call to Worship Alleluia! Give thanks to Yahweh! Praise God’s name and make know God’s deeds to the nations! Sing to God! Sing praise and tell of all God’s wonderful works. Glory in God’s holy name; let the hearts that seek Yahweh rejoice!

Gathering Hymn 36 For the Fruit of All Creation

Prayer of Confession We continue to believe that we must earn our way into God's heart. But God's grace is given to each of us, for all of us, freely, unconditionally, always. Let us open our lives to this mercy as we pray saying,

It seems we cannot decide, Cloud of Glory. We say we will live to serve others, but end up meeting only our needs. We claim to live in a way that honors Christ, but we do not take him to work, school, home. We believe that the gospel can transform lives, (at least, for those who need it - not us). Forgive us, Presence of Peace. Instead of grumblers, may we be ambassadors of grace. Instead of continual complaining, may we carry compassion to the hurting. Instead of whiners, may we be workers with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to reach out and bring the kingdom of God to everyone we meet.

Affirmation of Faith Let us confess the faith of our Baptism. I believe in God, the Father almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;

who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven,

and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Self Offering We are invited in silent prayer, to offer our lives and our world to God.

Silent Prayer

Prayer of Dedication

Beloved One, these are difficult days. In the midst of all that overwhelms, keep us from doing harm where we intend to do good. You have shown us how to prioritize what is true, what is just, and what is compassionate. Bless our offerings and our intentions, that we might faithfully apply your teachings in every aspect of our lives. Amen

Sending Hymn 542 God Be with You Till We Meet Again Stanzas 1 and 3

Charge and Blessing

Postlude Sonatina, II. Allegro Edward Elgar

Sermon Notes:

1. Who sets your daily schedule? You? Your spouse? Your boss? God? Paul spends his time in the Ephesian jail thinking through options in his schedule. Should he die and be with Christ or continue in the flesh and minister to congregations? If you were locked up in jail, possibly facing execution, what would be your choice?

2. Paul really doesn’t have any option, yet he is reviewing God’s options. If God spares his life, what will be Paul’s God-given duties? What will God require of him?

3. Paul isn’t only concerned with what God wants from him. He also is reflecting on what God might want from the congregations that Paul serves. His speculation includes us! So what does God want from us in the time that God has given us? What is on God’s schedule for us? Paul offers the following list:

A. to labor on faithfully under God’s direction,

B. to pursue right relationships that are worthy of the gospel,

C. to unify in worship and fellowship, even virtually,

D. to work together to have impact in mission and stewardship as a team, and

E. to embrace hardship in God’s service as we would a badge of honor.

“Making Sacred Space” Zoom Evening Prayer Service

Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesdays in September, Leah Bergman is offering a brief evening prayer service via Zoom from 7:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

The service consists of prayer, scripture, and simple a capella sung responses.

To join: https://zoom.us/j/97201926060?pwd=UHdWbTBqclkrejBycmoveTVuL1JaUT09 Passcode: 174501