July 27, 2025

JULY 27, 2025 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST REV. KENDRA L. BALLIET ORGANIST JAMES ROSS Prelude – Prelude Pastoral – Leon Boellmann Welcome & Announcements *Call to Worship Pastor: Children of God, when the journey ahead seems long and hard, full of unknown dangers and all-too-real risks, remember: People: Keep the faith. God, who made us alive, is our Guardian and Guide. Pastor: When the voices on the side of the road tempt us with their misinformation full of unearned certainty, simple solutions, and quickness to blame and shame those who disagree with them, remember: People: Stay the course. God, who made us alive, is our Wisdom and Judge. Pastor: When those in power place barriers in our way, making it harder to share the love of God in our communities, trying to convince us it is easier to do nothing than remain firm in God’s call to act for the flourishing of all our neighbors, remember: People: Do not be afraid. God, who made us alive, is our Strength and our Advocate. Pastor: Children of God, come! Let us worship God, whose persistent love empowers us to persevere, to stay the course, to live by faith and not fear. People: Come, let us worship God, who makes us alive, through grace to love and serve God and one another. * Opening Hymn – “Blessed Assurance” #369 *Prayer of Intercession Just God, we sense your anger at the injustice that thrives in the world. We share your grief at the discord that rages among your children, the rejection of those who bear your image, and the oppression of those you know by name. We turn toward you for strength and guidance to turn away from the norms of this world, the lure of self-righteousness, and the appeal of comfort over justice. Embolden us to believe that another world is possible and empower us to participate in its creation. Amen. *Apostles Creed #881 *Glory Be to the Father #70 Children’s Chat Scripture – Colossians 2:6-19 Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God Sermon Series: “Dear Children of God,” Message: “Made You Alive” Tithes and Offering Offertory – Eucharistic Hymn – Samuel Walter *Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94 Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns *Prayer Hymn – “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” #400 Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer *Closing Hymn – “The Church’s One Foundation” #545 Action Steps and Benediction Reflecting and Sharing Prompt: How have you encountered God in the fullness of who you are—body, mind, and spirit—in this church community? Postlude – Trumpet Tune – Domenico Gabrieli The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God and in honor of Jessica Finney’s birthday by Anne & Bob Finney. Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, or share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or [email protected]