October 6, 2024

OCTOBER 6, 2024 WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY REV. KENDRA BALLIET JIM ROSS, ORGANIST Prelude - Sicilienne-Maria Theresia von Paradis Bell Prelude-For the Beauty of The Earth-McChesney Welcome *Call to Worship Leader: Beloved, God’s wisdom guides us to reflect, yes, but also to act. Will you be a people who act with wisdom? All: We will respond to wisdom’s call with our actions. Leader: God’s wisdom may call you to speak when it’s safer to be silent, to resist when it’s easier to back down. Will you be a people who act with wisdom? All: We will respond to wisdom’s guidance wherever it takes us. Leader: God’s wisdom may call us to accountability, to recognize and reconcile when we have missed the mark, and to hold others accountable when they do harm. Will you be a people who act with wisdom? All: We will respond to wisdom’s counsel with humility and grace. Leader: Beloved, this is the time, here and now and in every moment after, to live out God’s uncommon wisdom in the world. All: We will follow the path of God’s love with wisdom as our guide. Amen. *Opening Hymn - “Sweet Hour of Prayer” #496 *Opening Prayer God of glory, we confess that we have not sought your face. We ignore the needs of the poor and turn away from our own kin. We allow the gospel to go stale, and hide the light you have given. Forgive us; give us grace. By the renewing gifts of your Spirit inspire and empower us again to show the wonder of your love in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Silent Confession) Words of Assurance (from Psalm 145:13-14, NRSV) The LORD is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his deeds. The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. Thanks be to God! Amen. Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed #881 Gloria Patri Children's Chat Music Ministry and Offertory - Acclimation in G Minor-Karen Thompson (Bell Choir) Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude Scripture - Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 Sermon: “Intercession” Joys/Concerns Hymn - "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" #2158 Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer Communion Closing Hymn - “Rescue the Perishing” #591 Action Steps & Benediction Postlude - Postlude on "Foundation"-David Laskey The flowers on the altar today are given to the glory of God and in honor of the wedding anniversary of Heather & Nick Basko by John & Cindy Karns. 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, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or [email protected]