Standish Congregational Church
October 6th, 2024 - Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost
World Communion Sunday
View previous services on our YouTube channel!
Our worship services interweave words and music and traditional and contemporary styles. We follow the Revised Common Lectionary. Responsive and unison prayers are written in inclusive language. The pastor's weekly meditation (sermon) concerns a passage of scripture and its application to our lives. Congregational hymns and choral responses are sung throughout the service. The choir's weekly anthems reinforce the service themes. Children, youth, and adults participate in our services. Below is an example of a past bulletin. All are welcome, please join us!
Standish Congregational Church, U.C.C.
Sample from: January 12, 2020
Sunday morning worship 9:30 A.M.
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST
David Heath, Interim Minister
dheath@sacoriver.net (207) 712-9916
When you enter the sanctuary for the worship service, you are in "sacred time and space," a time and place for Reverence. Please conclude your conversations; and silence and put away electronic devices and other distractions, so that everyone may fully "tune in" to the music, the prayers, and the sharing of God's word.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
PRELUDE "O Lamb of God" Kathryn Marles, Pianist
BRINGING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST Acolyte
WORDS OF WELCOME Rev. Cynthia Biggar, Pastor
CALL TO WORSHIP based on Psalm 29 led by David Heath, Reader
Reader: The voice of God is over the waters;
ALL: over the mighty waters,
God speaks with creative power.
Reader: The voice of God breaks the cedars;
ALL: over the cedars, the wilderness--and fire--
God speaks with authority.
Reader: Enthroned forever,
God has blessed us with strength and peace!
Let us respond:
ALL: "Glory to God!"
Reader: Come, let us worship!
*HYMN OF PRAISE – "I Love to Tell the Story" 360
OUR MINISTRY AND MISSION Pastor and others
SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 42:1-9 David Heath, Reader
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Reader: God of heaven and earth, you see all things.
Pastor: You know the depths of our hearts
better than we know ourselves.
ALL: You know the great heights to which we aspire
and the depths of our failures
when we fall short of doing what we know is right.
a moment of silent reflection
Pastor: We ask for your mercy and forgiveness
for our selfishness and fears.
Reader: Help us to walk as the faithful followers of Christ
that You call us to be.
ALL: Create in us the grace of Christ
toward those with whom we disagree,
just as he extended it
those who conspired against him. AMEN.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Pastor: God truly shows no partiality.
In every nation, anyone who reverences God.
and does what is right is acceptable to God.
Just as the prophets testified in the scriptures,
everyone who believes in God
receives forgiveness of sins through God's name.
ALL: Thanks be to God! AMEN
ANTHEM "All Poor Ones and Humble". (Hymn #163) SCC Choir
A MESSAGE FOR ALL AGES: "John the Baptist" Pastor and Young People
A PRAYER FOR ALL AGES: "Thank You, God, for Loving Me" call and response
A HYMN FOR ALL AGES – "One More Step Along the World I Go"
please refer to song sheet
THE YOUNG PEOPLE GO TO SUNDAY SCHOOL
INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE Pastor
SCRIPTURE READING - MATTHEW 3:13-17 Reader
MEDITATION – "Jesus' Baptism, and Ours" Pastor
THE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns, Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer
THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (debts)
PRAYER RESPONSE – "Jesus, the Light of the World" refrain
We will walk in the light, beautiful light,
Come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright.
Shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the Light of the World!
INGATHERING OF GIFTS, PLEDGES AND TITHES
Call to Offering
Offertory
*OFFERTORY RESPONSE: "Epiphany Season Doxology" 48
To God, all glorious heavenly Light,
to Christ, revealed in earthly night,
to God the Spirit now we raise
our joyful songs of thankful praise. AMEN
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION in unison
Giver and Sustainer of Life,
pour out Your blessing upon these gifts
and upon all who give from their hearts.
Multiply these gifts so they reach farther
than our imaginations can carry them.
In the blessed name of our Redeemer, we pray. AMEN
*HYMN OF DEDICATION – "Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound" 401
BENEDICTION Pastor
TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD Acolyte
POSTLUDE "Seek Ye First". (Hymn #443)
Kathryn Marles, Pianist
Worshipers are encouraged to remain seated--and quiet--during the Postlude, to respect the artistry of our musicians and the meditations of fellow worshipers.
* All who are able, please stand.
Acknowledgements: Today's Call to Worship was prepared by Rev. Biggar. The other printed prayers are from UCC Worship Ways.
We Are an Open and Affirming congregation.
Whoever you are,
Wherever you are on life's journey,
You are welcme here!