A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
August 31, 2025 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude “My Jesus, I Love Thee” -Hymn #366
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Opening Hymn (stay seated) “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” -Hymn #348
Children’s Message
*Call to Worship
Let us worship the eternal God,
the source of love and life, who creates us.
Let us worship Jesus Christ,
the risen one, who lives among us.
Let us worship the Spirit,
the holy fire, who renews us.
To the one true God be praise in all times and places,
through the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen!
*Hymn of Praise “You are My Hiding Place” -Hymn #412
Call to Confession -Psalm 32:1-5
Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
People of God, Hear the Good News of the Gospel! By the love of God, by the blood of Christ, by the power of the Spirit, your sins are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Guide for Grateful Living -Luke 10:26-28 The Law of Love
Offering Ourselves and Our Gifts “He Leadeth Me” -Hymn #440
*Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) (One of four standards of belief in the Reformed Church in America)
Regarding Faith & Works
Q&A 63
Q. How can our good works be said to merit nothing when God promises to reward them in this life and the next?
A. This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.
Q&A 64
Q. But doesn’t this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?
A. No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ through true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (NIV, Pew Bible Pages 1718-1719)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “FOCUS ON FAITH—Faith in Motion, Living for Christ”
Prayer of Application
Our Response to God
*Hymn of Response “Like A River Glorious” -Hymn #699
*Profession of Faith The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come 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.
*Blessing of Lynnann & Fernando Rivas
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
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.
*Closing Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy! Gord God Almighty” -Hymn #538
*Benediction
*Postlude “How Firm a Foundation” -Hymn #427
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.