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
O r d e r of W o r s h i p
September 20, 2026 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Children’s Message -Deb
*Call to Worship -Inspired by Psalm 145:1-8
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised. God’s greatness is unsearchable. From generation to generation, we sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love
*Opening Songs
“Empower Me, Lord” -CCLI #1841212
“I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” -CCLI #1043199
Call to Confession
God loves us and calls us by name. Too frequently, we stake our claim on that tenderness and use it as a weapon against others, forgetting that God’s love does not build walls but knocks them down. Let us set down our burdens and our defenses as we confess our sins in front of God and one another.
Silent Prayer of Confession
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, when we follow the path of Jonah and allow our anger and frustration to cut us off from others, you sit next to us and call us back to your way of mercy, love and redemption. It is one thing to accept these gifts for ourselves; it is another to extend them to those who frustrate us. Forgive us for our anger, resentment, and desire to hoard. We lay these impulses at your feet and ask that you create a new heart within us, one modeled after your steadfast love and generosity. Help us to see the world in new ways. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon –2 Corinthians 5:17
Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old has gone; a new life has begun. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
Thanks be to God.
Offering
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 Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Philippians 1:1-14 (NIV Pew Bible, Page 1671)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “JOYFUL SERVANT”
Prayer of Application
Our Response to God
*Hymn of Response “With All My Heart I Thank You, Lord” -Hymn #323
*Profession of Faith The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, concieved 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 arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from where He shall 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 life everlasting. Amen.
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 “To God Be the Glory” -Hymn #604
*Benediction
Postlude
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.