Sunday, September 13, 2026

16th Sunday after Pentecost

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Welcome/Announcements/Prelude
*All standing in body or spirit

*Call to Worship (congregation reading bold):
We live in a world where we hurt one another, where sin divides us and makes us enemies instead of neighbors.
Yet we are a people of grace, called by Christ to forgive and repair the rifts between us.

The divisions in our world seem like too much and we wonder if this forgiveness thing really works.
Yet we are a people of grace, called by Christ to forgive and repair the rifts between us.
We find ourselves tempted by easy answers and quick solutions, reluctant to do the difficult work of reconciliation.
Yet we are a people of grace, called by Christ to forgive and repair the rifts between us.
In this place, may we encounter Christ with abundant grace to sustain us on the journey.
God, form us today as people of grace, called by Christ to forgive and repair the rifts between us. Amen.

*Opening Prayer:  God, we worship you. We praise and adore you for opening up a new future for us when your love and compassion, your mercy and grace became enfleshed in Jesus Christ.  He delivered us from the bondage of evil and sin, the impossible once more became reality when love defeated evil once and for all. We pray that this time of worship will be a true offering of our wonder and praise. This we pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

*Prayer of Confession (in unison):
God, we look for payback when we are wronged. We think it is “only fair” when we use harsh words and withdraw from a relationship. The forgiveness you offer on our account is larger than we can comprehend; still, we withhold forgive- ness and carry a grudge over petty items. We are eager to do your judging. We form our inner thoughts to secure your forgiveness while avoiding honest repentance. Forgive us, Lord, for the sins we know in our hearts. Save us, Lord, from the sins we hide. Amen

*Opening Hymn:  O Holy Spirit, Root of Life    TFWS #2121

*Gloria Patri       #71

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18: 21-35

Leader:  This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People:  Thanks be to God.

Hymn:  You Alone Are Holy       TFWS #2077

Children’s Talk

Sermon

Hymn:  Breathe on Me, Breath of God       #420

Prayer Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Silent Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer (in unison)
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Offertory Prelude (Please remain seated)
*Doxology (Please stand as the offering is brought forward)                        

*Offertory Prayer
Lord, may the gifts we bring today reflect our deep gratitude for your mercy. Let them support ministries of reconciliation and acts of healing, justice, and welcome. Bless these offerings and may we always seek to build a world where grace is not rare but abundant. Amen

*Closing Hymn: I Stand Amazed in the Presence       #371

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*Benediction:  Followers of Christ, go now in the blessing and assurance that you are a forgiven people empowered by grace to forgive and heal the divisions that keep us from truly loving others. Amen.
 

Postlude