Sunday August 16, 2020
Friday, August 14, 2020 at 1:00PM 
CALL TO WORSHIP
God has forgiven us and drawn us close,
reconciling us through Jesus Christ,
who has lavished upon us
the fullness of the blessed Holy Spirit.
With glad and grateful hearts, praise the Lord!*
HYMN: Most Merciful God
PRAYER TIME
Offering of Prayers: Let’s take a moment to lift our prayers to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this moment of silent prayer.
Offering of Praises: One of the expressions of faith that we find in the scriptures and that is an important part of Christian worship, is that of offering praise. We offer our praises for what God has done for us, or what we expect or hope God will do. You are invited to take a moment to offer your praises—whatever you want to praise God for right now. Then also read the words of today’s Psalm, 67:1-7. Let us worship God, and encourage one another, with our praises.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and forever. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 15:21-28 CEB
MEDITATION
OFFERINGS
God's gifts to us are abundant, and in gratitude we offer our hearts and our gifts to God. Offerings may be contributed online here, or can be mailed to the home of our church Treasurer (address in church directory).
We also invite you to consider contributing to our Mosaic Mennonite Conference Shalom Fund. This fund helps our congregations and ministries respond to members and neighbors in ways that provide support for basic and essential needs. We greatly appreciate your generous support of this ministry.
SENDING BLESSING
By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we go forth to serve our neighbors, to love our enemies, and to embody God's mercy in the name of Jesus Christ.
The blessing of God, source of life, power of life, redeemer of life, be with you now and always. Amen.*
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Why do you think Jesus resisted the Canaanite woman’s request at first? What do you think changed Jesus’ mind?
- The woman cried out for mercy. But does she also show mercy in this story? How, or in what ways?
- What are you learning about God’s mercy through this story?
*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 109-115).