Sunday August 23, 2020

CALL TO WORSHIP

We give thanks to God with our whole heart.

We give thanks for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness!

Though high above all things, God sees the lowly.

Even when we are in deep trouble, God makes us live again.

The love of God lasts forever!* 

HYMN: The Church's One Foundation

PRAYER TIME

Offering of Prayers: Let’s take a moment to lift your prayers to God. Whatever you have on your heart today, share it with God in this moment of silent prayer. 

Prayer & Lord’s Prayer: (based on readings from Matthew 16 and Romans 12)

Gracious God, though you are know by many names and depicted in many ways, we know you most fully in Jesus Christ, our Messiah, your Son. We thank you for forming us into the church, the body of Christ in the world. Help us to live as he taught us: loving you, loving neighbor, unified in Christ, using our varied gifts and skills in the service of ministry, until all things are transformed into what is good and acceptable and perfect. In Christ’s name we ask it, and together, as Jesus taught his disciples, we pray…

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 READINGS: Isaiah 51:1-4, Matthew 16:13-20 

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

May God who restores,

Christ who calls, 

and the Spirit who empowers

bless you

and increase your joy and gladness,

now and always.*

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• How would you answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” 
• What connections do you make when you reflect on these two scripture readings? 

*Adapted from Kimberly Bracken Long. Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2: Trinity Sunday through Reign of Christ (p. 131-136).