September 15, 2024

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
REV. KENDRA BALLIET
JIM ROSS, ORGANIST

Prelude - Wonderful Words of Life-Wilber Held

Welcome

*Call to Worship

Leader: Welcome, Beloved! Why have you gathered today?

All: We have come to worship God, who is the maker of us all!
Leader: What do you seek from God, our Creator?
All: We seek God’s wisdom to guide us and show us how to live.
Leader: Are you ready to follow when God’s wisdom leads down unexpected paths?
All: We will trust, and we will follow wherever God’s wisdom leads us.
Leader: Well then, Beloved of God, what are you waiting for?
All: Come! Let us worship and seek God’s uncommon wisdom together! Amen.

*Opening Hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord!” #382 

*Opening Prayer

Gracious God, we come before you today knowing that we often fall short of your call to love one another well.
We allow ourselves to be blinded by wealth and power. We ignore those around us who suffer injustice, poverty, and rejection. 
We tune out the cries of the poor and those on the edges of our communities.
Help us to see your great generosity, hear your word of mercy, and feel your great love for all who need your redemptive grace.
Strengthen us to reach out in service to those who are in need.
Make us aware of those outside our own communities, that we may see them as your precious children and serve them in humility and joy.
May we continue to grow in grace as we learn how to serve you in the name of the great Servant, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Affirmation of Faith: Apostles’ Creed #881

Gloria Patri

Children's Chat

Music Ministry and Offertory -  The Church's One Foundation-Elizabeth Krouse

Doxology and Prayer of Gratitude

Scripture James 2:1-17

Sermon: “Faith = Works”

Joys/Concerns

Hymn "Make Me a Servant" #2176

Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer

Closing Hymn “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing” #664

Action Steps & Benediction

Postlude - Sine Nomine- Dennis Janzer

The flowers on the altar today are given by Jim & Carolyn Turnbull to the glory of God and  in honor of the heavenly birthday of Jim's mother Norma Fern Turnbull.

Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org