Welcome
Call to Worship:
L: May God be gracious to us and bless us.
All: May God make his face to shine upon us.
L: So God’s way may be known upon the earth
All: And God’s saving power be known among all nations
L: Let the people praise the Lord
All: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy!
Favorite Hymns
Our Offering to God – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Prayer:
Let us pray together
Scripture Reading – Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the sabbath, and do not profane it, and hold fast my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Thus says the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered.
Message
Prayers of the People
Prayer at the beginning of a new school year
O God of Wisdom, at the beginning of a new school year we offer thanks and praise for the gift of new beginnings and for the opportunity to learn and to wonder. We pray for teachers, students and staff that the year might be rewarding for all. Be with them as they face the challenge of new tasks, the fear of failure, the expectations of parents, friends, and self. In their learning and teaching may they grow in service to others and in love for your world through Jesus, our Savior. Lord in your mercy.
All: Hear our prayer
Prayer for teachers and staff
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by your Holy Spirit, those who teach and watch over our children in the communities. Uphold them in this important work, give them strength when strength is needed and gentleness when gentleness is needed. Encourage them in all challenges. Infuse their spirits with patience and kindness. Guide and lead them in your wisdom and peace. Remind them that you are always with them and will provide what is needed as they place their trust and hope in your faithful love and power. Lord in your mercy.
All: Hear our prayer
Blessing for students
Vera: May the loving and gentle Shepherd pour out his grace upon you. May you feel the Lord’s hand in everything you do and be strengthened by the challenges he brings you through. May Jesus, the Son of God be Lord in all your ways. May he shepherd you the length of your days and in your heart- receive the praise. This is my prayer for you.
Melanie: May God’s grace abound and motivate everything you do and may the fullness of God’s love be shared through you. May the Holy Spirit comfort you and make you strong. May the Spirit discipline you gently when you are wrong and in your heart may the Lord give you a song. May Jesus be Lord in all your ways. May he shepherd you the length of your days and in your heart may he receive the praise. This is my prayer for you.
Prayer of Confession – UMH 893
Pastor: Lord, we confess our day to day failure to be truly human.
All: Lord, we confess to you.
P: Lord, we confess that we often fail to love with all we have and are, often because we do not fully understand what loving means, often because we are afraid of risking ourselves.
All: Lord, we confess to you.
P: Lord, we cut ourselves off from each other and we erect barriers of division.
All: Lord, we confess to you.
P: Lord, we confess that my silence and ill-considered word
All: We have built up walls of prejudice.
P: Lord, we confess that my selfishness and lack of sympathy.
All: We have stifled generosity and left little time for others.
P: Holy Spirit, speak to us. Help us listen to your word of forgiveness, for we are very deaf. Come, fill this moment and free us from sin.
All: Amen
Passing the Peace – May the peace of Christ be with you.
Holy Communion – The Great Thanksgiving – UMH 9
The Lord’s Prayer – UMH 895
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.
Sharing the Bread and Cup – All are invited to the Lord’s table to receive the bread (the body of Christ, the Bread of heaven) and the cup (the blood of Christ, the cup of salvation).
Announcements
Song
Benediction
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Licensing
*CCLI copyright #21178338 and streaming #21178321.
**One License Licensing Permission # A-741072.
All Rights Reserved. Reprint/Streamed.
Prayer List: Marc T., Lily, Blanche, Bob and Kathy, Laura, Gloria, Horne family, Dorton family, Nalo, Fred and Beth W., Sather family, Wenona, Jewell family, Mary J., Mark Y., Fizer family, Marian I., Al. Requests will be kept on the list for 4 weeks and then may be resubmitted.
Founder’s Day Sunday is August 27th.
Charge Conference – Sunday, October 22nd immediately following worship.
The Way of Discipleship
Growing in Grace through study:
Sundays following worship beginning September 17th. Groups for children, youth, and adults
Growing in Grace through fellowship
Welcome Table every Second Sunday 11:30 am.
Growing in Grace through praying for others.
Wednesdays at 5:30pm in the sanctuary. Please send or share prayer concerns with Pastor Gayle.
Growing in Grace through service:
A.C.T.S Food Pantry: Canned vegetables 15 oz size, low sodium canned vegetables, snack items, individually packed, Pop-top canned prepared meals and single serve prepared food, laundry detergent, dish detergent, cleaning supplies in general, toiletries and personal hygiene items, size 4T pull-ups, size 6 diapers, dog food.
Featherstone School: School supplies
Growing in Grace through worship.
Weekly service Sundays 10am.
Choir practice on Saturday 1pm. Children 2:30 pm
Front Porch Sitting Wednesdays 5:30pm outside sanctuary entrance.
English Language Ministry Saturdays at 10am Sept. 9-Oct 28
Community Garden Update: Come and see the fruit!
Signature Ministry team meeting September 24th
Founder’s Day Sunday is August 27th.
Connect with Cokesbury:
703.494.5400
Gmail : CokesburyUMC@gmail.com
Website : CokesburyUMC.church
Facebook : facebook.com/cokesburywoodbridge
Instagram : instagram.com/cokesburyumc_woodbridge/