Call to Worship – Spirit of the Living God – UMH #393
Song – In The Garden – UMH #314
Prayer –
(All) God of presence, just as you remained faithful to Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, you are faithful to those who call on your name and strive to live in your way of love, justice, holiness and peace.
Scripture Reading – Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Song – This Is My Song – UMH #437
Witness to Faith – Vera Edmonds
Song – Blessed Assurance – UMH #369
Witness to Faith – You are invited to share a brief witness of your faith; experience of God’s grace, faithfulness, healing, comfort, guidance.
Sharing our Joys and Concerns – Praying for one another, the community, nation, and world
Prayers of the People
All: Lord, let your kingdom come. Your will be done. Alleluia.
L: Together, let us pray for the people of this gathering
(names may be spoken aloud after each petition)
L: Together, let us pray for those who suffer and those in trouble.
L: Together, let us pray for those who are grieving
L: Together, let us pray for those in need of healing.
L: Together, let us pray for the concerns of this local community
L: Together, let us pray for the world, its people, and its leaders
L: Together, let us pray for the church universal, its leaders, members and its mission
L: Together, let us pray for the communion of saints.
All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Our Offering – Service, prayers, witness, time and resources
As we sing, you are invited to bring your offering forward. Offering plates will also be in the back of sanctuary.
Song – I Surrender All – UMH #354
Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow – UMH 95
Offering Prayer – Once we were no people and now we are your people, brought together by your Spirit as the body of Christ. Accept our humble gifts we offer to you in gratitude for your many gifts to us. Bless them and use them to spread your gracious love and mercy throughout the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Announcements
Song – Be Thou My Vision – UMH #451
Benediction – May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord’s face shine upon you. May the grace of Jesus Christ be with you. May the power and presence of the Holy Spirit lead you out in peace.
Please keep in prayer: Kyle Keen and family, Drabcyzk family, Barbie, Kaye, Charline, Valerie Hoyt, Nanette, Blanche Lowery, Millie, Mary Baker, Donna and Roshier Bailey, Mary Jane Fizer, Deirdre and John, Louise and Mark Young, Marian Benson, Ellen Kuvasko, Al Firth, Margaret Franklin, Hallman family, Debbie, Lilli, Ollie, Linda, Chrissie, Toye, Wenona, people living with cancer, battling addictions, struggling with life changes, seeking the Lord. The ministry of Cokesbury. Featherstone School students, teachers, staff, parents.
Pastor Gayle is on vacation Sept. 20-26. Please contact Leo Bonner, Lay Leader at 703.966.0372 or email leo.bonner76@gmail.com. for any urgent pastoral care needs. Pastor Gayle: email: gayleporias@vaumc.org or phone: 703.980.1029
Charge Conference Sunday October 23rd during worship
The Way of Discipleship
Growing in Grace through study: A new study group begins Sunday October 9th 11:30am. We will be reading “The Deeply Formed Life” by Rich Villodas.
Scripture readings:
Sept. 25: Genesis 39:1-23. Matthew 5:11-12
October 2: Exodus 14:5-7, 10-14, 21-29 Matthew 2:13-15
October 9: Exodus 19:3-7; 20:1-17 and Matthew 5:17