September 20, 2020

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

CENTERING

GREETING

PRELUDE “May God Bestow On Us His Grace” Scheidt

GATHERING WORDS

Pastor: In the midst of joy and celebration…..
People: We lift our voices in praise to you, O Lord.
Hymn: “Come, Thou Almighty King” #61 V. 1
Pastor: In the midst of trials and sorrows……
People: We lift our voices in prayer to you, O Lord.
Hymn: “Come, Thou Almighty King” #61 V. 2
Pastor: Throughout all our days we call out to God…..
People: We rest confident in God’s love for us as we sing.
Hymn: “Come, Thou Almighty King” #61 V. 3

CHIMES AND BRINGING FORTH THE LIGHT

PRAISING

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN “To God Be the Glory” #98

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: The heavenly reward God promises to his children is not a reward we earn by

good works.

People: We could never become righteous enough to make up for past sin, or to

be worthy of heaven.
Leader: God's love is given, then, not in proportion to our righteousness, but simply

because he is love
People: We thank God for loving us. May we never become jealous over his love

to others who may seem less deserving than ourselves.

OPENING PRAYER

Lord, whether we have come to you from long ago, or have just come to you now, you reach out with love and blessing for each one of us. Help us remember your mercy and your love and offer greetings and blessings to each other in your name. AMEN.

INTROIT “Morning has Broken #145 V. 1 & 3

CHILDREN’S MOMENTS

PRAYING

Prayers of the People

Hymn of Prayer “Take Time to Be Holy” #395V.1

Pastoral Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

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, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer Response “Take Time to Be Holy” #395V.4

HEARING

*PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Leader: O Lord, open our eyes, our ears, our minds, and our hearts;

People: That we might behold wondrous things out of your word.

CHORAL RESPONSE “Thy Word” #601, Refrain only

FIRST LESSON Philippians 1: 21-30

This is the Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION “Alleluia” #186

*GOSPEL LESSON

The Lord be with you,

And also with you.

A reading from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

Glory to You, O Lord.

*THE GOSPEL IS READ Matthew 20: 1-16

*GLORIA PATRI #70

PROCLAIMING

SERMON “It Isn’t Fair” Reverend Russel Shuluga

RESPONDING

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING

God has generously blessed us and granted us the privilege of sharing our blessings with others. Thank be to God for this sacred trust.

THE LORD’S OFFERING

OFFERTORY “O Thou of God the Father” Walther

*THE DOXOLOGY #95

*OFFERTORY PRAYER

Merciful Father, we call them the fruits of our labors, missing the hidden gift in every good thing. As we lift this offering to you may our eyes be opened, so that we might recognize all of life as your gracious gift, given for us, in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

SENDING

*BENEDICTION

Pastor: Workers in the vineyard,
People: From early morning 'til dusk falls,
Pastor: Workers in the vineyard,
People: From the mid-day heat 'til the moon begins to rise,
Pastor: Workers in the vineyard,
Pastor: Coming late in the day when others are tired, may the blessings of our gracious

God take you by surprise.

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE “Danish Amen” #898 *RECESSIONAL HYMN: “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” # 175 V. 1 & 4

*POSTLUDE “Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now” J.S. Bach

“WE TAKE THE LIGHT OF JESUS INTO THE WORLD”

Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

Pastor: Reverend Russel Shuluga

Church Office: (412) 731-2511

Website: www.MifflinAve.org

Pastor’s email: [email protected]

Pastor Russel contact information: Phone (412) 735-5072

Email: [email protected]

WELCOME Visitors: WE ARE GLAD YOU COULD JOIN US!

If you do not have a permanent church home, please consider joining us.

May God bless your experience in worship with us today.

We are here to serve, so please let us know how we might better serve you.

If you would to join us via Zoom, contact the church office for information.