Worship for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Welcome, Announcements and Greeting each other
Hand Bell Call to Worship
Prayer Joys and Concerns
Prelude
Dedication of Church Bell
Prayer and Scripture Matthew 7.7
Presentation and naming of the bell Jean Reynolds
Response by congregation
We accept this bell as a gift to this congregation and we dedicate it to the service of God Almighty. May the voice of this bell direct our hearts toward God and call us joyfully to this church, that we may experience the presence of Christ, hear the Word, offer our prayers and enter into service to the world.
Ringing of the Church Bell
Hymn When They Ring The Golden Bells

Prayer of the Day

Children’s Time
Special Music
Giving our Offering to God
Offertory
Presentation Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Scripture
Philippians 3.10-14
Matthew 21.42-43
Words of Praise from Psalm 19
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
The decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;
The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether
By them is your servant warned.
Who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Response: Lead Me Lord

Sermon: Straining Forward to What Lies Ahead

Prayer of Confession and Assurance
Lord, have mercy, and forgive us our sins.
Gracious God, there are times when we do not produce the fruit of the Kingdom
Christ, have mercy: let us know the power of your resurrection.
Clear our faults so that we may be acceptable to you.
Lord, have mercy and show us the goal of the Kingdom.
Give us grace to press on to the heavenly call of God in Christ. Amen.

Hymn of Invitation to Communion: Come Sinners to the Gospel Feast
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer
Giving of the Bread and Cup

Hymn The Church's One Foundation
Benediction
Bell dismissing worship
Postlude