Changing Our Minds

The 12th Sunday After Pentecost

This Sunday Pastor Lauren continues her sermon series: “Stranger Things: the Kingdom of the Unexpected”. Her sermon this week is based on the Gospel text from Matthew 15: 21-28. This passage tells the story of Jesus and the Canaanite women who desperately asks Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. It is a challenging passage because Jesus initially seems to reject her request. But the passage ultimately teaches some very powerful things about faith, humility, persistence and God’s mercy. Our service this week features Gospel music with a special Gospel Medley on trumpet and piano!

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

Prelude: “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”, Doris Akers

Welcome

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Songs: “Shall We Gather At the River” and “Come, We That Love the Lord”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Special Music: “Gospel Medley”, arr. By Brant Adams

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

Children’s Time

Sermon: “Changing Our Minds”, Pastor Lauren Chambers

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

Song of Response: “When Peace Like a River”

Apostles’ Creed

Prayers of the Church

WE WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Sharing of the Peace

Offering and Offertory: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, Charles C. Converse, arr. By Dale Wood

WE GATHER AROUND THE LORD’S TABLE

Holy Communion Story

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution: “Let Us Break Bread Together”

Post Communion Blessing and Canticle

WE DEPART TO SERVE

Sending Prayer

Benediction

Sending Song: “God Be With You”

Dismissal

Postlude: “The Solid Rock”, William Bradbury