Community: When It Doesn’t Seem Fair

The 15th Sunday After Pentecost

This Sunday Pastor Lauren continues her sermon series “Community: A Service Manual”. Her sermon this week is based on the Gospel text from Matthew 20: 1-16. In this passage, Jesus tells a parable about God’s generosity, challenging the common assumption that God rewards people according to what they have earned or deserve. Pastor Lauren discusses how grace becomes difficult when someone else receives it. God’s generosity exposes how easily we turn grace into a competition over who deserves what.

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

Prelude: Largo, Samuel Wesley

Welcome

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Song: “Morning Has Broken”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Reading: Jonah 3:10–4:11

Choir Anthem: You Are Holy

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Children’s Time

Sermon: “When It Doesn’t Seem Fair”, Pastor Lauren Chambers

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

Song of Response: “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”

Apostles’ Creed

Prayers of the Church

WE WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Sharing of the Peace

Offering and Offertory: “A Peaceful Reverie”, Lani Smith

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: “That Priceless Grace”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Grand Choeur”, Nicholas Gigault