Receiving Grace: Becoming Servants

The 17th Sunday After Pentecost September 19th, 2021

Summary: In today’s readings from James and Mark, Jesus’s message is simple. Those who accept his sacrifice as something that was done for them with a childlike faith will, as James says, become gentle, merciful, humble, and serve others in this spirit. Faith in the sacrifice of Christ for you and will be result in a transformed heart whose desire is to serve others. If you make your own self-gratification a goal in life, you will end up having an empty heart. Material blessings cannot satisfy our spiritual needs. Becoming “rich toward God” will lead to a desire to share that richness with others.

Order of Worship

Prelude “Jazz Spirituals”, by Peggy Tolson

Greeting

Opening Hymn “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love”

Apostolic Greeting

Prayer of the Day

New Testament Reading: James 3:13-4:3,7-8a

Hand Bell Choir “In The Holy Presence”

Children’s Message

Choir Anthem: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

Gospel Reading: Mark 9:30-37

Sermon: “Receiving Grace: Becoming Servants”

Sermon Hymn: “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ”

The Apostles Creed

Prayers and The Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “The Spirit Sends us Forth to Serve”

Dismissal

Postlude: “How Great Thou Art”, Janet Linker