Serving God Above Money

Considered by many to be the most difficult of Jesus’ parables to interpret, “The Unjust Steward” has a variety of troubling elements which Pastor Kevin’s message this Sunday, “Serving God Above Money” will attempt to address. Jesus says the problem with wealth and possessions is that they can easily control us rather than us controlling them. The Bible says “the love of money is the root of all evil.” It also says that God is the one we should love above all else. But this is easier said than done.

Luke’s telling of the Jesus story is filled with other clues about how we must put God first, and all the other needs of our lives all into place. So this message is as encouraging as it is challenging. And once again, we see that stewardship and keeping money and our possessions in their proper place is a key element in being Jesus’ faithful followers.

We Gather to Worship

Prelude: “Praelidium in G major (BuxWV 147)”, Dietrich Buxtehude

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “All Are Welcome”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Amos 8:4-7

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Bells of Hope: “Panis Angelicus” (Bread of Heaven), Cesar Franck, arr. by Raymond Herbek

Children’s Time

Choir Anthem: “New Born Again”, African American spiritual, arr. by Larry Shackley

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel: Luke 16:1-13

Sermon “Serving God Above Money”, Rev. Dr. R. Kevin Murphy

Sermon Hymn: “Spirit of God”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of Intercession

Offertory: Sarabande from “Suite in Classic Style”  Dr. Charles Callahan

The Great Thanksgiving

Holy, Holy, Holy and Words of Institution

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Chant Heroique”, George Blake