September 18, 2022 Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost Text version of the Bulletin below: ~ You are welcome to make yourself at home in our worship – to join us in singing and prayer, to sit quietly, to cry or to laugh. ~ Gathering...in God’s Presence Prelude Allemande, Bach Phil Rinehart Introit There is a Balm in Gilead FCCB Choir Welcome Rev. Joseph Perdue Call to Celebration Sharon Reynolds Divine Parent, you feel what we feel. Our joys and our pains are yours too. Divine Healer, you delight in our wholeness. You are the balm for our heavy-laden hearts and souls. Giver of life, you are able to renew us We open ourselves to you, have your way within us. Gathering Prayer Sharon Reynolds Hymn of Praise Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee * #568 Call to Reconciliation Sharon Reynolds Prayer of Confession Sharon Reynolds Everlasting God, we confess that sometimes our goals don’t align with yours, and we get lost. At times, we have pursued power, knowledge, and wealth instead of you, who are the source of all. We know that you are the balm we need, and we turn ourselves towards you. You are steadfast in your love and justice. Help us to be the same, help us to be a balm to others as you are to us. Amen. Words of Forgiveness Rev. Joseph Perdue Morning Prayers & Silence Sharon Reynolds The Lord’s Prayer Sharon Reynolds Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Receiving...God’s Word for us Anthem Peace Like a River, J. Raney FCCB Choir Scripture Reading Jeremiah 8:18, 9:1 (pg. 696) Sharon Reynolds This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! Sermon Worse than the Disease Rev. Joseph Perdue Hymn of Reflection Fairest Lord Jesus * #115 Responding...to God’s Love Faith in Action Bill Reynolds Mission Moment Call to Offering Sharon Reynolds You can give by placing your offering in the plate by the entrances, mailing them to the church office, or by giving online at firstcongregationalbranford.org/give Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise God all creatures here below Praise God above, ye heavenly host Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Dedication Rev. Joseph Perdue Hymn of Dedication For the Healing of the Nations * Benediction Rev. Joseph Perdue Benediction Response I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light FCCB Choir Commissioning Sharon Reynolds And All God’s People Said, “Amen!” Postlude Fanfare, Mathias Phil Rinehart ~ Making Christ’s Love Known in Word and Action ~ *Please rise in body or in spirit Feel Free to exit the building or stay seated for the entirety of the postlude. We will see you outside for Coffee Hour.