Pure Heart

September 25, 2022 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost The flowers on the altar at St. Paul’s are presented to the Glory of Godand in honor of Fredus and Brenda Craig given by Richie, Cindy and Christine.The flowers on the altar at Zion are presented to the Glory of God.Assisting with today’s service: Liturgists: Glenn Sass (SP); Doris Obenshain (Z)Pianist/Organist: Betty Magargal (SP); Patty Dudkewitz (Z) Our Staff: Rev. Cindy Hall, PastorPatty Brown, Administrative Assistant Wayne Nickerson, Custodian Parish Office is located in Zion Church Hall. Hours are: Thursday and Friday; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Church Mail: P.O. Box 326, Cecilton, MD 21913Parsonage Mail: P.O. Box 584, Cecilton, MD 21913Office Phone: 410-275-8511Parsonage Phone: 410-275-2996; Pastor Cell: 610-864-1250Church Website: www.ceciltonparish.orgOffice email: office@ceciltonparish.orgPastor’s email: kencindy@ccis.net Welcome Pastor Rev. Cynthia L Hall Ministers the CongregationSeptember 25, 2022 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost PRELUDEGREETINGS & OPPORTUNITIES*INVITATION TO THE CELEBRATION: God loves the world - so rejoice! God loves the church - so rejoice! Because God loves both the church and the world – the sign for today is faith! The sign for today is hope! The sign for today is love! The sign for today is joy! So be it, Lord! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before God’s presence with singing.We enter into God’s gates with thanksgiving, and into God’s courts with praise. Be thankful to God; and bless God’s name.For the Lord is good; God’s mercy is everlasting; and God’s truth endures to all generations.W.H. KellerHYMN OF PRAISE We Gather Together #131 UMHINVOCATION Loving and Holy God, Lord of our lives, including our pocketbooks, credit cards, ATM’s and loose change, keep us this day healthy of body and sound in mind, in purity of heart and cheerfulness of spirit, in contentment with our lot and love and with our neighbor, in order that we will recognize the riches of your grace, in Christ our Lord. Amen.PSALTER READING Psalm 91: 1-6, 14-16 #810UMH THE APOSTLES’ CREED #881UMHCHORAL RESPONSE PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Stewardship Challenge: We determine our love for God and the world, not so much by what we say, but by what we do. So, I invite you to keep on opening your hearts, minds, wills, and pocketbooks to God’s Word. We give as we receive.*DOXOLOGY Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow #95 *PRAYER OF DEDICATION (In Unison) God, you hold us accountable for all that you have given us – our lives, education, homes, business, friends, wealth. As we have prospered, so inspire us to give to you through your needy world. Amen. MORNING PRAYER SHARING OF PRAISES AND CONCERNS LORD’S PRAYER 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 who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen *GOSPEL READING Mark 12: 38-44 *HYMN OF PREPARATION When I Survey the Wondrous Cross #298UMH MESSAGE The Connection Between Loving and Giving Pastor Cindy L. Hall *HYMN OF OBEDIENCE Give Thanks #2036TFWS BENEDICTION: May the God who brings new pathways to supposed dead ends, who brings surprising joy to grave seriousness, who brings abiding hope to dismal prospects lead you all this week. *POSTLUDE *Please stand with your heart or your posture MEDITATION: “Thinking is easy; acting is difficult; putting one’s thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.” (Goethe) ... See MoreSee Less