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Pastor: Rev. Kendra Balliet
Organist: Jim Ross
Music Ministry: "As the Deer Pants for the Water" - Jane Ellen Nickell, piano

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
ORDER OF SERVICE

Prelude - “Paradise"- Zdenko Fiibich 

Welcome & Announcements

*Call to Worship

We come to worship the Triune God who creates, redeems, and sustains us all.
 We come to worship God who never leaves us and yet whose purposes often seem hidden.
As the bulb hides the flower, as the seed hides the tree, as the cocoon hides the butterfly, so too does God bring forth life even when we cannot see it.
 We gather today to learn how to watch, wait, and anticipate the season when God’s unrevealed work will come into the open.
As silence gives way to song, as night gives way to dawn, as the past flows through the present into the future, so too does God tirelessly persist in bringing about the abundant life of the kingdom of heaven.
 We gather today to learn how to join in God’s dance as partners who prepare for the season when God’s unrevealed work comes into the open.
As our end meets our beginning, as our time meets infinity, as our doubt meets our believing, so too does God meet our brokenness with persevering love, unfolding a new reality of flourishing for all creation.
 We gather today to learn how to love as God loves so that we may be part of bringing God’s unrevealed work into the open. Amen.

Opening Hymn "Forward Through the Ages" #555

Unison Prayer
O God, teach us not to despise small things.
 Remind us that the kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed.
 Turn our attention to the small things that bless others.
 You have planted seeds of great potential in our souls.
 Help us develop our potential so that you and others can depend on it.
 Turn our attention to what is small but potent.
 O God, you have entrusted us with gifts and graces that can bless many people.
 Help us not to overlook the smallest ability.
 O God, you have placed the destiny of the kingdom of heaven inside of us.
 Turn our attention to the small things that this congregation can do to make a tremendous difference in human lives. Amen.
 
Affirmation of Faith - Apostles Creed #881

Gloria Patri #70

Children's Chat

Music Ministry & Offertory

Prayer of Gratitude

Scripture Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Sermon "Finding What Seems to be Hidden"

Joys/Concerns

Hymn "The Kingdom of God" #275

Pastoral Prayer/Lord's Prayer

Closing Hymn "Seek Ye First" #405

Action Steps & Benediction

Postlude-“Allegro Pomposo" - Thomas Roseingrave

The flowers on the altar today are given with thanks and praise for the beauty and diversity of the world and in honor of our granddaughter Kendyl's 21st birthday by Jim & Marie Schlosser.

Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website and/or by following us on Facebook. If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card on our website, call the church office and leave a message at 814-724-6736, or email churchoffice@stoneumc.org.