Easton, Centenary & the Covered Bridge Circuit

12th Sunday after Pentecost

August 20, 2023

*All that are comfortably able are invited to stand at this symbol*

The Gathering

PRELUDE

BRINGING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CENTERING WORDS

How good it is that sisters and brothers live together in human dignity.  As we celebrate our common humanity this day, let us lift up a humane spirituality in song and silence, prayer and practice.

*OPENING HYMN #121

                                  “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”  

CALL TO WORSHIP

Every sense is bombarded daily with the sound of hurtful words and the touch of polluted air and water.

God’s Spirit cleanses us with every breath we take as we breathe out our praise.

Every sense is bombarded daily, with the taste of food that does not satisfy and the whiff of corruption.

God’s Spirit cleanses us with every breath we take as we breathe out our praise.

Every sense if bombarded daily with sighs that disturb and distract.

God’s Spirit cleanses us with every breath we take as we breathe out our praise.

Let us praise our maker while we have breath.

OPENING PRAYER

We cry to you O Lord, from the back of the line, from the edge of the crowd, from the corner of the room.  But you      make no such distraction, nor do you set such boundaries. Your faithfulness is great; your grace is enough.  And we are covered in your love.  Amen

*GLORIA PATRI

OFFERING OUR GIFTS

*DOXOLOGY                            *PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

CHILDREN'S TIME                                            CHOIR ANTHEM

Proclamation of the Word

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

     Resistance melts when what is right in God’s kingdom emerges in a flood of tears and a wave of grace.

OLD TESTAMENT                                         Genesis 45:1-15

THE PSALTER                                                        Psalm 133

HYMN OF PREPARATION #374  

                                                   “Standing on the Promises” 

*GOSPEL                                             Matthew 15:10-28

     This is the Word of the Lord                Thanks Be to God

THE MESSAGE                                                Pastor Melissa

Response to the Word 

JOYS AND CONCERNS                              PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD’S PRAYER

The Sending Forth

*CLOSING HYMN #369                         “Blessed Assurance”  

*BENEDICTION

*SENDING FORTH THE LIGHT            “Go Now in Peace”

 *POSTLUDE

Easton-8:15, Centenary–9:30, Covered Bridge Circuit-11:15

Melissa Weatherwax - 518 961-1910  meli44race@gmail.com   

      *Easton 518 531-4558    *eastonchurch126@gmail.com 

*www.eastonumc.org     www.centenaryumcgreenwich.org

*centenaryumcgreenwich@gmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fri. Sept 1, 2023  @ 6:00 PM at Easton UMC will be the dedication of “The Onnex Hall Mini Chapel”.  Join us for food and fellowship after the dedication. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to this mission, please contact Pastor Melissa Weatherwax @518 961-1910

Tues, Sept 5- 12:30 pm 4 F’s will kick off for the fall. The first Tuesday of the month, a casual gathering of females sharing food and fellowship in an hour centered on faith. For information, call Ruth Shippee 518-321-8676

Sept. 10, 2023 - Centenary Homecoming service at 9:30 am. with Communion. Potluck Picnic following the service under the tent behind the church. Bring a dish to pass. Silverware, plates, cups and beverage will be provided.

Mon. Sept 11th, Greenwich Interfaith Board will meet at 1 pm in the Centenary’s Office.

Sept. 16th - Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build, in Mowry Park

Sat. Oct 7, Charge Conference for all 5 churches plus Schuylerville and Quaker Spring, @12:00- at Centenary UMC

Wednesdays, Eagle Bridge UMC’s Thrift Store

open Wednesdays and 1st Saturday of Month 10 to 1:00 pm.

      Easton, Centenary

     and the

      Covered Bridge Circuit

       United Methodist Church

     August 20, 2023