Mill Plain UMC
Sunday October 29, 2023
The Gold Standard of Faith
Scripture
Matthew 7:1-12
Music
Made to Worship
Sing Sing Sing
Grace Flows Down
One Thing Remains
I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
Mill Plain UMC
October 29, 2023
10 a.m.
Praise Song Made to Worship
Greeting
Call to Worship
Worship Assistant: In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.
People: In everything, do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God.
Worship Assistant: In everything, the Lord our God is One God.
People: In everything love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
Worship Assistant: In everything.
People: In everything!
Opening Prayer
Our God, thank you for the good gifts you give to us. Open our eyes to the holiness of life that we may not give it to the dogs or cast it before swine. Teach us to treasure these things and to cast them with joy to our brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Praise Song Sing Sing Sing
Generosity moment Chris Bauman and LeAnne Ruzzamenti
Young Disciples Moment
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Offertory Song Grace Flows Down
Presentation of Offerings
Scripture
Matthew 7:1-12
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat;
therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it,
but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.
They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay
them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.
They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father–the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Hymn One Thing Remains
Sermon The Gold Standard of Faith
Prayer
As we give good gifts to our children, even more, O God, we receive good gifts from you. Show us how to spread that goodness around that we may treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion even as we long to receive those same qualities from us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Reception of New Members
Pastor: Do you, as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ?
People: We do.
Pastor: Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons before you in your care?
People: With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.
Pastor: Do you believe in God the Father?
People: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Pastor: do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
People: I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Pastor: Now it is our joy to welcome our new sisters and brothers in Christ:
People: Through baptism you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit into God’s new creation and made to share in Christ’s royal priesthood. We are all one in Christ Jesus. With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you as members of the family of Christ.
Pastor: Members of the household of God, I commend these persons to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
People: We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
Hymn I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me
Benediction
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.