ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR
THE FAITH REFORMED CHURCH
215 MIDDLE ROAD, HAZLET, NJ 07730
(* indicates to stand if you are able)
Sunday, September 6; Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
VOTUM AND SALUTATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 119:33-36, 40)
Pastor: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
People: And I will observe it to the end.
Pastor: Give me understanding that I may keep your law,
People: And observe it with my whole heart.
Pastor: Lead me in the path of your commandments,
People: For I delight in it.
Pastor: Turn my heart to your decrees,
People: And not to selfish gain.
Pastor: See, I have longed for your teachings,
All: And in your righteousness, give me life.
PRAYER OF PRESENCE
All: Gracious Lord, we pray for your favor in our worship this morning. Bless us who gather. Bless us who worship from our homes. Bless your whole church on earth, wherever we find ourselves. We pray this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE “Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him”
(hummed – not sung)
Praise the Lord! O heavens adore him; praise him angels in the height;
Sun and moon bow down before him; praise him shining stars of light.
Praise the Lord for he hath spoken; worlds his mighty voice obeyed;
Laws which never shall be broken for their guidance he has made.
Praise the Lord, for he is gracious; never shall his promise fail;
God has made his saints victorious; sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation; hosts on high his powers proclaim;
Heaven and earth and all creation, laud and magnify his name.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
(please stand, but remain in place, and greet your nearest neighbors with a wave and a blessing of peace)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: Holy Lord, we confess to you that we are sinful creatures, undeserving of your kingdom. We have heard your commands to love you and each other, yet we too often think only of ourselves. By the weight of our sin we should be condemned. Yet we also confess faith in your gracious love for us; love that forgives and redeems us. For the many ways we disobey and ignore your will, we are sorry. And for the many ways in which you continue to embrace and love us, we give you thanks. We pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Responsive Hymn #817 – to be hummed, not sung) - Hear our prayer O Lord. Hear our prayer O Lord. Incline thine ear to us, and grant us Thy peace. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE (Isaiah 1:18)
All: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson they shall be as wool.”
*Gloria Patri: Glory be to The Father Hymn #805 (hummed – not sung)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end, Amen, Amen.
SUMMARY OF THE LAW (Proverbs 3:5-8)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes, but fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”
HYMN FOR ILLUMINATION (seated) “Spirit of the Living God” Verse 1 (hummed – not sung) Hymn #297
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SERMON HYMN “God Is Here!” (verses 1 & 3)
God is here! As we his people meet to offer praise and prayer,
May we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share:
Here as in the world around us, all our varied skills and arts
Wait the coming of his Spirit into open minds and hearts.
Lord of all, of church and kingdom, in an age of change and doubt,
Keep us faithful to the gospel, help us work your purpose out;
Here, in this day’s dedication, all we have to give, receive;
We who cannot live without you, we adore you! We believe.
SCRIPTURE READINGS – Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
THE MORNING MESSAGE - “Them’s Fightin‘ Words“
*OFFERTORY PRAYER AND DOXOLOGY
*APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God the Father, almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
And 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, dead, and buried.
The third day he rose from the dead
He ascended into heaven
And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting.
Amen.
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Let us break bread together on our knees; Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees; Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees; Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty
to give thanks to you at all times and in all places,
O Lord our Creator,
almighty and everlasting God!
You created heaven with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty.
You have given us life and being,
and preserve us by your providence.
But you have shown us the fullness of your love
in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ,
the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation.
For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you
we praise and bless you, O God.
With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven
we worship and adore your glorious name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Most righteous God,
we remember in this Supper
the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ
for the sin of the whole world.
In the joy of his resurrection and in expectation of his coming again,
we offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices.
Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:
Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again!
Send your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray,
that the bread which we break and the cup which we bless
may be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
Grant that, being joined together in him,
we may attain to the unity of the faith
and grow up in all things into Christ our Lord.
And as this grain has been gathered from many fields into one loaf,
and these grapes from many hills into one cup,
grant, O Lord, that your whole Church
may soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Brothers and sisters,
since the Lord has now fed us at his Table,
let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits--
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all,
and will also give us all things with him.
Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord,
from this time forth forevermore. Amen.
JOYS & CONCERNS – MORNING PRAYER – THE LORD’S PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN “God of Grace and God of Glory” (verses 1, 3 & 4)
(hummed – not sung)
God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power;
Crown your ancient church’s story, bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour.
Heal your children’s warring madness, bend our pride to your control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss your kingdom’s goal, lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.
Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore;
Let the gift of your salvation be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Serving you whom we adore, serving you whom we adore.
*CLOSING PRAYER & BENEDICTION
*CHORAL POSTLUDE: "Lord, Dismiss Us with your Blessing"
(hummed – not sung)
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace;
O direct us and protect us, traveling through this wilderness.
THE FAITH REFORMED CHURCH
215 MIDDLE ROAD, HAZLET, NJ 07730
(* indicates to stand if you are able)
Sunday, September 6; Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
VOTUM AND SALUTATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 119:33-36, 40)
Pastor: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
People: And I will observe it to the end.
Pastor: Give me understanding that I may keep your law,
People: And observe it with my whole heart.
Pastor: Lead me in the path of your commandments,
People: For I delight in it.
Pastor: Turn my heart to your decrees,
People: And not to selfish gain.
Pastor: See, I have longed for your teachings,
All: And in your righteousness, give me life.
PRAYER OF PRESENCE
All: Gracious Lord, we pray for your favor in our worship this morning. Bless us who gather. Bless us who worship from our homes. Bless your whole church on earth, wherever we find ourselves. We pray this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE “Praise the Lord! O Heavens, Adore Him”
(hummed – not sung)
Praise the Lord! O heavens adore him; praise him angels in the height;
Sun and moon bow down before him; praise him shining stars of light.
Praise the Lord for he hath spoken; worlds his mighty voice obeyed;
Laws which never shall be broken for their guidance he has made.
Praise the Lord, for he is gracious; never shall his promise fail;
God has made his saints victorious; sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation; hosts on high his powers proclaim;
Heaven and earth and all creation, laud and magnify his name.
PASSING OF THE PEACE
(please stand, but remain in place, and greet your nearest neighbors with a wave and a blessing of peace)
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: Holy Lord, we confess to you that we are sinful creatures, undeserving of your kingdom. We have heard your commands to love you and each other, yet we too often think only of ourselves. By the weight of our sin we should be condemned. Yet we also confess faith in your gracious love for us; love that forgives and redeems us. For the many ways we disobey and ignore your will, we are sorry. And for the many ways in which you continue to embrace and love us, we give you thanks. We pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Responsive Hymn #817 – to be hummed, not sung) - Hear our prayer O Lord. Hear our prayer O Lord. Incline thine ear to us, and grant us Thy peace. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE (Isaiah 1:18)
All: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson they shall be as wool.”
*Gloria Patri: Glory be to The Father Hymn #805 (hummed – not sung)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end, Amen, Amen.
SUMMARY OF THE LAW (Proverbs 3:5-8)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes, but fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”
HYMN FOR ILLUMINATION (seated) “Spirit of the Living God” Verse 1 (hummed – not sung) Hymn #297
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me;
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SERMON HYMN “God Is Here!” (verses 1 & 3)
God is here! As we his people meet to offer praise and prayer,
May we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share:
Here as in the world around us, all our varied skills and arts
Wait the coming of his Spirit into open minds and hearts.
Lord of all, of church and kingdom, in an age of change and doubt,
Keep us faithful to the gospel, help us work your purpose out;
Here, in this day’s dedication, all we have to give, receive;
We who cannot live without you, we adore you! We believe.
SCRIPTURE READINGS – Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
THE MORNING MESSAGE - “Them’s Fightin‘ Words“
*OFFERTORY PRAYER AND DOXOLOGY
*APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God the Father, almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
And 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, dead, and buried.
The third day he rose from the dead
He ascended into heaven
And sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy catholic church,
The communion of saints,
The forgiveness of sins,
The resurrection of the body,
And the life everlasting.
Amen.
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
- INVITATION
- COMMUNION HYMN – “Let Us Break Bread Together”
Let us break bread together on our knees; Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees; Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees; Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
- COMMUNION PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty
to give thanks to you at all times and in all places,
O Lord our Creator,
almighty and everlasting God!
You created heaven with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty.
You have given us life and being,
and preserve us by your providence.
But you have shown us the fullness of your love
in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ,
the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation.
For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you
we praise and bless you, O God.
With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven
we worship and adore your glorious name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Most righteous God,
we remember in this Supper
the perfect sacrifice offered once on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ
for the sin of the whole world.
In the joy of his resurrection and in expectation of his coming again,
we offer ourselves to you as holy and living sacrifices.
Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:
Christ has died!
Christ is risen!
Christ will come again!
Send your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray,
that the bread which we break and the cup which we bless
may be to us the communion of the body and blood of Christ.
Grant that, being joined together in him,
we may attain to the unity of the faith
and grow up in all things into Christ our Lord.
And as this grain has been gathered from many fields into one loaf,
and these grapes from many hills into one cup,
grant, O Lord, that your whole Church
may soon be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
- WORDS OF INSTITUTION
- CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION
- PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Brothers and sisters,
since the Lord has now fed us at his Table,
let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits--
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all,
and will also give us all things with him.
Therefore shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord,
from this time forth forevermore. Amen.
JOYS & CONCERNS – MORNING PRAYER – THE LORD’S PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN “God of Grace and God of Glory” (verses 1, 3 & 4)
(hummed – not sung)
God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power;
Crown your ancient church’s story, bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour.
Heal your children’s warring madness, bend our pride to your control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss your kingdom’s goal, lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.
Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore;
Let the gift of your salvation be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Serving you whom we adore, serving you whom we adore.
*CLOSING PRAYER & BENEDICTION
*CHORAL POSTLUDE: "Lord, Dismiss Us with your Blessing"
(hummed – not sung)
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace;
Let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace;
O direct us and protect us, traveling through this wilderness.