RALLY SUNDAY
September 7, 2008
MORNING WORSHIP 10:00 A.M.
The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

(Please pass the red pew pads now. If you are a guest this Sunday,
we would love to greet you following the service.)

THE PRELUDE Variations on Holy Manna arr. Curnow
David Miles, Trumpet

CHIMES AND TOWER BELLS

THE CHURCH GATHERS

THE CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Samuel R. Schaal
Liturgist: God invites us to greatness.
People: We are ready to go.
Liturgist: God calls us to greatness through following in the footsteps of Jesus.
People: We will live as followers of Jesus Christ.
Liturgist: God calls us to greatness through serving.
People: We will serve God in all we do.
ALL: We gather in love to serve as followers of Jesus Christ.

*HYMN 553 Gather Us In

*THE PRAYER OF THE DAY and THE LORD’S PRAYER Rev. Robert J. Brink
Liturgist: Let us pray that we may realize the freedom God has given us in making us sons and daughters:
ALL: God our Father, you redeem us and make us your children in Christ. Look on us, give us true freedom, and bring us to the inheritance you promised as we gather in love to serve You and all your people. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever and taught us to say:

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*THE GLORIA PATRI (Hymn 558)
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.

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph. D.

THE CALL AND COMMISSIONING OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Commissioning Prayer [said by Teachers and Ministers]
Eternal God, you who are mighty in power yet tender in love; we humbly seek to teach the children of this church your glory and your redemption. Too often we remember our weakness instead of your strength. We dwell under the shadow of our own frailties instead of teaching in the light of your all-sufficient promises. Now we would dedicate ourselves to the task you have laid upon us. May a new power, a greater skill, and a deeper love mark our teaching. Give us, dear Lord, an understanding of our pupils, a comprehension of their needs, and a revelation of your Holy Spirit. Endow us with a joy in our work. Make us aware of your share in our endeavors. Lift us up, we ask you, that as teachers and pupils, directors and ministers, we may grow in Christian love. Hear our prayers offered in the Name of the Great Teacher, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[The teachers and students go to their classes following the blessing.]

THE CHURCH HEARS THE WORD

THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Romans 13:8-14 Bible, page 1034 Children’s Bible, page 1613

THE PSALMODY Psalm 148 [sung to Lauda Anima]
Praise God in the highest heaven, Hill and desert, vale and shore. Sun and moon and stars in space; Alleluia, alleluia!
Sing, ye angels, of God’s goodness; Honor God whom you adore. Tell, ye ordered skies, God’s grace.
Alleluia, alleluia! Rise, O child of God, in wonder Who but God your course can trace? At creation’s majesty;
Young and old, God’s glory claiming, All the earth will shout God’s praises, Praise the Lord in unity.
Mountain peaks and ocean floor; Alleluia, alleluia! Wind and fire and beast and forest, Now and for eternity.

THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 18:15-20 Bible, page 895 Children’s Bible, page 1400

THE MEDITATION “Gathering in Love to Serve” Dr. Peay

THE ANTHEM Let Heavenly Music Fill This Place Young

THE CHURCH OFFERS PRAYER AND THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

THE CALL TO PRAYER and SILENT MEDITATION

THE PRAYER OF PEOPLE AND MINISTERS
Minister: In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. For all people in their daily life and work;
People: For our families, friends and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Minister: For this community, our country, and the world;
People: For all who work for justice, freedom and peace.
Minister: For the just and proper use of your creation;
People: For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice and oppression.
Minister: For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
People: For those who minister to the sick, the friendless and the needy.
Minister: For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
People: For all who proclaim the gospel, and for all who seek the truth.
Minister: For all who hold office in this congregation and for our sister Churches in the Wisconsin Congregational Association, the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches and the International Congregational Fellowship;
People: For all who serve God in the church.
Minister: Hear us, Lord
People: For your mercy is great.
Minister: We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of life.
[Silence] We exalt you, O God our king;
People: And praise your name for ever and ever.
Minister: In Christ you have called us to eternal glory;
People: To you be praise for ever and ever. Amen.

THE CHORAL RESPONSE TO PRAYER

THE OFFERTORY

THE ANTHEM With a Voice of Singing Shaw

*THE DOXOLOGY (Hymn 563)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison)
O God, we confess the blindness that is not even aware of sinning; The pride that dares not admit that it is wrong; The selfishness that can see nothing but its own will; The righteousness that knows no fault; The callousness that has ceased to care; The defiance that does not regret its own sins; The evasion that always tries to make excuses; The coldness of heart that is too hardened to repent. God, we are sinners; be merciful to us.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
Minister: The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Minister Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Minister Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

[After “proclaim the glory of your Name” we ALL say:]

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.

[The Ministers continue the Great Thanksgiving Prayer.]

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND COMMUNION

THE PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

*HYMN 528 As We Gather at Your Table

*THE CHARGE and BENEDICTION

*THE POSTLUDE Toccata in F Buxtehude

*Indicates where the congregation is asked to stand.

Today’s Chancel flowers are given by Grace Forester in memory of her husband, Richard.

CARE FOR CHILDREN

A nursery for infants and toddlers is available during the 10:00 a.m. service.
Sunday School for children 4 years through entering 8th grade.

Worship Preview for Bible Sunday, September 14 10:00 A.M.
Rev. Steven Peay will offer the sermon entitled “L + M = C.”
Thomas Gregory is the organist.
Lee Jacobi directs the Choir of First Church.