ST. LUKE'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

727 N. Main St., Independence, Missouri 64050

Rev. E. Paul Emily, Pastor

Pastor’s Phone: 816-379-5726 Church Phone: 461-0302

stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org www.stlukesuccindep.org

Margie Foley, Organist/Pianist

Matthew Bennett, Conductor/Violinist

Nanette Moore, Administrative Assistant/Director of Christian Education
Pastors Emeriti: Rev. David Lyon & Rev. Ralph Koch

*If comfortable doing so, you are invited to stand.
The hymns today come from The Methodist Hymnal.

AUGUST 7, 2022

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SILENT MEDITATION:

“Go, go, go Joseph you know what they say. Hang on now Joseph you’ll make it some day. Don’t give up Joseph, fight till you drop. We’ve read the book and you come out on top.” Lyrics from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

GATHERING MUSIC

GREETING

PRELUDE: "Simple Gifts"

Arr. Mark Hayes

CALL TO WORSHIP

One: “We are not alone. We live in God’s world. We believe in God:

All: who has created and is creating,

who has come in Jesus to reconcile and make new,

who works in us and others by the Spirit.

One: Come Holy Spirit! We are called to be the church:

All: to celebrate God’s presence

to love and serve others,

to seek justice and resist evil,

to proclaim Jesus…our judge and our hope.

One: In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.

All: We are not alone.”

One: Let us worship together.

(edited from the United Church of Canada Statement of Faith)

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

We confess O God that we have not loved you as you have loved us. We have doubted your word and failed to obey its teaching. We confess to you our failure to live as brothers and sisters and as your children. Forgive us, for we have not allowed your presence to shine through us and among us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI

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.

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 92 “For the Beauty of the Earth” (vs 1-4)

DIX

For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies;

Refrain: Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower,
sun and moon, and stars of light; (Refrain)

For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind's delight,
for the mystic harmony
linking sense to sound and sight; (Refrain)

For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild; (Refrain)

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 & Hebrews 11: 1-3,20-22

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: “Jesus Loves Me”

(Congregation sings as children come forward/leave)

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

MESSAGE: “Showing Off”

The Rev. Karen Aitkens

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 132 “All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded”

MICHAEL

All my hope is firmly grounded, In our great and living Lord;

Who, whenever I most need him, Never fails to keep his word.

Him I must, Wholly trust, God the ever good and just.

Tell me, who can trust our nature, Human, weak, and insecure?

Which of all the airy castles, Can the hurricane endure?

Build on sand, Nought can stand, By our earthly wisdom planned.

But in every time and season, Out of love's abundant store,

God sustains his whole creation, Fount of life for evermore.

We who share, Earth and air, Count on his unfailing care.

Thank, O thank, our great Creator, Through his only Son this day;

He alone, the heavenly Potter, Made us out of earth and clay.

Quick to heed, Strong the deed, He shall all his people feed.

PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

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 sins as we forgive those
who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

OFFERING OUR TIME, TALENTS AND TITHES

CALL TO OFFERING

OFFERTORY: "Let Us Rejoice"

Marty Haugen

DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host:

Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison)

Loving God, may we continue to grow in our giving. Bless these gifts that we humbly offer. Use them in ways that offer comfort, care and compassion for all those in need of your presence. May we find ways to serve you in the coming week that will help someone feel a burden has been lifted. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC: "Be Still and Know” with Be Still, My Soul"

Arr. Mark Hayes

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Statement of Faith in Unison (United Church of Christ)

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:

You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image,
and set before each one the ways of life and death.

You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior,
you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.

You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit,
creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,
binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

You call us into your church
to accept the cost and joy of discipleship,
to be your servants in the service of others,
to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil,
to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table,
to join him in his passion and victory.

You promise to all who trust you
forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace,
courage in the struggle for justice and peace,
your presence in trial and rejoicing,
and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.

Amen.

.Words of Institution

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING (unison)

God of Hope and Joy, we have received the bread and the wine; we are renewed by your Spirit. Go with us as we seek to spread your Spirit of love and grace in a troubled world. In faith we seek your guidance as we try to live in love. Amen.

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 378 “Amazing Grace”

AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.

When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun.

COMMISSION AND BENEDICTION (responsive)

Go now into the world that God, the Creator has made for us.

May we work toward justice and peace in our words and actions.

May we share the Good News of Jesus’ love for all.

We go to tell this story of unconditional love.

Take God’s blessing with you. Go in Peace. Amen.

POSTLUDE:"Make a Joyful Noise"

Mark Friedman

The Liturgist today is Jodie Puhr.

Thank you to Linda Drown for playing the piano during the hymns.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

AKA Men’s Soup

Men’s Fellowship will meet on Monday, August 8th, at Noon

Soup and dessert will be served. It is a time for men and their friends to gather for a time of fellowship. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Kuenne.

CHECK IN, SHARE AND COMMENT

If you are worshiping in person, please “Check-in” on Facebook, then, share the service, comment on it and like it. You are encouraged to have your device out during the service.
If the music inspires you, tell Matthew and Margie by
commenting about how wonderful it was or say thank you.
If the sermon speaks to you, comment with how it touched you.
If there is a great story during Children’s Moment or a kid makes you laugh,
comment and tell what it was.
If someone makes a comment that you like, reply to them.
We encourage you to connect with those worshiping online as well as in person.

If you are worshiping online, share and comment on the service. Comment on the things listed above, reply to and/or like other people’s comments.
Again, it is so important to stay connected and these are simple ways to do that.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Sunday
9:30 AM Sunday School for all ages
10:45 AM Online Worship
Monday—Friday, 9:45 AM Live with Pastor Paul in Windows Facebook Group
Monday, 6:00 PM Girl Scout Meeting
Wednesday, 9:30—1:00 ABC Quilting
7:00 PM NA Meeting
For more information about any of these, please email the church office at stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org

GIVING OPTIONS
If you wish to make a donation to St. Luke’s, there are several options available:
1. Check mailed to church office at 727 N. Main, Independence, MO 64050
2. Internet donation – you may now donate from a secure site by clicking on the
Give Now button on the website.
3. Electronic funds transfer – your offering can be automatically deducted
from your checking or savings account.
To sign up,go to stlukes@stlukesuccindep.org for instructions.
4. Vanco Mobile App - download the free app on Google Play or the App Store. Enter St Lukes (without punctuation) as the church name. Select St. Luke's United Church of Christ in Independence. From there you can create an account and use the app for donations.
5. Text the word GIVE to 816-312-5053 and you will be directed to a secure site for giving.

CONNECT
If you are visiting today we would love to connect with you.
Text CONNECT to 816-312-5053

PHOTO/VIDEO POLICY

May it be understood that any pictures/videos taken during any church event
may be used for promotion. Church events, including but not limited to,
worship services may be broadcast live on Facebook.
If you are not in agreement with this notify the church office.

JULY 31, 2022

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SILENT MEDITATION:

“So thank God for his marvelous love, for him miracle mercy to the children he loves; Offer thanksgiving sacrifices, tell the world what he’s done—sing it out!” Psalm 107:22 (The Message)

GATHERING MUSIC

GREETING

PRELUDE: "Blest Are Those Who Love You"

Marty Haugen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 368 “My Hope Is Built”

THE SOLID ROCK

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Refrain:
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil.
(Refrain)

His oath, his covenant, his blood
supports me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay.
(Refrain)

When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found!
Dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne!
(Refrain)

CALL TO WORSHIP (From Psalm 107)

One: Give thanks to God, for God is good!

All: God’s faithful love lasts forever!

One: God is eager to put loving arms around us.

All: God is waiting to satisfy the hunger and thirst of our souls.

One: Pay attention to the things God has done.

All: We will tell the world how God’s faithful love has set us free.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

Your love, O God, is faithful and lasts forever. You have delivered us from dangers and provided for us in times of need. Your grace comes to us even when our distress is of our own making. By your faithful love, we have been cared for and our souls have been set free. Forgive us when we fail to remember or offer you our thanks for your great love. Let our praise declare how you have delivered us and given us peace. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

GLORIA PATRI

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.

MOMENTS WITH MINNIE

PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

SPECIAL MUSIC: "Holy Ground"

Geron Davis

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 107:1-9, 43

SERMON: “Tell The World!”

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 206 “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”

SCOTT

I want to walk as a child of the light, I want to follow Jesus
God sent the stars to give light to the world, The star of my life is Jesus

Refrain: In Him, there is no darkness at all, The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God, Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus

I want to see the brightness of God, I want to look at Jesus
Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path, And show me the way to the Father (Refrain)

I'm looking for the coming of Christ, I want to be with Jesus
When we have run with patience the race, We shall know the joy of Jesus (Refrain)

OFFERING OUR TIME, TALENTS AND TITHES

CALL TO OFFERING

OFFERTORY: "Piano in G Major"

John Tesh

DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host:

Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison)

Receive our offerings, Gracious God, as an expression of our thankfulness. May these offerings and the ministry they make possible, provide care that sets others free from places of suffering. May the light of your love shine through all our efforts to share the presence of your comfort. Amen

CONGREGATIONAL HYMN No. 102 “Now Thank We All Our God”

NUN DANKET

Now thank we all our God,
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom this world rejoices;
who from our mothers' arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us;
and keep us still in grace,
and guide us when perplexed;
and free us from all ills,
in this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God

the Father now be given; the Son,

and him who reigns

with them in highest heaven;

the one eternal God,

whom earth and heaven adore;

for thus it was,

is now, and shall be evermore.

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE:"Jesus is Alive and Well"

Arr. M. Speck/R. Mauldin

The Liturgist today is Katelynn Emily.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHECK IN, SHARE AND COMMENT