Call to Worship
2 Timothy 2:1-14, NRSV

1- We enter worship this morning through what is, in reality, the beginning of a personal letter.

2- As you listen, be drawn toward to the One who stood behind both sender and receiver of it long ago,

1 - the One who has inspired believers down through the centuries with these words.

2 - Get ready to stand and sing your faith-filled response. But now, listen:

1- (pause) From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 - To Timothy, my beloved child:

1- Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 - I am grateful to God--whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did--when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

1- I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.

2 - For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands;

1 - for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

2 - Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace.

1 - This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

2 - For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do.

1 - But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him.

2 - Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1 - Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

2- (pause) Stand, if you are able, and sing your faith.

scripture text from The New Revised Standard Version,
copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved
  

Opening Prayer

         O God of grace, mercy, and peace, may your Spirit re-kindle in us a fire that no hurricane can put out, no misfortune can diminish, no outer circumstance can smother. Empower us this hour to remember who we are, and to - without shame - speak the truth as you have revealed it to us. We may not know all the "why’s," "how’s," and "where’s" of this life to which you have called us. But we know in "whom" we have believed. Thank you, God, for being who you are.
         By faith we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN   

For Children
"Tiny Little Fly"

             While the rest of the congregation pays attention to the next portion of worship, the pastor will exit with our young folk to share some time around a book about the effect of something very small, a fly, on the much larger creatures around it. A fly may not grow into a larger plant, like a mustard seed, but with a "wink" at the end of the book, the main character of this little tale has thwarted Elephant, Hippo, and Tiger. What fun! Thanks to Storypath for suggesting this delightful book as a connection to today's gospel.
  
 
  

Curious about what God is doing here, part 4

             An overview was given on Sept. 8 of our recent church board retreat, at which these persons whom we have call to lead us identified three themes emerging in our fellowship: Openness, Guidance, and Energy. On Sept. 15, the group that developed the Openness theme briefly shared of what they had discerned. (mp3) The next theme, Guidance, was mentioned on Spet. 29. This morning, those who had a passion for the Energy theme shared.
   
  

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

         Faith the size of a mustard seed, that’s what Jesus spoke about. There are, indeed, times when that’s about as much faith as we seem to have when facing into the storms of life, when the words, "I can’t," describe our ability better than, "I can." ... Still, a mustard seed! Tiny. Almost invisible - yet mighty. That’s what Jesus said. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
         If such a little bit of faith goes such a long way, I wonder what an apple seed size would do? "I can’t" becomes "I can!" "We can’t" transforms into "we can!" Ponder this as the plates are passed. Will you respond to the Lord with an "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) kind of faith? After all, God’s faithfulness to us is truly great. May "mustard seed" be the size of your faith, not the extent of what you return to the Lord... Ushers?
    
     

Receiving a new member

[After being "introduced" by a member of our congregation...]

             John, would you join me up front, along with Bill and Teresa, whom you have asked to “introduce” you to us?

            As they come forward, let me begin by saying that it has been a joy getting to know John, a good friend of the Albrights. I want to recognize the value of a simple invitation on their part which led him here when his church closed. I encourage the rest of us to be “curious” enough to reach out and get to know him.

[After being "introduced"...]

            Would you in the congregation turn to #777 in the back of your hymnal and, if you are able, please stand with us. Through these words, spoken in unison, we officially welcome John into this fellowship of believers. Remember your own baptismal vows as we speak them.

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Benediction

Go now:
        Go in safety,
                for you cannot go where God is not.
        Go in love,
                for love alone endures.
        Go with purpose,
                and God will honor your dedication.
        Go in peace,
                for it is the gift of God to those
                whose hearts and minds are in Christ Jesus.
Amen.

by Earle W. Fike, jr
Taken from For all who Minister,
©1993, Brethren Pres, Elgin, IL, p.122