Bulletin – September 13, 2026

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture: Matthew 18:21–35
Sermon: “Forgiven to Forgive” · Rev. Dale Min

Order of Worship

* Please stand as you are able. L: Leader · P: People (bold)

Prelude — “Be Still and Know” with “Be Still, My Soul,” arr. Mark Hayes

Welcome

*Opening Hymn — Jesus, Lord, We Look to Thee (UMH 562)

*Call to Worship

L: Sing praise to God who rescues us when we fall!
P: Sing praise to God who walks with us on all our journeys!
L: Even though we fall, God lifts us and places us on paths of peace.
P: Even though we stray, God finds us and brings us back to lives of hope.
L: Thanks be to God, whose love is continually with us.
P: Praise be to God, whose mercy is over us all. Amen.

*Gloria Patri — UMH 70

Unison Prayer (Prayer of Confession)

Lord, we confess that we don’t always turn to you in our troubles. Sometimes we are paralyzed by fear and anxiety. We cannot see “the light at the end of the tunnel.” For us, there is only the ongoing darkness and hopelessness. Clear our sight, O Lord. Bind up our wounded spirits! Fill us with your mercy and love. Forgive us when we stray, when we fear, when we falter. Pick us up and place us on pathways of peace and hope, for we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Choral Anthem

Backpack Blessing

Hymn of Illumination — Children of the Heavenly Father (UMH 141)

Offering

*Doxology — UMH 95

Offertory Prayer

Lord, you have blessed our lives in so many ways. In gratitude for all these blessings and in confidence that our gifts will be used for ministries of peace and hope, we offer these gifts. Amen.

Prayers of the People

Prayers of Thanksgiving
L: Thanks be to God.
P: Amen.

Prayers of Petition
L: Lord, in your mercy,
P: Hear our prayers.

The Lord’s Prayer

Scripture Reading — Matthew 18:21–35 · Read it in the NIV →

L: The word of our Lord.
P: Thanks be to God.

Sermon — “Forgiven to Forgive” · Rev. Dale Min

*Closing Hymn — Amazing Grace (UMH 378)

Benediction — Rev. Dale Min

Postlude — “I Will Enter His Gates (He Has Made Me Glad),” arr. Mark Hayes

Announcements

• Holy Communion offering: September’s offering goes to the American Red Cross.
• Food pantry needs: pasta sauce, tuna, canned chicken, canned stews and dinners, instant potatoes, canned vegetables (no corn), pancake mix and syrup, individually wrapped snacks, juice, and cleaning products.
• Blessings to all children and teachers returning to school!

Large-print bulletins and hymnals are available from an usher.