September 7, 2025
Prelude: This Is My Father’s World
Sheppard/arr. Bisbee
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 1]
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither.
The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Let us worship the LORD!
This Is My Father’s World (Hymn 293)
Sheppard/Babcock
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world: oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.
Confession
God of peace, we often feel lost in the abundance of competing information in our culture. We are hungry for truth and leadership. Forgive us when we pay attention to the loudest voices and lose track of what matters in your kingdom. Forgive us when we are afraid to stand up against injustice. Open our eyes, and give us courage to see people and situations in the light of your truth. Empower us to action based on the reality of your love and care, not on the divisiveness of the powerful. Amen.
Silence
God of Mercy, God of Grace (Hymn 203)
Wilson/Lyte
God of mercy, God of grace, show the brightness of Your face;
Shine upon us, Savior, shine, fill us with your light divine.
Let the people praise You, Lord, be by all that live adored;
At Your feet their tribute pay, and Your holy will obey.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Doxology
Wren/Geistliche Kirchengesäng
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures here below. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, three in one. O praise God, Alleluia!
O praise God, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Tina Russell
Old Testament: Judges 9:7-21
New Testament: Romans 16:17-20
O God of Earth and Altar (Hymn 291)
Chesterton/Welsh folk melody
O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry;
Our earthly rulers falter, our people drift and die;
The walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide;
Take not your thunder from us, but take away our pride.
From all that terror teaches, from lies of pen and voice,
From all the easy speeches that make our hearts rejoice,
From sale and profanation of honor and the sword,
From sleep and from damnation, deliver us, good Lord!
Awaken us to action and forge us into one,
Defying sect and faction; O God, your will be done!
Oppressive systems snare us; our apathies increase.
Great God, in mercy spare us for justice and for peace!
Homily: God and Gaslighting
Scott Starbuck
Focus: We seem to be faced with a fundamental choice of whether we are going to fully embrace the reality that God has placed before us, or choose to believe and act based on the gaslighting of others. This is a primary ethical choice for Christians.
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Music: Let Us Break Bread Together
African American Spiritual/Proulx
Communion Prayer
Call to Stewardship
Mila Russell
What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
-Psalm 8:4
Sending: Psalm 67
Webber/OLD HUNDREDTH
May God be merciful to us,
Bless us, shine on us from above;
Let all earth’s people know your ways,
All nations know your saving love.
Let all the nations praise you, Lord,
Let them praise you, be glad, and sing;
You judge with equity all lands
And rule the nations as their king.
Let all the nations praise you, Lord;
And may the earth yield its increase;
Then God, our God, will bless our land
And nations worship him in peace.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: God, Our Lord, a King Remaining
Owen/arr. Langlois
OneLicense# A-727502
CCLI# 283345
