Call to Worship:
One: Blessed are those who are afraid or unable to stand tall.
All: God will raise them up.
One: Blessed are those who are not afraid to break the rules in order to set others free.
All: God will raise them up.
One: Blessed are all those of every age who hear God's call to be prophets, and respond.
All: God will raise them up.
One: Blessed are those who affirm the ministry of children and youth.
All: God will raise them up.
One: Blessed are those who rejoice when they see others receiving the gifts of freedom and new life.
All: God will raise them up.
One: Blessed are we, as we worship our God together.
All: God will raise us up!

Opening Prayer:  (Together)
There are times, God, when we feel bent over and broken down.You say to us, “you are free.” You call us to speak your word, to live lives of justice and goodness. Help us, God, to trust you. Help us to do your will. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Hymn of Worship: “Praise with Joy the World's Creator ” # 312 VU

Recognizing our Flawed Humanity:  [Confession, said together]
We come before you, O God, to confess what you already know. We have allowed fear and selfishness to guide us rather than your holy and life-giving will. We have twisted your teachings to suit our preconceptions and interests. We have hardened our hearts to others and have added to their suffering.
All: Merciful God, heal us, forgive us and renew us.

Assurance of Pardon:
Leader: People of God, hear the good news! God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love for us all. Be at peace and accept the forgiveness that God offers.
All: Thanks be to God!

Halle, Halle, Halle: Sing Twice  # 958 VU {Please Stand}
HALLE, HALLE, HALLELUYAH, HALLE, HALLE, HALLELUYAH
HALLE, HALLE, HALLELUYAH, HALLELUYAH, HALLELUYAH.

Time with the Young and the Young at Heart:

Hymn:  “In the Bulb There Is a Flower ” #703 VU

Scripture Readings:
Jeremiah 1: 4 - 10
Psalm 71   ( p. 789 VU, with sung response)
Hebrews 12: 18 - 29
Luke 13: 10 - 17

Solo:  “All His Children”   by Henry Mancini (sung by Allie Raycraft)

Sermon

Hymn:  “As a Fire Is Meant for Burning ” #578 VU

Invitation to Offering:
Leader: Leader: As God has been generous to us, so may we offer our gifts to God. Our offering will now be received.

Offertory Music:  [Those collecting offering, please remain at the back until the selection is complete. Thank you.]

Doxology:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures high and low,
Give thanks to God in love made known,
Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Amen.

Prayer of Dedication:  {Together}
Blessed are you, O God, who made all things and put us on this beautiful, diverse, life-filled planet earth. With these gifts that we now offer we express our thankfulness and seek to be good caretakers of all that you have entrusted to us. Amen.

Prayers of the People, with the Prayer of Jesus:
Loving God, in the privilege of prayer we come, speaking what is in our hearts for others. We pray your blessing on every commitment to lift up the downtrodden, so that each of your children shall be honoured and loved.
May we be signs of God's presence.
We pray for all who are bent over by injustice, and for those who are learning to stand tall and proud.
May we be signs of God's presence.
We pray for people who are afraid to embrace your compassion, and for those who are learning to trust and believe in your loving provision for their lives.
May we be signs of God's presence.
May we receive with joy the full measure of our days, always knowing the abundance of your love and the bounty of your grace at work in us and in all creation.
May we be signs of God's presence.
Hear us now O God, as we lift before you those who need your healing touch, those who need your life-giving Spirit, those who need your mercy and grace. We name them before you, either silently or aloud …
Lord of Love, we pray for our own needs as well...
And now, gathering our prayers and praises into one, we pray in the Spirit of Jesus, saying: “Creator in Heaven, our Mother, our Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come...”

Hymn:  “There's a Wideness in God's Mercy ” #271 VU

Commissioning and Benediction:
Leader: You are children of God. Go and celebrate the freedom and love that God has given you. Go and proclaim God's message of love and freedom to others. And may God who calls us, Jesus, the one who sets us free, and the Holy spirit that supports us be with you this day and forevermore.   Amen.

Threefold Amens:  # 967 VU [We ask that people remain standing (those that are able) until the Christ Candle is extinguished.]

Lectionary Reading for September 1, 2019   Twelth Sunday after Pentecost  Jeremiah 2:4-13;  Psalm 81:1, 10-16;  Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16;  Luke 14:1, 7-14.

1. FRIDAY, August 30, 2019  Community Involvement Meeting  7:00 pm


2. SENIOR CHOIR  7:30pm   COME.  SING WITH US!
   The Senior Choir will resume practice Thursday, September 5th at 7:30 p.m. Come and join us for musical fellowship.


3. Jubilation Handbell Ringers will resume their practices September 10, 2018 at 7:00pm. We welcome new members. Please join us in the sanctuary.


4. SUNDAY, September 15 , 2019  11:30AM - 1:00PM   SUNDAY BRUNCH  ALL ARE WELCOME!
   
   
5. WENDESDAY, September 18, 2019  10:00 am & 11:00 am   Lodge Services at BDCC & River Heights Lodge respectively  YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US!