Bearing the Cross

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 30, 2020
Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time
Hymn: 223 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Call to worship: (Romans 12)
Leader: Let us love one another genuinely, hate what is evil, and hold fast to what is good;
All: Let us love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
Leader: Let us not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, and serve the Lord.
All: Let us rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
Leader: Let us contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
All: Let us worship the Lord in all we do and say! 

Opening prayer of confession
O God, you are infinite, eternal and unchangeable, glorious in holiness, full of love and compassion, abundant in grace and truth. We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy. We have not loved you with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with you, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness. In your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Renew and restore a right spirit within us, this we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:
Hear the good news!
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I declare to you in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
Thanks be to God! 

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-21

Hymn: 826 Lift High the Cross

Scripture reading: Matthew 16:21-28

Reflection 

Apostle’s creed

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer

Offering

Benediction

Hymn: 834 Precious Lord, Take my Hand