Worship Bulletin: 10/23/22

Worship Bulletin: 10/23/22

Welcome to Worship at the McPherson Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.

Sunday, October 23, 2022 @ 10:15 a.m.

Gathering Hymn

Video Welcome

Sharing Joys and Concerns | LeRoy Weddle

Centering Music | “Just Like That” | Ben Pasek and Justin Paul | from the musical A Christmas Story
Melia Dell Jones, vocalist; Ellen Gilbert, piano

Catch your breath and look around, there’s no monster waiting by.
Nothing’s crumbling to the ground, nothing’s tumbling from the sky.
Notice how the world keeps turning, life goes on.
A moment comes, a moment goes and just like that, the moment’s gone.

If you slip and scrape your knee – think it’s never gonna heal –
in a day or two you’ll see, it’s just not that big a deal.
And you’re back to jumping, laughing; you’ve moved on.
The moment comes, the moment goes and just like that, the moment’s gone.

So you felt like bursting somewhere deep – deep inside – and it overwhelmed you
so you cracked; so you cried. 
But it passes in an instant, passes by so fast.
Don’t forget to remember these moments never last.
Notice how the world keeps turning life goes on and just like that, the moment’s gone

Opening Responsive Prayer | inspired by Luke 18:9-14 | John van de Laar

So many voices trumpet their greatness, so many images boast of their beauty, flaunt their power,
squander their wealth; and all too many of them do so in your name, Jesus.

And here we are in a world which is daily broken by the foolish arrogance of men and women just like us;
And so we pray for the healing of humility to flood every corner of our world:
wherever there is exploitation and God-imaged people are dehumanized;
wherever there is neglect and the needs of the poorest are ignored;
wherever there is disdain, and the sacred value of creatures and earth are denied;
wherever there is violence, and the gifts of difference and dignity are rejected.

Wherever people are tempted to think of themselves as;
better than others, more worthy, more deserving, more important to you,
may your humility break in and challenge us, reminding us of our brokenness and need,
and teaching us to serve and to love everyone with the grace and humility you show toward us. AMEN

Opening Song | “Standing in the Need of Prayer”

Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner

Special Music | “My Rock, My Sword, My Shield” | Mack Kids

Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460

Musical Offering | “Do Lord” | Krystal Bells – Mack Kids

Scripture Focus | Luke 18:9-14
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, 
Jesus told this parable:
“Two [people] went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 
The Pharisee stood and prayed:
‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people; robbers, evildoers, adulterers –
or even like the tax collector. I fast twice a week and I give one-tenth of all I get.’
But the tax collector slumped in the shadows – not even daring to look up. Face hidden in hands – the tax collector said, ‘
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
I tell you that this one, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt
themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Scripture Song | “Two People Came to Church to Pray”

Message | “Religiosity” | Kathryn Whitacre
Please take a moment to contemplate the scripture and message.

Sending Song | “Will You let me be Your Servant | #307

Sending Words

Sending Music | “Trumpet Tune” | Jerry McCrory
Ellen Gilbert, organ


Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert

Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming