Elevated to Serve

Today’s guest speaker is Pat Cook.
 
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.

Gathering Around the Word

Prelude
Lord, everywhere we look we see the imprint of your creative love. The wondrous works of nature show your majesty. As we gather today to celebrate your love and creation, keep us mindful that we are part of that created order, meant to be stewards and not destroyers. Prepare us to work for you in ministries of peace and justice. AMEN.

Introit                                                                                                            Choir                                                         
ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                                                    

CALL TO WORSHIP: 
L: Power and might and majesty belong to God who created and is creating.
P: Thanks be to God for God’s mighty wonders.
L: Like the image of the powerful wind, and heavens as a garment, God’s majesty is revealed in all creation.
P: We look around us at the wonders and marvel and the infinite variety and beauty which God has created.
L: Who are we, that God should pay attention to us?
P: We are God’s beloved children, the stewards whom God has selected to care for God’s world. AMEN.

PRAYER OF INVOCATION
HYMN:                               “I Am Thine, O Lord”                                                 #455
CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                                                          (UNISON)
We can get caught up in selfish pursuits and completely over look the wonders of your creation, O God. All around us are majestic reminders of the beauty you offer to us. But we are weak and easily trapped into attitudes of indifference or destructive behavior. You have not given this world to us that we should destroy it, but rather that we should cherish it and make sure that all receive from its bounty. Forgive our overwhelming greed and selfishness. Help us to let go of the petty desires for wealth, position, and power, and bring us into a ministry which proclaims your love and  justice for all your people. These things we pray in the name of the Master 
Servant, Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN.
In our moments of honest reflection, we realize how often we fall short of our goals
to follow you. In that knowledge, let us confess our shortcomings to God.

*Time of silent prayer.
 
ASSURANCE OF PARDON: God hears the cries of our hearts, sees our actions, knows our attitudes. In the midst of our sinfulness, God reaches out to heal and forgive us. Receive the forgiveness which God has offered to you. Live in God’s love. AMEN.

*Passing the Peace
L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 
P: And also, with you. 
    
*Response - GLORIA PATRI
Children’s Chat
Special Music                                                                                                 Choir

The Word of God
Prayer of Illumination
Scripture Reading:                                                                          Mark 10:35 - 45

The Request of James and John
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

39 “We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

​41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Sermon:                  " Elevated To Serve "
Summary: A sermon from the perspective of John, which explores that Jesus helps us see that true Christianity leads us to serving in love
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HYMN:                       “Lord Speak to Me”                                                #625
Apostles Creed
Presentation of our Tithes and Offering

Offertory                                                      Doxology 

Prayer of Dedication:                                                                                    
Concerns and Celebrations                                                  ​

BIRTHDAYS        Rick McFeeley, Michael Durila, Jr.
                                       
ANNIVERSARIES    Grant and Amy Molinaro

JOYS AND CONCERNS  

 Baby Glen and his family are all doing good and recuperating from the COVID.
    
SYMPATHY        The Family of Eugene Foster                    

Continued prayers for Susan Schively, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Karen Eisiminger, Ed Horne, June and Keith McGill, Glenn Miles,  Roger Riggs, Doug Ward, Tim Knabenshue, Adam Moore, Frank Huffman, Nellie and Frank Baker, Michael Durila, Jr., Michael Durila Sr., Justin Hagon, Cory Patrick, Tom Westfall, Mary Ann Durila, Donald Potts, Suzy Smith, Elaine Belcastro, Lisa Marshall, Sandy Stone, Diane Bednarski.

Prayers of the People                                                                                          
The Lord’s Prayer

HYMN:                                   “ I Surrender All”                                             #408
Choral Benediction                                                                                              Choir
POSTLUDE

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PLEASE NOTE:  Considering that the level of Covid infection has substantially increased in Washington County, North Buffalo has decided to reinstate social distancing during worship, although masks will continue to be optional for the present time.

We welcome all who have come to join us in the worship of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Please come again.  If you are visiting with us today, please let us know that we might welcome you into our church family. 
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REMEMBER OUR FOOD COLLECTION:  And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.”  Mark 6:37. Please remember our food pantry is available to anyone in need.  Replenish with your hands and listen for the need with your ears.    

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Carol and Ed Horne are collecting bottle tabs once again this year and will take them to the Ronald McDonald House at Children’s Hospital right before Christmas.  She would like you to be sure they are the nonmagnetic tabs.    ​