First UCC Richmond

Sunday Worship Service at 10:00am

Our church doors are open every Sunday at 9 am for those who would like to drop by for a visit or to drop off an envelope. Our worship service starts at 10 am and all are welcome.

You can also watch our worship service from home on our Website Sunday mornings. Go to: firstuccrichmond.yolasite.com and click on “Worship Services” in the side bar.

Sermon Text - Worship - Songs - Readings & on-line download will be available after the First United Church of Christ Richmond 10:00 Worship

Please send in your prayer requests so they can be included in the on line worship.

Virtual is not the opposite of real. It’s the opposite of physical. And they are both real. This means that when you join us for worship online, it is still a real worship service and a real connection with other online congregants. The prayers are real, the preaching is real, and the ways that God will speak to you and through you in this online space is real.

Having church online is nothing new for First United Church of Christ. We do some of this every week! But it might be new for you. You'll find an amazing online congregation and our Music Minister Bob Gorniac and Pastor Katie Dailey waiting to welcome you. And if you have any questions or trouble connecting with our worship service, just know it is new and different, all we can do is continuing giving it our best shot.

Pastor,
KatieD+

Click on text in Blue to view supporting materials

PayPal Donation

Donate

First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond MI 48062

If you prefer to send a check or are uncomfortable using Internet: Please include an email.

Thank you for claiming First UCC as your non-profit at Gordon Foods/Kroger

Thanksgiving for the offering
God’s abundance cannot be matched. Still, we are inspired to be generous by a generous God. We are inspired to give by the greatest of givers. In gratitude to God, we have presented our tithes/pledges and offerings.

Prayer of dedication
Generous God, what we place before you is but a fraction of all you have entrusted to us.

Receive these gifts, we ask, and multiply them for your purpose. Let our offerings become a source of blessing for the most vulnerable, for those in greatest need.

May the act of giving, rooted in generosity, loosen our grip on what we possess, and kindle in us a deeper desire to share. Amen.

Ringing of the Bell

Lighting of the candle

Welcome
Thank you for joining worship with us here at First United Church of Christ Richmond. We are ‘Intersection’ at S. Forest & Main. We are glad to have you if you are in-person or online. And thank you also for going onto our chat and leaving remarks: we welcome any comments and encouragement.

Welcome to our community where differences are celebrated, kindness is valued, and friendships flourish. All are welcome because we are a ‘Come As You Are’ church.

Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself
on the journey of faith,
there is a place for you here.

Call to Worship
Turn us, O God, away from the world’s temptations and distractions.
Return us, O God, to the quiet calm of your presence
Restore us, O God, to the path you call us to follow
Orient us, O God, to the hope of all that is possible through you.

God of Grace and God of Glory – pg. 436

1. God of grace and God of glo-ry, on your peo-ple pour your power;
crown you’re an-cient church-’s sto-ry; bring its bud to glo-ious flower.
Grant us wis-dom, grant us cour-age, for the fac-ing of this hour,
for the fac-ing of this hour.

2. From the e-vils that sur-round us and as-sail the Savior’s ways,
from the fears that long have bound us, free our hearts for faith and praise.
Grant us wis-dom, grant us cour-age, for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.

3. Cure your child-ren’s, war-ing mad-ness; bend our pride to your con-trol.
Shame our reck-less , self-ish, glad-ness, rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wis-dom, grant us cour-age, make our bro-ken spir-its, whole,
make our bro-ken spir-its, whole.

4. Set our feet on loft-y plac-es;
gird our lives that they may be ar-mored with all Christ-like grac-es,
in the fight to set us free.
Grant us wis-dom, grant us cour-age, in the quest for lib-er-ty,
in the quest for lib-er-ty.

5. Save us from weak res-ig-na-tion to the evils we de-plore;
let the search for your sal-va-tion be our glo-ry ev-er-more.
Grant us wis-dom, grant us cour-age, serv-ing you whom we a-dore,
serv-ing you whom we a-dore.

Call to confession
Let us honestly acknowledge how we have gone astray and confess our sins to God.

Prayer of confession
God, our refuge, you lift up the lowly and hold out hope to the hopeless. Yet we who receive your grace so freely do not follow your example. We are quick to judge, eager to criticize, slow to show mercy.

We gather and keep for ourselves what was meant to be shared. We diminish and dehumanize those around us. God of us all, hear this confession. Receive it. We ask for your forgiveness. Amen.

Assurance of pardon
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.

Prayer for illumination
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on us. Open us to your life-giving Word. Quiet the voices within us that do not align with your will. Focus our minds on the message you intend for us, so we may faithfully discern your way. Amen.

Scripture readings: Kim McCardell

First reading

Exodus 17:1-7

Second reading

Philippians 2:1-13

Alleluia – pg. 765

1. Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia,
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!

Gospel

Matthew 21:23-32

Message: Justine Achatz

Affirmation of faith
We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life.
The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves
and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers
in the one body of Christ, the Church.

The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church.

In a broken and fearful world, the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Announcements

Respond to the First UCC request for help
Return Pledge Cards as soon as possible
Annual congregational budget meeting October 18 after service

Sending and Blessing
We are the Body of Christ: hands, feet, heart, lungs. We breathe, we move, we act. In this world, we bear witness—to mercy, to love, to the persistent hope of God.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus – pg. 506

1. What a friend we have in Je-sus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a priv-i-lege to car-ry ev-ery-thing to God in Prayer!
Oh, what peace we of-ten for-feit, oh, what need-less pain we bear,
All be-cause we do not car-ry ev-ery-thing to God in prayer.

2. Have we tri-als and temp-ta-tions? Is there trou-ble an-y-where?
We should nev-er be dis-cour-aged; take it to our God in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faith-ful, who will all our sor-rows share?
Je-sus knows our ev-ery weak-ness; take it to our God in prayer!

3. Are we weak and heav-y lad-en, Bur-dened with a load of care?
Pre-cious Savior, still our ref-uge, take it to our God in prayer!
Do your friends de-spise, for-sake you? Take it to our God in prayer!
Je-sus’ arms will take and shield you; you will find a sol-ace there.

Donate

First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond MI 48062

If you prefer to send a check or are uncomfortable using Internet: Please include an email.

Thank you for claiming First UCC as your non-profit at Gordon Foods/Kroger

Thanksgiving for the offering
Out of gratitude for all that God has provided for us and with hope for a future that continues to unfold toward God’s promised end, we brought our offerings or sent them via mail or on-line to work for God’s work among us in this time and place.

Prayer of dedication
We give you thanks, Creator of heaven and earth and all that is within them, for the gift of this day, this moment of worship, and your word which is engraved upon our hearts. Receive and bless these gifts that we return to you, as a symbol of the dedication of our entire lives, that we as your church might be ever more faithful in your work of reconciliation, love and joy. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Ringing of the Bell

Lighting of the candle

Welcome to our community where differences are celebrated, kindness is valued, and friendships flourish. All are welcome because we are a ‘Come As You Are’ church.

Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself
on the journey of faith,
there is a place for you here.

Call to worship
We lift up our eyes to the hills — from where will our help come? Our help comes not from the hills, but from the Lord who made heaven and earth.

I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable;
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

With endurance, expectation, and joy, let us worship the living God!

We Gather Together – NCH pg. 421

1. We gath-er to-get-her to askfor God’s bless-ing.
to live in com-mu-ni-ty, seek-ing God’s will.
We come now, as sis-ters and broth-ers,
Con-fess-ing the sins that di-vide and the wrong in us still.

2. Be-side us for-giv-ing, en-a-bling, sus-tain-ing,
you call us, O Sav-ior, to life that is new.
You draw us a-way from self-cen-tered com-plain-ing
You lead us and guide us in ways that are true.

3. All praise to the Spir-it, pro-vid-er, de-fend-er.
You offer us free-dom, to fol-low or stray,
Em-pow-er-ing all by the hope you en-gen-der.
Grant wis-dom and cour-age to fol-low your way.

Call to confession
If we say we have no sin, the truth is not in us. And yet, we want to be people of truth and love. So we come to the baptismal font seeking a new start; a new day; an opportunity to join God’s work of building and planting. With confidence that God hears our prayers and loves us unconditionally, let us confess our sins:

Prayer of confession
God of the covenant, you promise to write your law in our hearts, that we might be faithful people who know you and your will for us. Still we stray from your ways, we fail to tell the truth, we mirror the world around us more than the good news of the gospel, and we fail to acknowledge that you are our God.

Forgive us, and by your Spirit renew us. Engrave your covenant upon us once more. Grant us courage and faith that we might begin again to live what it is we say we believe.

Assurance of pardon
No longer shall they teach one another or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more. Hear and believe this good news! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

Prayer for illumination
Amid a world where sound teaching is hard to find, our ears are easily tickled by words that suit our own desires. Open us to hear your word, O Lord, that we might know you and your will for us today.

Scripture readings: Kim Schrote

First reading

Exodus 16:2-15

Second reading

Philippians 1:21-30

Sweet, Sweet Spirit - NCH pg. 293

1. There’s a sweet, sweet Spir-it in this place,
And I know that it’s the Spir-it of the Lord;
There are sweet ex-pres-sions on each face,
And I know they feel the pre-sence of the Lord,
Sweet Ho-ly Spir-it, sweet hev-en-ly Dove,
stay right here with us, fill-ing us with your love;
And for these bless-ings we lift our hearts in praise.
With-out a doubt we’ll know that we have been re-vived
when we shall leave this place.

2. There are bless-ings you can-not re-ceive
Till you know that Spir-it’s full-ness and be-lieve;
You’re the one to prof-it when you say,
“I am going to stay with Je-sus all the way.”
Sweet Ho-ly Spir-it, sweet hev-en-ly Dove,
stay right here with us, fill-ing us with your love;
And for these bless-ings we lift our hearts in praise.
With-out a doubt we’ll know that we have been re-vived
when we shall leave this place.

Gospel

Matthew 20:1-16

Message

Affirmation of faith – the Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Announcements

Respond to the First UCC request for help
Return Pledge Cards as soon as possible
Annual congregational budget meeting October 18 after service

Sending and Blessing
May the God of peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being – heart, spirit, soul, and body – sound and blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and God will do this. Alleluia. Amen.

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Text and Music: Sy Miller and Jill Jackson
#703 in Journey Song@2012 OCP

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;
let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father, children all are we.
Let us walk with each oth-er in perfect har-mo-ny.
Let peace be-gin with me; let this be the mo-ment now.
With ev-ery step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
to take each mo-ment and live each mo-ment in peace e-ter-nal-ly.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it be-gin with me.

Donate

First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond MI 48062
Rev. Katie Dailey, Pastor
If you prefer to send a check or are uncomfortable using Internet: Please include an email.

Gordon Foods/Kroger thank you for claiming First UCC as your non-profit

Thanksgiving for the Offering
With gratitude for all God has given us, let us return our offerings to God.

Prayer of dedication
Generous God, we offer our gifts to you, grateful for all you have given us, and grateful for the chance to give to others. Build up your church through these offerings, that we might be a place where your goodness is seen, practiced, and shared. Amen.

Ringing of the Bell

Lighting of the candle

Welcome
Welcome to our community where differences are celebrated, kindness is valued, and friendships flourish. Everyone is welcome and that is true. No matter where you came from, your religious training OR no religiosity, all are welcome because we are a ‘Come As You Are’ Community, a come as you are gathering of believers. You are welcome here. There is no impression management needed with us. Just be real.

Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith,
there is a place for you here.

Call to worship #824 NCH
Beautiful are the works of God!
Beautiful also are all God’s people.
Beautiful is the mind of God
Beautiful also are the hopes of God’s peoples.
Beautiful is the heart of God!
Beautiful also are the souls of God’s people!
God made the heavens and the earth!
To God be the glory for the things God has done.

adapted, Trinity UCC, Chicago

Seek the Lord! Seek God in the wilderness.
Seek God in the sanctuary.
Seek God in the burning bush.
Seek God in the burning heart.
The Lord is here! This place is holy!
We are standing on holy ground.

We Are Called

Words and music by
David Haas, GIA Publishing@1988
One License A 721 722

Come! Live in the light! Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!
We are called to be light for the king-dom,
to live in the freedom of the cit-y of God.

We are called to act with jus-tice; we are called to live ten-der-ly.
We are called to serve one an-oth-er, to walk hum-by with God.

Come! O-pen your heart! Show your mer-cy to all those who hear!
We are called to be hope for the hope-less,
so, hat-red, and violence will be no more.

We are called to act with jus-tice; we are called to love ten-der-ly
We are called to serve one an-oth-er, to walk hum-by with God.

Sing! Sing a new song! Sing of that great day when all will be one!
God will reign, and we’ll walk with each other
as sis-ters and brothers u-nit-ed in love.

We are called to act with jus-tice; we are called to love ten-der-ly;
we are called to serve one an-oth-er to walk hum-by with God.

We’ll walk hum-bly with God We’ll walk hum-bly with God

Call to confession
Sin casts us out into the cold, but the warmth of God’s forgiveness welcomes us back. Trusting in God’s love, let us confess our sins to God:

Prayer of confession
God of wonders, we confess that we do not understand why you call us when we are scared, clumsy, busy or flawed.

We confess that we think we know better than you do who is qualified to do your work. Forgive our fears and excuses and self-doubts.

Lend us your fire and your strength, as we go about the work of serving our neighbors, building up your church, loving your children, and tending to the scorched places of our world.

Help us to burn for you, without burning up or burning out. Give us a purpose and the courage to pursue it. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Assurance of pardon
Hear the good news! New life rises from the ashes. In Christ, your sins are dead and you are alive to all that is good. In Christ, we are made whole; in Christ, we are forgiven. Alleluia!Amen.

Prayer for illumination
What we are not, make us.
What we have not, give us.
What we know not, teach us.
In the name of God, Creator,
Redeemer and Sustainer. Amen.

Scripture readings

First reading

Exodus 3:1-15

Second reading

Romans 12:9-21

Lead Me, Guide Me vs. 1 & 3

Doris Akers, @1953, Gather
One License A 721 722

Lead me, guide me, a-long the way, For if you lead me, I can-not stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee. Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.

I am weak and I need thy strength and power
to help me over my weakest hour.
Help me through the dark-ness thy face to see, Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.

Lead me, guide me, a-long the way, For if you lead me, I can-not stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee. Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.

I am lost if you take your hand from me, I am blind with-out thy Light to see,
Lord, just al-ways let me thy servant be. Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.

Lead me, guide me, a-long the way, For if you lead me, I can-not stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with thee. Lead me, oh Lord, lead me.

Gospel

Matthew 16:21-28

Sermon - Who Do You Follow?

Affirmation of faith (in the silence of your heart)
God’s sovereign love is a mystery beyond the reach of our minds.
We believe that God has created the world of space and time to be the sphere of God’s dealings with humankind.

In its beauty and vastness, transcendence and awe-fulness, order and disorder, the world reflects to the eye of faith the majesty and mystery of its Creator.

We believe that God has created us for a personal relationship in which we may respond to the love of the Creator. Life is a gift to be received with gratitude and a task to be pursued with courage.

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer

Yellow Sheets: Vance Green, (shoulder Replacement) Will Geisel, (Golf Cart Accident) Christina and twins (high levels of lead), Ema, age 10, Cancer

Secure that Christ has heard all these prayers, along with those we have not formed into words, let us say together the words he himself taught his disciples to pray, saying, “Our Father …”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

No in-person worship September 6.
September 13, Worship at Trinity Lutheran 10:00
Bob Gorinac Birthday on September 14.

Sending and blessing
I send you out now into the world: where are there are many fires burning that could consume you. But still I say: do not be afraid!

The Light of God surrounds you,
The love of God enfolds you,
The power of God protects you,
The presence of God watches over you;
Wherever you are, God is.

You bear the fire that does not consume: the strength of God who keeps you, the clarity of Christ who calls you, and the dancing flames of the Holy Spirit, who makes you brave and bold. Amen.

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Text and Music: Sy Miller and Jill Jackson
#703 in Journey Song@2012 OCP
One License A 721 722

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;
let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father, children all are we.
Let us walk with each oth-er in perfect har-mo-ny.
Let peace be-gin with me; let this be the mo-ment now.
With ev-ery step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
to take each mo-ment and live each mo-ment in peace e-ter-nal-ly.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it be-gin with me.

Please come downstairs and join us for Coffee and Conversation.

Donate

First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond MI 48062
Rev. Katie Dailey, Pastor
If you prefer to send a check or are uncomfortable using Internet: Please include an email.

Thank you for claiming First UCC as your non-profit at Gordon Foods/Kroger

Thanksgiving for the offering
Paul wrote that we are the body with many members, each with a different function. Our gifts are myriad, yet our calling is common: to return to God that which we have received according to God’s grace.

Prayer of dedication
God of Abundance, we have received blessings from you and today we hear your call to share our time, our talent and our treasure with your beloved community. May these gifts bring your light, love and hope to all who need them.

Ringing of the Bell

Lighting of the candle

Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith,
there is a place for you here.

*Call to worship
Hear O Israel! I am calling! Are you listening?
We are here and we are ready.
Beloved Children, who do you say that I am?
You are our rock and our redeemer. Our trust is in you. Our hearts, minds and souls belong to you!
I created you, named you and have a calling for your life.
We give thanks with our whole hearts for your steadfast love!

Sing a New Church (familiar melody)

Text: Delores Dufner,@1991
Music Score: Come Thou Font of Every Blessing #459 NCH
Robert Robinson, 1758
Gather Comprehensive @2004 GIA #644
Tune: NETTLETON John Wyeth’s Repository
of Sacred Music, 1813
One License A 721 722

Verse 1
Summoned by the God who made us, Rich in our diversity;
Gathered in the Name of Jesus, Richer still in unity.
Let us bring the gifts that differ And in splendid, varied ways,
Sing a new church into being, One in Faith and Love and Praise.

Verse 2
Radiant, risen from the water, Robed in holiness and light,
Male and female in God’s image, Male and female, God’s delight.
Let us bring the gifts that differ And in splendid, varied ways,
Sing a new church into being, One in Faith and Love and Praise.

Verse 3
Trust the Goodness of creation: Trust the Spirit strong within.
Dare to dream the vision promised, Sprung from seed of what has been.
Let us bring the gifts that differ And in splendid, varied ways,
Sing a new church into being, One in Faith and Love and Praise.

Verse 4
Bring the hopes of every nation; Bring the art of every race.
Weave a song of peace and justice; Let it sound through time and space.
Let us bring the gifts that differ And in splendid, varied ways,
Sing a new church into being, One in Faith and Love and Praise.

Verse 5
Draw together at one table, All the human family;
Shape a circle ever wider And a people ever free.
Let us bring the gifts that differ And in splendid, varied ways,
Sing a new church into being, One in Faith and Love and Praise.

Call to confession
You call out to us, Lord, but we struggle to listen. As we come before you with our hearts open, quiet the noise of the world, of our pressing thoughts and fears, so that we may hear your Spirit fully.

Prayer of confession
God of truth, like a moth that gnaws at wool,
our brokenness eats away at our souls.

We allow the cacophony of greed, selfishness, apathy and ignorance to drown out your voice as you call us to see the suffering in our world and respond to the needs of your children.

In our busy lives, we convince ourselves that there is no time to help, no space for prayer and no need for justice. Forgive us.

Remind us that only when we slow down and breathe deeply of your Holy Spirit and holy Word can our ears hear your voice. Inspire us to greater love for you and for one another. Amen.

Assurance of pardon (based on Isaiah 51:4 and Matthew 16:19)
The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me.” Jesus promised, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom.”

We know love and forgiveness because God first loved us and has been calling out to us forever, “You are my beloved!” May we respond to such abundant grace with deep gratitude for God’s unending forgiveness. God loves me, heals me, strengthens me and calls me by name. Through Jesus I am made whole! Thanks be to God!

Prayer for illumination

What we are not, make us.
What we have not, give us.
What we know not, teach us.
In the name of God, Creator,
Redeemer and Sustainer. Amen.

Scripture Readings

First reading

Exodus 1:8-2:10

Alternate First reading

Isaiah 51:1-6

Second reading

Romans 12:1-8

NCH #52 O How I Love Jesus

Frederick Whitfield @1855
Public Domain

There is a name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth;
It sounds like mu-sic to my ear, The sweet-est name on earth.

O HOW I LOVE JE-SUS, O HOW I LOVE JE-SUS, O HOW I LOVE JE-SUS,
WHOSE LOVE HAS FIRST FOUND ME.

Gospel

Matthew 16:13-20

Sermon - Gatekeepers

Baptism of Giavanna Elizabeth McCardell
daughter of Kimberly McCardell
godmother Allison Gladys Lech
godfather John Thomas Swamba V

This is the water of baptism.
Out of this water we rise with new life, one in Christ, member’s of Christ’s body.

addressing Kim
Do you desire to have your child baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ? I Do.

addressing Kim, Allison and John
Will you teach Gia so that she will one day profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? We will with the help of God.

Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ’s disciples, to follow the way of Jesus, to show love and justice?
We will with the help of God.

To the Assembly: Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support, and care to Gia about to be baptized, as she lives and grows in Christ?
We promise our love, support and care.

Let us unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God
Do you believe in God? I believe in God.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ? I believe in Jesus Christ.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? I believe in the Holy Spirit.

Christ be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Bless by your Holy Spirit, gracious God, this water. (pour)

Create new life in this one baptized this day that she may rise in Christ. Glory to you, eternal God, the one who was, and is and shall always be world without end.

By what name will your child be called?

Giavanna Elizabeth McCardell I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Gia you are a child of God. The Holy Spirit be upon you Giovanna child of God, disciple of Christ, member of the church.

_______The light of Christ is given so that you may always follow the light of Christ. You must bring the light to other people.

Let us pray for Giavanna Elizabeth McCardell baptized today; may she be filled with joy, may she never be ashamed to confess a personal faith in you, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless her mom, Kim McCardell, and sponsors John Swamba and Allison Lech and her relatives and the special connections already in her young life. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Now, I invite those present to come and lay hands on Gia as we pray for her. If you can’t reach her touch whoever is in front of you who is able to touch her. We need to connect.

#323 NCH Little Children, Welcome vs 1 & 2

Fred Pratt Green, 1973
Roy Hopp, 1988

Little Gia wel-come! Earth is yours to live in;
arms of love protect you, Little Gia wel-come!

Little Gia wel-come! Je-sus cares a-bout you;
Je-sus now en-folds you, Lit-tle Gia welcome!

Affirmation of faith (part of Baptism Rite)
The new life finds its direction in the life of Jesus, his deeds and words, his struggles against temptation, his compassion, his anger, and his willingness to suffer death. The teaching of apostles and prophets guides men and women in living this life, and the Christian community nurtures and equips them for their ministries.
9.25 The members of the church are emissaries of peace and seek the good of all in cooperation with powers and authorities in politics, culture, and economics. But they have to fight against pretensions and injustices when these same powers endanger human welfare. Their strength is in their confidence that God’s purpose rather than human schemes will finally prevail.
9.26 Life in Christ is life eternal. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign that God will consummate the work of creation and reconciliation beyond death and bring to fulfillment the new life begun in Christ.

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer 8/23/2026
Gia McCardell Baptism . . . . . . . . . volunteer

Guide us in your ways as we pray the prayer you taught us: “Our Father…”

Sending and Blessing (based on Isaiah 51:7)
“Listen to me … you people who have my teachings in your hearts,” wrote the prophet Isaiah. As you move out from this sacred space, may God’s Word guide you to the people you need to meet and the places you need to be.

The Light of God surrounds you,
The love of God enfolds you,
The power of God protects you,
The presence of God watches over you;
Wherever you are, God is.

May the God of all creation bless you and keep you. May Jesus Christ make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Holy Spirit lift up her countenance upon you and bring you peace as all of God’s children say, “Amen!”

NCH #474 I’m So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me

African-American spiritual

I’m so glad, Je-sus lift-ed me,
I’m so glad, Je-sus lift-ed me,
I’m so glad, Je-sus lift-ed me,
sing-ing glo-ry, hal-le-lu-jah, Je-sus lift-ed me.

Sa-tan had me bound, Je-sus lift-ed me,
Sa-tan had me bound, Je-sus lift-ed me,
Sa-tan had me bound, Je-sus lift-ed me,
sing-ing glo-ry, hal-le-lu-jah, Je-sus lift-ed me.

When I was in trou-ble, Je-sus lift-ed me,
When I was in trouble, Je-sus lift-ed me,
When I was in trouble, Je-sus lift-ed me,
sing-ing glo-ry, hal-le-lu-jah, Je-sus lift-ed me.

Donate

First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond MI 48062
Rev. Katie Dailey, Pastor
If you prefer to send a check or are uncomfortable using Internet: Please include an email.

Thank you for claiming First UCC as your non-profit at Gordon Foods/Kroger

Thanksgiving for the offering
God, your providence is evident when we take a long, loving look at our lives. The twists and turns, the disappointments and hurts, none of them were absent of your grace and purpose. Aware that you do not reject or abandon us, but remain with us always, we respond with gratitude, giving in joy our morning’s offering with confidence you will use it to reveal your care to others. Amen.

Prayer of dedication
Receive these gifts, gracious God, as an outward sign of our recognition of your amazing grace. There is nothing we can offer you in return for your love to us, and yet we know that you take what we give in faith. Bless and use it for the building up of your kingdom on earth until Christ comes again. Amen.

Ringing of the Bell

Lighting of the candle

Welcome to our community where differences are celebrated, kindness is valued, and friendships flourish. All are welcome because we are a ‘Come As You Are’ church.

Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself
on the journey of faith,
there is a place for you here.

Call to worship (Psalm 67:1-7)
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations and us.
Let the gathered praise you, O God; let all the gathered praise you.

Morning Has Broken

Marty Haagen@1987 GIA
#756 Gather Comprehensive
One License A 721 722

Morn-ing has bro-ken like the first morn-ing,
black-bird has spoken like the first bird.

Praise for the sing-ing!Praise for the morn-ing!
Praise for them, spring-ingfresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall sun-lit from heav-en,
like the first dew-fall on the first grass.

Prasie for the sweet-ness of the wet gar-den,
sprung in com-plete-ness where his feet pass.

Mine is the sun-light! Mine is the morn-ing
born of the one light E-den saw play!

Praise with e-la-tion, praise ev-ery morn-ing,
God’s re-cre-a-tion of the new day!

Call to confession
The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. God will not reject God’s people. Knowing God is merciful and abounding in steadfast love, always willing to hear our prayers and accept our heartfelt confession, we turn to our Lord with boldness, speaking aloud the ways we fail to be the people God calls us to be.

Prayer of confession
God of all people, we come before you this day keenly aware of the ways we fall short of your vision for us and for our life together.

You tell us how good and pleasant it is when we dwell together. Forgive us for thinking we are self-sufficient and independent, rather than utterly dependent upon you and in need of each other.

Help us to see ourselves and others as the beloved reflections of the divine we are and give us the grace to treat each other as such. Amen.

Assurance of pardon (Romans 11)
God does not reject God’s people. God is merciful to all. Friends, believe the good news and be at peace: Through Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

Prayer for illumination
What we are not, make us.
What we have not, give us.
What we know not, teach us.
In the name of God, Creator,
Redeemer and Sustainer. Amen.

Scripture readings proclaimed by Kim McCardell

First reading

Genesis 45:1-15

Second reading

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Gospel

Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

NCH Alleluia

Gospel’s & Sermon: Rev. Andrew Warner

Matthew 28:16-20 - The Commissioning
Luke 24:50-53 - The Ascension
John 21:14-18 - John 21:14-18

Affirmation of Faith
God the Holy Spirit fulfills the work of reconciliation in human life. The Holy Spirit creates and renews the church as the community in which people are reconciled to God and to one another.

The Spirit enables people to receive forgiveness as they forgive one another and to enjoy the peace of God as they make peace among themselves. In spite of their sin, the Spirit gives people power to become representatives of Jesus Christ and his gospel of reconciliation to all.

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer 8/16/2026
Good and gracious God, so many of your people are hurting. There seems no end in sight to the uncertainty and pain of this season.

Parents and caregivers are worried about children’s well-being as the school year approaches and the pandemic is on the horizon. Those living in group care facilities yearn to be able to have visitors again and the loneliness of those already isolated grows.

The economic fallout from this virus gets deeper and wider as many scramble to find work and put food on the table. It feels, at times, as if we call out to you and you do not respond. We call out to you now, Lord Christ: Have mercy on us. Hear our cries.

Help us.

We call out for mercy for those on the frontlines of fighting for justice. We call out for mercy for those on the frontlines of fighting this pandemic. We call out for mercy for those grieving the death of loved ones. We call out for mercy for the sick and those who tend them. We call out for mercy for the scared and those who comfort them. We call out for mercy for those without food or housing, medical care or community. We call out for mercy on behalf of those who do not have the strength to raise their own voices. We call out for mercy for ourselves, trusting you know our deepest needs even if we do not have the wisdom to name them.

Hear us, Lord. Heal us, Lord. Help us, Lord.

When we fear you have walked away from us in our desperation, send your Holy Spirit to remind us yet again that God does not reject God’s people, that the call and gifts of God are irrevocable. Embed in us the biblical stories that teach us that even that which we intend for evil, you, Lord God, use for good. Grant us faith so that we will persist in advocating for the vulnerable and hurting no matter how long it takes for our world to be made well.

We pray in thanksgiving for Rev. Andrew Warner for his words and time today.

Give us faith, Almighty God, to keep focused on our Savior, following the Way, loving you and our neighbors, until the One we worship comes again and come again he will. We make our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to say when we pray, Our Father …

Announcements

Sending and Blessing
Go out into the world in peace. Have courage! Hold fast to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve the Lord your God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

May God bless you and keep you. May God cause the divine light to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May God turn toward you, and grant you peace.

Lord of the Dance

Text: Sydney Carter@Stainer and Bell
Tune: SHAKER SONG 1915
One License A 721 722

I danced in the morning When the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon And the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven And I danced on the earth,
At Bethlehem I had my birth.