First UCC Richmond

On-Line Worship 7/12/25

Order of Worship
Seventh Sunday of Pentecost
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time / Proper 10
July 12, 2026

Prelude:  Performed by Bob Gorinac 

Offertory

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 
The God who is God demands nothing of us, but instead invites us to inhabit the infinite ocean of grace poured out through our savior, Jesus Christ. It is this generosity that gives us life, and it is in our own acts of generosity that we join in this larger life. So let us give joyfully, thanking God for the wonders of Christ’s love.

Prayer of dedication
Holy God, you have called us together as your people, gathered in your church, to struggle on behalf of your promises of grace and life for all the world. So, we pledge this portion of what is precious to us gratefully and hopefully. Bless and multiply these gifts. May their fruit demonstrate the unfathomable, inestimable glory that is yours in Christ Jesus. And if that’s asking too little, do more! In Jesus’ name we pray: 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 (from Psalm 119:105-11)
All who walk in shadow, come into the light!
God’s Word lights the way for us.
God has promised to abide with us.
So let us commit to walk in God’s ways.
All who are afflicted, ensnared by the world, come give praise to God.
God is the joy of our heart, our sure and certain comfort, come what may!

Cry of My Heart

Terry Butler:  Words and Music
@1991 Mercy Vineyard Publishing
One License A 721 722

IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO FOLLOW YOU.
IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO BE CLOSE TO YOU.
IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO FOLLOW ALL OF THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.

Teach me Your ho-ly ways, O Lord, so I can walk in Your truth
Teach me Your ho-ly ways O Lord and make me whol-ly de-vot-ed to You

IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO FOLLOW YOU.
IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO BE CLOSE TO YOU.
IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO FOLLOW ALL OF THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.

O-pen my eyes so I can see the won-der-ful things that You do.
O-pen my heart up more and more, and make it whol-ly de-vot-ed to You

IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO FOLLOW YOU.
IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO BE CLOSE TO YOU.
IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO FOLLOW ALL OF THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.

IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO FOLLOW YO 
IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO BE CLOSE TO YOU.
IT IS THE CRY OF MY HEART TO FOLLOW ALL OF THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.

ALL OF THE DAYS OF MY LIFE ALL OF THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.

Call to confession
God does not promise us a life without struggle or hardship; yet how often do we make what is already difficult even more so? Yet the grace of God is that the sorrows we inflict upon ourselves cannot last forever; so, let us unburden ourselves, confessing the ways in which we struggle against God that we may receive that grace anew.

Prayer of confession
Gracious Creator, you created this world and called it good, and out of it called a pilgrim people, chosen to abide with you and to bear witness to your reality.

Yet we, who have been called “Beloved” by you, often find ourselves making peace with what does not give peace. Meet us in our weakness; turn our unwilling eyes upon our unruly hearts.

Draw us away from our love of power, our tolerance of injustice, our ignorance of suffering. Drive us towards what is fearfully and wonderfully made, so that we may inspire hope, offer forgiveness, and love our neighbors through faithful living, according to the way of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Assurance of pardon (from Romans 8:1-3)
For those who are in Christ, there is no condemnation; for by Christ’s death and resurrection, God has done what the law and works of human righteousness alone could not: breathed new life through the Holy Spirit into the world, turning it upside down. Believe this scandalous, joyous good news: through Jesus Christ, you are forgiven and restored to new life. Alleluia! Amen! 

Prayer for illumination
What we are not, make us
What we know not, teach us
What we have not, give us in the most precious name of God.

Scripture readings - Michael Grzanka

First reading

• Genesis 25:19-34

Second reading

• Romans 8:1-11

#506 NCH What a Friend We Have in Jesus v. 1

Charles C. Converse, 1868
Joseph Scriven, 1855

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 forfeit, oh, what need-less pain we bear,
All be-cause we do not car-ry ev-ery-thing to God in prayer.

Gospel

• Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Sermon

Affirmation of faith (in the silence of your heart)
The Christian Church is the congregation of the brethren in which Jesus Christ acts presently as the Lord in Word and Sacrament through the Holy Spirit. As the Church of pardoned sinners, it has to testify in the midst of a sinful world. 

So, we reject the false doctrine, as though the church in human arrogance could place the Word and work of the Lord in the service of any arbitrarily chosen desires, purposes, and plans. Amen. 

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer
Holy God, you are a mystery hidden beyond all sense and understanding, yet you are as near to us as our very breath. As we breathe this word of prayer together, allow your Holy Spirit to enter into the deepest ground of our being, and bind us as one body with you and all the communion of the faithful in every time and place. 

Lord, we live in a time of great struggle: of nation against nation, of faction against faction, party against party, neighbor against neighbor. So many struggle to put food on the table, or keep a roof over their head, or to provide care to those they love. Meet us in the struggle, and comfort us with your quiet courage to struggle on. 

Holy Jesus, you know us by name; hear us now as we name those who need your tender care.  Jim Weeks, Lucia Marshall, Chris Hensch, Sharon Frantz, Mary Jane W, Joey, Darlene, 

God, your thoughts are not our thoughts, and your ways are not our ways, yet we abide in your peace for you have given it freely to us. 

Loosen our anxiously tightened hearts; open our fearfully clenched hands; shake us out of our screen-induced reveries. Let us see the world with a new vision: through the eyes of faith, let us perceive your way of justice in places of injustice. 

Let us recognize the humanity in those who are treated inhumanely. Let us know that you are God alone, and that in serving you, we are made stronger. 

Bless these prayers, and those offered in the silence of our hearts, and receive them with grace, as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us to pray, saying “Our Father…” 

Communion Rite

What Is This Place OCC #303

Dutch Hymn 1626
Huub Oosterhuis, tr, by David Smith
text and music@1967
Gooi en Sticht, by Baarn

What is this place, where we are meeting? On-ly a house, the earth its floor.

Walls and a roof, shel-ter-ing people, Windows for light, an o-pen door.

Yet it be-comes a bod-y that lives When we are gathered here, 
And know our God is near. 

Words from a-far, stars that are fall-ing. Sparks that are sown in us like seed:

Names for our God, dreams, signs, and wonders 
Sent from the past are all we need.
We in his place re-mem-ber and speak.
A-gain what we have heard: God’s free re-deem-ing word. 

And we ac-cept bread at His ta-ble, Bro-ken and shared, a liv-ing sign.
Here in this world, dy-ing and liv-ing, We are each other’s bread and wine.

This is the place where we can re-ceive What we need to in-crease:
Our jus-tice and God’s peace. 

Words and Receiving 

Take-Break-Bless-Share

Prayer after Communion
Creator God, we have taken the elements not our bodies.  Let Jesus be a part of us as you are a part of him.  Buide our hearts and thoughts and allow us to be one in the body of Christ.  May Christ be part of all we think about and do.  May this Communion nourish and make us whole.  Amen.

Sending and Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26)
Go forth from this place to struggle for God’s glory, to be a “happy warrior” for peace, knowing that Christ goes before you, to make a way out of no way. 

Now may the Lord bless you and keep you; may God make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up the light of their countenance upon those whom you love, both this day and forevermore. Alleluia! Amen. 

#525 NCH This Little Light of Mine

African American Spiritual
Adapt. William Farley Smith, 1987

This little light of mine, I’m gon-na let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gon-na let it shine
This little light of mine, I’m gon-na let it shine, 
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. 

Ev-ery where I go, I’m gon-na let it shine . . . 

All-through the night, I’m gon-na let it shine . . . 

Postlude:  Bob Gorinac

Thank you for praying with us - have a wonderful week!

OUR SERVICE HAS ENDED
LET OUR SERVICE BEGIN

Pay Pal OR Snail Mail Support for our Ministry to:
First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond, Michigan 48062

Bulletin Back Page July 12

On-Line Worship 7/05/26

No in-person worship for July 4th weekend 

Order of Worship
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
July 5, 2026

Call to Worship
On this weekend of celebration, we remember those who dreamed of freedom.
We give thanks for these gifts, entrusted to us.
We remember the courage of those who sought liberty and justice.
We acknowledge that we have not always lived those ideals.
Like Paul, we know the struggle within: the good we wish to do, we do not always do.
We know the weariness of divided hearts.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Come, not because we have perfected freedom, but because God is still creating it within us.
Come, let us worship the One whose ‘yoke' is easy, whose burden is light, and whose love set all people free. 

Prayer of Confession
Holy and Loving God.  On this weekend when we celebrate our nation’s birth, we give thanks for dreams of liberty, for courageous sacrifices, for democratic ideals, and for the many blessings we have received.  Yesterday we confessed that our history, like our own hearts, contains both beauty and brokenness.  Like Paul, we find ourselves divided.  We speak of freedom, yet find one another with fear.  We seek peace, yet nurture resentment.  We long for unity, yet cling to our separations.  We confess the wounds carried by this nation, the divisions that still fracture communities, and the ways power has often overshadowed compassion.  We confess our personal participation as well—the ways we contribute to conflict, avoid difficult truths, or lose hope that change is possible.  Forgive us, O God.  When we grow weary, remind us that transformation begins with surrendering ourselves to Your love.  Renew our minds.  Restore our joy.  Teach us again the freedom for which You created us.  In Christ’s name we pray.  Amen. 

Assurance
Sisters and Brothers, hear the Good News:  Paul cries, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?”  And immediately answers:  “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”  The struggle within us is real, but it is not the final word.  Christ does not wait for us to become perfect.  He meets us in our weariness.  He welcomes us in our uncertainty.  He lifts burdens we were never meat to carry.  In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and continually being made new.  Thanks be to God.  Amen 

Scripture readings: 

First reading

• Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67

Alternate First reading

• Zechariah 9:9-12

Second reading

• Romans 7:15-25a

Gospel

• Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Statement of Faith (yours)

Your Prayers

          Please include Don/Donna on their 68th Anniversary on July 5

          Those homebound and/or in Senior Facilities

          All the VBS sessions locally

          Tim/Hope Anniversary on July 11

          Tom Hebel birthday on July 10

          Joselyn Manska birthday on July 7

          For safety everywhere where fireworks are taking place

Blessing

          Make today an opportunity to be a blessing to all those around you.

Thank you for praying with us - have a wonderful week!

OUR SERVICE HAS ENDED
LET OUR SERVICE BEGIN

Bulletin Back Page July 05, 2026

Pay Pal OR Snail Mail Support for our Ministry to:
First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond, Michigan 48062

On-Line Worship 6/28/26

Order of Worship
Fifth Sunday of Pentecost
June 28, 2026

Prelude:  Bob Gorniac (By the way he plays at Louis’ Chop House at 23 Mile and Gratiot on Friday’s and Saturdays.)

•  What Is This Place #303 Breaking Bread

Komt Nu Zang
Text:  Huub  Oosterhuis
Dutch Hymn, 1626
Text & Music @1967 OCP

Offertory

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
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. God has given us life and resources for it, we give in return.

Prayer of dedication
O God, may these gifts be used as a witness to your love, peace and justice at work in the world, renewing the face of the earth.

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 (based in Psalm 89)
Let us sing of God’s steadfast love forever;
With my mouth I will proclaim God’s faithfulness to all generations.  Let us declare that God’s steadfast love is established forever; God’s faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. 

#539 NCH Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?

Richard Gillard, 1977; alt.
Tune:  Bobby Fisher b. 1952 @ 1992 GIA Publications

Won’t you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too. 

We are pilgrims on a journey, we are trav-elers on the road;
We are here to help each oth-er go the mile and bear the load. 

I will hold the Christ-light for you in the shad-ow of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.

Call to confession
We have been called to love our God with all our heart, mind, strength and soul and to love our neighbor as ourselves, but our lives are constricted and self-consumed. We have failed to love God, our neighbor and ourselves as we should. Let us make the good confession before God and others.

Prayer of confession
God of the risen Christ, you broke the power of sin and evil. And we yet we still live in the tombs of forgetfulness, anxiety and fear.

We have failed to love you as we should. We have neglected to love our neighbor. Indeed, we have even failed to love ourselves. 

Release us from the tombs that terrify us, so that we can see your image in one another and in your good creation. 

Indeed, free us from the graves of self-hatred, so that we can see ourselves as your children. Amen. 

Assurance of pardon
The mercy of the Lord is sure. In Christ, we are forgiven and set free from the chains that bind us so that we can be your people. Thanks be to God!

Prayer for illumination
Savior God, your Word is a lamp to our feet on this discipleship road. Walk with us. Guide us with your wisdom and grace. Open us to discerning your will and your way. Amen. 

Scripture readings:  Kim Schrote

First reading

• Genesis 22:1-14 

Second reading

• Jeremiah 28:5-9

#765 NCH Alleluia

Gospel

• Matthew 10:40-42

Sermon:  Akedah “The Binding of Isaac”

The 10th Testing of Abraham

Affirmation of faith (silently)
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. 

In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer
O God, you have commanded us to reach across deep divides and challenged us to love our enemies. You have also called us to pursue justice, stand with the marginalized, and call out evil, especially when we have been complicit in it. You have called us not only to refrain from violence but also to refrain from hurtful and unkind words. Indeed, you have called us to ponder deep flourishing for all your children and for our planet.  Empower us to live by your way in the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Holy one, help us embody the peace we pass to one another, so that we might be your peace in the world. We know too well our divisions based on gender, race, sexuality and class, but help us bear witness to a different reality. Help us begin the process of healing and deliverance. Help us form new ways of being in mutuality, love and justice with and through one another. Empower us to live out of your love in all that we do, healing divisions, addressing enmity and reaching out to those we perceive as enemies. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

God of all nations, we pray for all countries around the globe — for those entrusted with leadership on behalf of the common good. Help them discern how to use resources wisely to address the needs of citizens suffering from social, economic and political oppression. Move us all to attend to the cries of the marginalized in our midst. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying, “Our Father…” 

Announcements

• No in person Worship on July 5.
• All Church Meeting August 16 after Service

Sending and Blessing (based on Psalm 13)
Friends, trust in God’s steadfast love; let your hearts rejoice in God’s salvation. Sing praises to the Lord because God has dealt bountifully with us. Amen. 

#526 We Are Marching in the Light of God

Tune: Siyahamba
South African song
trans. Freedom is c coming, 1984

We are march-ing in the light of God, we are march-ing in the light of God.
We are marching in the light of God, we are marching,
Oo, we are marching in the light of God.

Postlude:  Bob Gorinac

Thank you for praying with us - have a wonderful week!

OUR SERVICE HAS ENDED
LET OUR SERVICE BEGIN

Pay Pal OR Snail Mail Support for our Ministry to:
First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond, Michigan 48062

Bulletin Back Page June 28, 2026

On-Line Worship 06/21/2026

Order of Worship
Fourth Sunday of Pentecost
June 21, 2026

Prelude:  by Bob Gorniac

• #475 NCH God’s Eye is on The Sparrow

 Civilla D. Martin, @ 1905
Tune: Sparrow Irrigation.
Charles H. Gabriel, 1905

• What Is This Place #303 Breaking Bread

Komt Nu Zang
Text:  Huub  Oosterhuis
Dutch Hymn, 1626
Text & Music @1967 OCP

Offertory

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 (Hebrews 13:16)
Do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

#780 NCH Doxology (for melody) 

Praise life that makes us change and grow.
Praise love that makes compassion flow.
Praise peace that ends all strife and fear.
Praise hands that work for justice here. 

Text:  Thomas Ken, 1674
Book of Worship, UCC, Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1551

Prayer of dedication
Take our hearts, our hands, our gifts, Holy God. Mold us, shape us, send us, so that we might be your body in the world you so love. 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 (from Matthew 10:29-31)
Not one sparrow will fall to the ground apart from their Creator.
God tells us we are of more value than many sparrows.
God knows us and loves us.
Even the hairs of our head are all counted. 
We praise you, O God! Grateful are we for your love and care!

#173 NCH You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore

Copyright @1979, 1987, Casareo Gabarain,
OCP Publications

You have come down to the lake-shore 
seek-ing neither the wise nor the wealth-y,
But on-ly ask-ing for me to follow. 

O JE-SUS, YOU HAVE LOOKED IN-TO MY EYES;
KIND-LY SMIL-ING, YOU’VE CALLED OUT MY NAME.
ON THE SAND I HAVE A-BAN-DONED MY SMALL BOAT;
NOW WITH YOU I WILL SEEK OTH-ER SEAS. 

You know full well my pos-ses-sions. 
Neither trea-sure nor weapons for con-quest,
Just these my fish-nets and will for work-ing. 

O JE-SUS, YOU HAVE LOOKED IN-TO MY EYES;
KIND-LY SMIL-ING, YOU’VE CALLED OUT MY NAME.
ON THE SAND I HAVE A-BAN-DONED MY SMALL BOAT;
NOW WITH YOU I WILL SEEK OTH-ER SEAS. 

You need my hands, my ex-haus-tion, 
work-ing love for the rest of the wea-ry—
A love that’s will-ing to go on liv-ing.

O JE-SUS, YOU HAVE LOOKED IN-TO MY EYES;
KIND-LY SMIL-ING, YOU’VE CALLED OUT MY NAME.
ON THE SAND I HAVE A-BAN-DONED MY SMALL BOAT;
NOW WITH YOU I WILL SEEK OTH-ER SEAS. 

You who have fished oth-er wa-ters; 
you, the long-ing of souls that are yearn-ing:
As lov-ing Friend, you have come to call me.

O JE-SUS, YOU HAVE LOOKED IN-TO MY EYES;
KIND-LY SMIL-ING, YOU’VE CALLED OUT MY NAME.
ON THE SAND I HAVE A-BAN-DONED MY SMALL BOAT;
NOW WITH YOU I WILL SEEK OTH-ER SEAS. 

Call to confession
Before we hear the Word read and proclaimed, let us prepare our hearts through the confession of our individual and collective sins.

Prayer of confession
You send us, God of the Great Commission, but we hedge and hesitate. Forgive our fear and our excuses. 

We are witnesses of your grace and glory but allow others to silence our praise. We imprison ourselves with doubt and shame and fail to shine your light for all to see. 

Forgive our fears. Free our testimony. Help us be your faithful disciples. Amen. 

Assurance of pardon
Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are a new creation, ready to sing God’s glory and testify to God’s grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and freed. Amen.

Prayer for illumination
Savior God, your Word is a lamp to our feet on this discipleship road.  Walk with us. Guide us with your wisdom and grace. Open us to discerning your will and your way. Amen.

Scripture readings:  Kim McCardell

First reading

• Genesis 21:8-21

Second reading

• Romans 6:1b-11

#181 NCH You Are Salt for the Earth, O People vs. 1 & 4

Marty Haugen, 1986, Copyright 1986 by GIA

1.You are salt for the earth, O people: salt for the reign of God!
Share the flavor of life, O peo-ple: life in the Cit-y of God!
BRING FORTH THE REIGN OF MER-CY, 
BRING FORTH THE REIGN OF PEACE;
BRING FORTH THE REIGN OF JUS-TICE,
BRING FORTH THE CIT-Y OF GOD!

4.We are blessed and a pilgrim peo-ple: bonde for the reign of God!
Love our journey and love our home-land: love is the Cit-y of God!

BRING FORTH THE REIGN OF MER-CY, 
BRING FORTH THE REIGN OF PEACE;
BRING FORTH THE REIGN OF JUS-TICE,
BRING FORTH THE CIT-Y OF GOD!

Gospel

• Matthew 10:24-39

Sermon

Affirmation of faith (silently in your heart)
We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father.
In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth.
Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still. 

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer (volunteer)
God of courage and mercy,
You send us into the world with a word of life, even when that word is difficult to speak and hard to receive. You know the ties that bind us:  families and friendships, congregations and communities, traditions handed down by those we love. Teach us to honor these gifts without making idols of them. 

Give us courage to follow Christ when his way unsettles what is familiar, challenges what we have inherited and calls us toward deeper truth. When we face resistance from those closest to us, steady our hearts. When we are tempted to keep a fragile peace by avoiding hard conversations, give us wisdom and grace. When we speak too quickly, humble us. When we stay silent out of fear, strengthen us. Help us bear witness with love, patience and conviction, trusting that your gospel is not ours to control, but ours to embody.

On this Father’s Day, we give thanks for fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, mentors and all who have offered steady love, protection, guidance and blessing. We thank you for those who taught us courage, showed us tenderness, encouraged our questions and helped us grow into the people you created us to be.

We pray also for those for whom this day is complicated: those grieving fathers they have lost, those longing to be fathers, those estranged from fathers or children, those wounded by a father’s absence or harm. Hold each one in your compassion. Heal what is broken. Bless what has been life-giving. Help all who father and nurture others to reflect your justice, gentleness and steadfast love.

God of summer, this world is yours, and we live by your abundance.  The heat and humidity can be oppressive, God, except for those with access to swimming pools, air conditioning and cool places of rest. So, we pray for those without access or excess. We pray for people without safe shelter or respite from the heat.

We pray for those whose lives are threatened by rising temperatures. We pray for the poor and impoverished in this country and around the world. May we find ways to shelter, protect and nurture all your children.

Hear our thanks and praise for the blessings of this season. Hear, also, our prayers for those who are struggling. Especially, we pray for: 

• The people of warring countries 
• Those who groan with grief 
• Those who are isolated and alone 
• Those who are sick and their caregivers 
• Those who are overwhelmed and exhausted 
• Those whose families are strained, divided or hurting 
• Those who are seeking courage to tell the truth in love 
• Those who — for whatever reason — cannot enjoy the blessings of summer

In your mercy, Beloved God, hear the prayers of your people. Now, as the Body of Christ, we pray as Christ taught us, “Our Father …”.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Trinity Lutheran 3:00 Meal Today
• August 16:  ALL CHURCH MEETING

Sending and blessing
God, bless us. Jesus, walk with us. Holy Spirit, guide us. As we leave this house of worship may the grace, hope, peace and love of God our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer be with us all, now and always. Amen. 

#539 NCH Won’t You Let Me Be Your Servant?

Richard Gillard, 1977; alt.
Tune:  Bobby Fisher b. 1952 @ 1992 GIA Publications

Won’t you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too. 

We are pilgrims on a journey, we are trav-elers on the road;
We are here to help each oth-er go the mile and bear the load. 

I will hold the Christ-light for you in the shad-ow of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.

Pay Pal OR Snail Mail Support for our Ministry to:
First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond, Michigan 48062

Bulletin Back Page June 21, 2026

On-Line Worship 06/14/26

Order of Worship
Third Sunday of Pentecost
June 14, 2026

Prelude:  by Bob Gorniac

• #303 Breaking Bread OCP (musician only)
• What Is This Place

Text and music @1967 Huub Oosterhuis
tr. by David Smith
Music trad. Dutch hymn 1626

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.

Offertory

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
All we have, we have from God, the one who made each of us with unique gifts that together make the body of Christ whole. In gratitude for all we have received, we reach up in thanksgiving, and we reach out in service, sharing our time, talents, and treasures, so that God’s kingdom may come here and now. Let us consider our gifts given in grateful praise.

Prayer of dedication
Generous God, how can we thank you for all that you have given us?  Have we all given back a tiny portion in hopes that it may bless the world as you have blessed us?  Give us a nudge if we haven’t contributed.   In the name of Jesus, our brother and our Lord, Amen.

*Call to worship (based on Psalm 116)
The Lord hears us when we cry out.
Praise the Lord!
The Lord showers us with blessings.
Praise the Lord!
Let us lift up the name of the Lord for all to hear!
Praise the Lord!
Let us sing of God’s endless grace and compassion!
Let us worship God! 

#507 Gather - I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

Words & Music: Kathleen Thomerson
@1970, 1975 Celebration, Aliquippa, PA
GIA@1987

I want to walk as a child of the light I want to follow Jesus
God sent the stars to give light to the world The star of my life is Jesus 

In Him, there is no darkness at all The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus 

I want to see the brightness of God I want to look at Jesus
Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path 
And show me the way to the Father

In Him, there is no darkness at all The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus 

I'm looking for the coming of Christ I want to be with Jesus
When we have run with patience the race We shall know the joy of Jesus 

In Him, there is no darkness at all The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus

Call to confession
We come before God who loves us with a love that surpasses understanding. Even when we struggle to forgive ourselves, God reaches out to us with grace and peace. There isn’t anything that could take that love away. So, we come to God to name where we have failed, trusting in God’s amazing grace. Friends, let us confess our sin, first together and then in silent prayer. 

Prayer of confession (based on Romans 5)
Loving God, we come with heavy hearts. We have not lived as you have called us to live. We give up too easily. We ignore our neighbor’s cries for help and are silent in the face of injustice. We lose hope. We fail to see your blessings among us and are blind to the glimpses of the kingdom all around us. We are weak. Have mercy upon us. Shower us with your grace that we might be enlivened for service and for love. Lord, hear our prayer… Amen.

Assurance of pardon
Friends, God loves you. God wants to be in relationship with you. God allows nothing to come between you and God. Believe this and know that you are forgiven and freed to love and serve. Alleluia. Amen.

Prayer for illumination
God of joy and wonder, breathe your Spirit upon us. Open our hearts and ears to hear these ancient words and be surprised. Open our minds and our eyes to see our place in your living word today and every day. Amen. 

Scripture readings proclaimed by Michael Grzanka

First reading

• Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7)

Second reading

• Romans 5:1-8

#574 Gather - Lead Me, Guide Me vs. 1 & 3

@1953 Doris M. Akers
Text and Tune Doris Akers
harm, by Richard Smallwood

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 o-ver my weak-est 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 9:35-10:8, (9-23)

Sermon

Affirmation of faith [silently]

Q. What is true faith?

A. True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in Scripture; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These are gifts of sheer grace granted solely by Christ’s merit. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers of the people and the Lord’s Prayer (based on Genesis 18 & 21)
Let us pray.
God of Laughter and Joy, we give thanks for the everyday miracles around us. For the laughter shared between friends, for the love shared in community, for the beauty of the world that leaves us speechless with joy. 

But even as we give thanks, we are aware of those who struggle to see a bright future, a world full of blessings, a reason to laugh. We lift up the concerns of this world. 

We pray for the travelers in our midst, for immigrants finding their way in a new place far from home, for refugees fleeing instability and war, for those forced to leave homes because of violence and intolerance. Journey with them, Lord. Lead your children to places of safety and welcome. 

Make us as quick to offer hospitality, opening hearts and homes to those in need, until all live in safety and peace. We pray for the hungry, for those who have no idea where their next meal will come from, for those who struggle to scrape together a simple meal for their family, for those who go to bed with grumbling stomachs. Bring an end to hunger, Lord. Lead your children to tables of plenty. Make us as quick to share our abundance, setting tables and feeding each other, until all are fed by your great abundance.  

We pray for the lonely, for those whose relationships with family are frayed, for those standing in shadows, yearning to be seen, for the divisions between neighbors born of fear and greed. 

Mend the threads of community for survival, Lord. Lead us into places of beloved community, where our diversity is seen as a gift, where our uniqueness is valued, where dignity is respected. 

Make us quick to be peacemakers, breaking down barriers and building bridges, until this world is the way you want it to be for us. 

We pray for those who hardly dare to hope, for those whose dreams seem woefully out of reach, for those whose lives have been turned upside down by illness and loss, for those who suffer from depression, addiction, or patterns of self-harm. Embrace them, Lord. Lead them to places of comfort. Make us quick to reach out, offering a loving presence when all seems lost, until all know your peace. 

Holy God, birth a sense of laughter and joy within this world. Help us to trust what you can do and call us into the dance of reconciliation and healing. Strengthen our hands and feet for service and our hearts and voices for proclamation. This we ask in the name of Jesus, the Joy of the World, who taught us to pray, saying, “Our Father…” 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Thank you for those who participate in our Euchre Tournament on the 2nd Saturday’s of the month. 
• Church Council follows worship today.

Sending & blessing
Friends, we cannot stay here. There is work to be done out there. Go, be the church in the world. Love boldly. Speak bravely. Laugh joyfully. And trust in what the Lord can do.

May the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit uplift and uphold you now and forever. Amen.

#593 NCH Lift Every Voice and Sing

James Weldon Johnson, 1921
J. Rosamond Johnson, 1921

Lift ev-ery voice and sing, till earth and heav-en ring,
ring with the har-mo-nies of lib-er ty;
Let our re-joic-ing rise, high as the listening skies,
let it re-sound loud as the roll-ing sea. 

Sing a song full of the faith that the harsh past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Fac-ing the rising sun of our new day be-gun, 
let us march on till vic-to-ry is won. 

Ston-y the road we trod, bit-ter the chastening rod, 
felt in the days when hope un-born had died;
Yet with a stead-y beat, have not our wea-ry feet,
come to the place for which our people sighed?

We have come o-ver a way that with tears has been wa-tered,
We have come, tread-ing our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloom-y past, till now we stand at last
where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. 

God of our wea-ry years, God of our si-lent tears, 
God who has brought us thus far on the way;
God, who by your might, let us in-to the light,
keep us for-ev-er in the path, we pray. 

Lest our feet stray from the plac-es our God, where we met you.
Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, for - get you;
shad-owed be-neath your hand, may we for ev-er stand,
true to our God, true to our na - live lan

Postlude:  Bob Gorinac

Thank you for praying with us - have a wonderful week!

OUR SERVICE HAS ENDED
LET OUR SERVICE BEGIN

Pay Pal OR Snail Mail Support for our Ministry to:
First United Church of Christ
68651 S. Forest
Richmond, Michigan 48062

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