Rooted in Christ to Love Boldly
“Embody Christ in the World”
Sunday, September 6, 2026
*Please stand in body or in spirit. Congregational responses are in bold and preceded by "All"
GATHERING
Welcome and Announcements
Invitation and Sharing of Peace
Peace be with you. And also with you.
Prelude One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails) Rejuvenate
Call to Worship
One: Siblings in Christ, through the waters of baptism we are claimed, washed clean, and called.
Many: We come to remember who we are and whose we are.
One: We are summoned to remain faithful members of Christ’s holy Church
and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world.
Many: We gather as one body, ready to worship and to serve.
One: Let us worship the God who claims us, redeems us, and sends us forth in love.
Many: With joy and thanksgiving, we worship God!
Opening Prayer
ALL: God of might, you call us to be strong and to firmly choose to walk alongside you. Clothe us with your armor as we gather, that we may stand against all that opposes your will. Shower us with truth, righteousness, and peace, and strengthen us in faith and prayer. Empower us to embody Christ’s love as we serve the world with courage and grace. Amen.
*Opening Song Just a Closer Walk with Thee TFWS 2158
1. I am weak,
but thou art strong;
Jesus keep me
from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
as I walk,
let me walk close to thee.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
2. Through this world
of toil and snares,
if I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me
my burden shares?
None but thee,
dear Lord, none but thee.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
3. When my feeble life is o’er,
time for me
will be no more;
guide me gently,
safely o’er
to thy shore,
dear Lord, to thy shore.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
LISTENING
Scripture Reading Ephesians 6:10-20
This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Message for All Ages
Sermon “Embody Christ in the World” Rev. DV Yost
RESPONDING
*Sermon Song Be Thou My Vision UMH 451
- Be thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me,
save that thou art.
Thou my best thought,
by day or by night,
waking or sleeping,
thy presence my light. - Be thou my wisdom,
and thou my true word;
I ever with thee
and thou with me, Lord;
thou and thou only,
first in my heart,
great God of heaven,
my treasure thou art. - Great God of heaven,
my victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.
Prayers of the People
Leader: Loving God, ALL: hear our prayers.
Offertory Song of Peace (Langlais) Craig Nickerson, Organist
*Offering Response Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH 94)
*Prayer of Dedication (enfleshed)
ALL: We pray for one another, oh God of Tenderness. We deeply desire one another’s safety, joy, wellness, and rest. Bless our offerings and our words towards our love for each other, that out of this love, a more compassionate world may be born. Amen.
A Liturgy for Baptismal Remembrance
Renunciation and Reaffirmation of Vows
Leader: On behalf of the whole church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
People: I do.
Leader (Ephesians acclamation): Not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness—Lord, make us strong in you.
People: Root us and ground us in love.
Leader: Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
People: I do.
Leader (Ephesians acclamation): Teach us to practice the truth in love, and build your body in love.
People: With the Spirit’s help, we will resist and repair.
Leader: Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?
People: I do.
Leader (Ephesians acclamation): Lay aside falsehood; speak truth as members of one another; let your words give grace to those who hear.
People: Clothe us with the new self.
Leader: According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ’s holy church and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world?
People: I will.
Leader (Ephesians acclamation): Stand firm in truth; pray at all times in the Spirit; keep alert with perseverance for all the saints.
People: Send us to embody Christ’s love.
Confession of Faith
Leader: Let us confess the faith of the church.
Do you trust the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name?
People: We trust God, the giver of life and grace.
Leader: Do you trust Jesus Christ, who loves us and gives himself for us, and who makes us one body?
People: We trust Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Leader: Do you trust the Holy Spirit, who strengthens the inner self and fills the church with song, thanksgiving, and mutual care?
People: We trust the Holy Spirit, who forms us for faithful discipleship.
Thanksgiving Over the Water
Communion Sung Response TFWS 2257a-d
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
...
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord; God of power and might.
Heaven and heart are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
Blest is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
...
All: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
...
The Lord’s Prayer (Spoken)
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Sung: Amen, Amen, Amen.
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
Sharing the Bread and Cup
On your way up to receive communion, you may take this time to remember your baptism and be thankful by touching the water and making the sign of the cross, scoping the water and letting it fall back into the font, or any other manner you would like.
All are welcome to come forward to receive communion. We are serving Gluten free bread and juice or prepackaged Gluten free wafer and juice.
The ushers will invite you forward. If you would like to receive Communion at your seat, let the ushers know.
Congregational Thanksgiving and Commitment
Leader: Let us rejoice in the faithfulness of our covenant God. We give thanks for what God has already done. And as Christ’s body in this place, we recommit ourselves to faithful participation in the ministries of the church—through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.
People (Ephesians promise):
We will practice the truth in love.
We will put away falsehood and speak words that give grace.
We will forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven us.
We will walk as children of light, filled with the Spirit.
We will stand firm and pray for all the saints.
SENDING
*Closing Song God of Grace and God of Glory UMH 577
- God of grace,
and God of glory,
on thy people
pour thy power;
crown thine ancient
church’s story;
bring her bud
to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom,
grant us courage,
for the facing
of this hour, (of this hour)
for the facing of this hour.
- Lo! the hosts
of evil round us
scorn thy Christ,
assail his ways!
Fears and doubts
too long have bound us;
free our hearts to
work and praise.
Grant us wisdom,
grant us courage,
for the living
of these days, (of these days)
for the living of these days.
- Cure thy children’s
warring madness,
bend our pride
to thy control;
shame our wanton,
selfish gladness,
rich in things
and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom,
grant us courage,
lest we miss thy
kingdom’s goal, (kingdom’s goal)
lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.
- Save us from
weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the search
for thy salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom,
grant us courage,
serving thee
whom we adore, (we adore)
serving thee whom we adore.
RECEPTION INTO THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Pastor (to those joining the church): As members of Christ's universal Church, will you be loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
Response: I Will.
RECEPTION INTO THE LOCAL CONGREGATION
Pastor (to those joining the church): As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness?
Response: I will.
COMMENDATION AND WELCOME
Pastor (to the congregation): Members of the household of God, I commend these persons to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
Congregation: We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the Church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
Pastor (to new members): The God of all grace, who has called us to eternal glory in Christ, establish you and strengthen you that you may live in grace and peace.
*Benediction
Next Week
God’s Promises Bring Hope
“Flood and Promise”
September 13, 2026 Genesis 6:5-22; 8:6-12; 9:8-17
This Week at Arnolia
- Monday, September 7: Labor Day - Church Office Closed
- Tuesday, September 8: 8:30 – 11:30 AM Thrift Store accepting donations
- Tuesday, September 8: 12 Noon Pastor's Study
- Tuesday, September 8: 6:30 PM Bible Study
- Thursday, September 10: 10 AM – 2 PM Thrift Store Open
- Friday, September 11: Pastor’s Sabbath – Church Office Closed
- Saturday, September 12: 10 AM - 2 PM Thrift Store Open
- Sunday, September 13: 10 AM: Worship Service
- Sunday, September 13: Leadership Meeting
- Sunday, September 13:: 6:30 PM Alpha for Young Adults (virtual)
Copywrite
One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails) by Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, and Jeremy Riddle, © 2010 ChristaJoy Music Publishing; Mercy / Vineyard Publishing; Bethel Music Publishing, CCLI #5508444 – Rejuvenate Used by Permission. CCLI Church Copyright License Number: 1684333 and Streaming License Number: 20155039.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee, TFWS 2158, Public Domain
Be Thou My Vision by Carlton Young, UMH 451, © Words: 1964, 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; Music: 1964 Abingdon Press, CCLI #306337
Used by Permission. CCLI Church Copyright License Number: 1684333 and Streaming License Number: 20155039.
God of Grace and God of Glory - UMH 577 - Public Domain
About
-
Location