Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 21, 2025 | 10:00am
Linda Macari, Guest Minister, Temporary Minister | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: The word of God is living and active, it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude Meditation | Wagner
Call to Worship
Votum
This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and let us be glad in it.”
Amen
Opening Sentences
Remember, O people, the needs of the poor and the suffering of the downtrodden,
and hold to account all who are in high positions,
for God our Savior desires everyone to know the truth that they are loved.
God will raise the poor from the dust and make them sit with princes.
So let us offer supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone,
for the Lord is high above all nations, yet nothing is below God’s notice.
There is one God; and in Christ Jesus one mediator between God and humankind, who gave himself a ransom for all. Praise the Lord!
*Hymn of Praise He has Made Me Glad
Prayer of the Day
Faithful God, through Jesus Christ we have come to trust in you and rejoice that you call us your own. Help us to be more faithful with the gifts you entrust to us turning away from worldly wealth to worship and serve you alone. This we pray in Jesus’ name Amen.
Call to Confession
Jesus Christ gave himself as a ransom for all who fall short of the goodness of God. Trusting in God’s mercy, let us turn to God and make our confession.
Prayer of Confession
Sovereign God, we confess that we have not turned away from sin. We seek our own self-interest instead of serving others. We glorify power and wealth instead of worshipping you. Forgive us God of grace, teach us to treasure your gifts and to seek the good of all, so that we may be a blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen
Assurance of Pardon
God our Judge is also our Savior. The good news is sure:
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
The Law of God
*Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
THE WORD OF GOD
Anthem There is a Balm in Gilead | arr. Podd
Prayer for Illumination
Faithful God, how blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Sanctify us by your Word and Spirit so that we may glorify you in the company of the faithful; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
*Hymn: Since Jesus Came Into My Heart
Second Reading: Luke 16:1-13
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sermon: “Wisdom, Justice and Mercy” | Elder Linda Macari
Silent Reflection
THE RESPONSE TO GOD
*Affirmation of Faith (Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there 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.
Offering How Firm a Foundation | James
Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with the Lord’s Prayer)
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 debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
*Hymn Give Thanks
Benediction
Congregational Response Christ is risen! Earth and heaven Nevermore shall be the same.
Break the bread of new creation Where the world is still in pain
Tell its grim, demonic chorus: “Christ is risen! Get you gone!”
God the First and Last is with us. Sing Hosanna, everyone!
Postlude Maestoso | Rinck
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Please consider making a weekly donation of eggs or milk to the P-G Food Pantry.
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED