Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
August 31, 2025 | 10:00am
Rev. Jeremy Campbell, Temporary Minister | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: “What would happen to this world if more evangelical Christians were to realize that God blessed them with money in order to make them a blessing, not to pamper them?” - Ralph Winter
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude It is Well with My Soul | Bliss/Vogt
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
Happy are those who fear the Lord,
who delight in God’s commandments.
They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright.
Those who love God are gracious,
merciful, and righteous.
They are generous,
sharing freely what they have received.
It is well with those who live in justice.
Their hearts are steady; they will not be afraid.
Let us praise the Lord!
*Hymn of Praise Brethren, We Have Met to Worship
Call to Confession
We turn away from God, often not knowing any better. Yet God keeps inviting us and keeps reaching to us in love. In penitence and faith, let us turn towards God and seek forgiveness.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, in Jesus you show us a way that is humble and that seeks the good of others. We confess that we go our own way; we elevate ourselves and ignore the needs of others.
Free us from the temptation to pursue our own pleasure only. Help us to live in harmony with all your people, sharing one world and eating around one table, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior.
Assurance of Pardon
With abundant grace and mercy that reaches wide, God gathers us and cleanses us,
making us new, making us whole. This is good news!
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
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: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
*Hymn: Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love
Second Reading: Luke 14:1, 7-14
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Sermon: “God is with Us” | Rev. Campbell
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 Still, Still with Thee | Beck/Courtney
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 Blest Be the Tie That Binds
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 Amazing Grace | arr. Hayes
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