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September 14, 2025
Reunion Sunday
TRADITIONAL Service
Union-Congregational Church

Gathering Music                                     

Welcome and Announcements                       

Sharing the Peace of Christ

Choral Introit – Welcome Home

Introduction to Theme (Pastor Jacob)
The first thing Jesus did, in every version of the story we have about him, was to go out and find other people to come with him. Twelve disciples, called right from the beginning—not to worship Jesus or to promote his reputation, but to walk right beside him, to learn everything he knew, to do the same things he did. He sent them out, early and often, to practice healing and teaching, just like he was doing. They didn’t always get it right. Sometimes they got busy, or distracted, or afraid. Often, they forgot the instructions. Jesus didn’t do this work alone and you can’t, either. The key thing Jesus did when starting ministry was to gather a group of people, a team of disciples. He didn’t do it alone but in collaboration. Partnerships and joining others are essential parts of changemaking. Like the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, do it alone. If you want to go far, do it together.”

Call to Worship                           
One: The world needs to change, and that can make us want to go to our room and hide. Because there is so much that needs to be done.
All: Pain needs to be acknowledged.
 

One: Reparations must be made. Justice must be done. That feels like a lot. And so, we must remember that we are not called to be changemakers on our own.
All: We are called together.
 

One: We are called in community, and we are called alongside people of faith and goodwill around the world. The world needs to change, but we will not change it alone.
All: We are called together, and vested with the power of the Holy Spirit.
 

One: We are called to follow the way of Jesus. We are the changemakers, and we are getting ready!
All: May we be changed by this time of worship!

Opening Prayer (unison)                      
Holy One, help us to hear the Gospel as if for the first time.  Free us of our self-centeredness, and help us to see how this Good News is for our wider community and the entire world. May this story show us the way to become a compassion-driven changemaker, like Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #551 As A Fire Is Meant For Burning

Children’s Time (VBS PowerPoint/Blessing of Backpacks)

Choral Anthem – The Potter’s Hand

Reading of Scripture               
Luke 10: 1-11 (CEB)
10 After these things, the Lord commissioned seventy-two others and sent them on ahead in pairs to every city and place he was about to go. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest. 3 Go! Be warned, though, that I’m sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry no wallet, no bag, and no sandals. Don’t even greet anyone along the way. 5 Whenever you enter a house, first say, ‘May peace be on this house.’ 6 If anyone there shares God’s peace, then your peace will rest on that person. If not, your blessing will return to you. 7 Remain in this house, eating and drinking whatever they set before you, for workers deserve their pay. Don’t move from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a city and its people welcome you, eat what they set before you. 9 Heal the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘God’s kingdom has come upon you.’ 10 Whenever you enter a city and the people don’t welcome you, go out into the streets and say, 11 ‘As a complaint against you, we brush off the dust of your city that has collected on our feet. But know this: God’s kingdom has come to you.’

After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”

Song: “Bend the Curve” by Gabe Dixon (Pastor Jacob)
 

Message: A Little Help Here, please?

Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns 
After each prayer petition, Jacob will say, “God in your mercy”, and the congregation is invited to respond: “Receive our prayer.” 
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)
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. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

We Offer Our Gifts
*Doxology
 

Prayer of Dedication (unison)
God, you remind us that all our work is better when done together. Help us use the gifts you give us to be the change we want to experience in the world. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #581 Called as Partners in Christ’s Service

Mission and Vision Statements (unison)
We go now to Love God's Creation, Share in Fellowship, and Live Christ's Example, while seeking God's blessing on our lives and on our communities. Living our Core Values, We the family of Union-Congregational Church seek to deepen our own spirituality with acceptance of all through love and a commitment to Christ.

Choral Benediction – Go Ye into the World

Benediction
Now go into the world, risking something big for something good. Know that community is a vital resource for survival, and that by working together, we can do great things. And know that your passion will emerge from the nest when the time is right… and fly!

Sending Music