AUGUST 3, 2025 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST REV. KENDRA L. BALLIET ORGANIST JAMES ROSS Prelude - Meditation on Liebster Jesu - Joseph Clokey Welcome & Announcements *Call to Worship Pastor: Children of God, we gather as people who have received new life in Jesus Christ. People: We come to set our minds on Christ, who surrounds us in love. Pastor: The world tries to distract us with anxious rumors, worrisome lies, and misleading half-truths. People: We come to set our minds on Christ, who surrounds us in love. Pastor: In this place, we gather to remind, remember, and renew our commitment to dwell in the love of Christ. People: We come to set our minds on Christ, who surrounds us in love. Pastor: Children of God, come! Let us worship God, who clothes us in new life and renews us in grace. People: Come, let us worship as we set our minds on Christ, who surrounds us in love. * Opening Hymn – “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” TFWS #2129 *Prayer of Confession God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. We turn away from the poor; we ignore cries for justice; we do not strive for peace. Forgive us, God. In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and renew us once again with your Spirit, so that, as forgiven and renewed people, we may reflect the love and life of Jesus Christ into our world. Assurance of Pardon Our God is a God of grace and mercy and love; know that our sins have been forgiven. May we be strengthened in all goodness. Since we have been raised with Christ, let us seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Thanks be to God. Amen. *Apostles Creed UMH #881 *Glory Be to the Father UMH #70 Children’s Chat Scripture – Colossians 3:1-3 Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God Series: “Dear Children of God” Message: “Set Your Mind” Tithes and Offering Offertory - Sandell - Dale Wood *Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH#94 Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns *Prayer Hymn – “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” UMH#369 vs 1, 4-6 Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer Communion UMH p. 13 *Closing Hymn – “Seek Ye First” UMH #405 Action Steps and Benediction Reflecting and Sharing Prompt: How does worshiping in this community help you set your mind on things above? Postlude - Rejoice, The Lord is King - John Innes Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, or share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org