August 31, 2025

WE GATHER IN AWE AND PRAISE

PRELUDE                                                                     "My Faith Looks Up to Thee"                    arr. Christine Sullivan Robbins

WELCOME                                                                    Rev. Trip Porch

One: This is the day that the Lord has made

All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

*CALL TO WORSHIP 

One: Come, all who are searching for wisdom,

All: God welcomes us like children with open arms.

One: Come, all who are weighed down by burdens,

All: Christ invites us to release what we cling to and follow.

One: Come, all who long to grow in faith,

All: The Spirit leads us, step by step, into God’s kingdom.

*HYMN 611                               “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”                                           HYMN TO JOY

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                                                                                       Trip Porch

Gracious God, We confess that too often we cling tightly to our own ways—our possessions, our certainties, our need to be in control. We forget that faith is a journey with you, not a finish line. We stumble and we cling to what is easy, familiar and comfortable. We are afraid to take the next step with you. Forgive us, Lord. Loosen our grip on what holds us back, and set our feet again on the way of your love, so that with every step, we may discover more of who you are. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*RESPONSE OF PRAISE 659         “Know That God Is Good”                             MUNGU NI MWEMA

*PASSING OF THE PEACE                                       

     One:   The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,

     All:      And also with you.

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD

MUSICAL OFFERING                     “Dawn’s Awakening”                                             Florence Price

                                   Skye Johnson, soprano; Emily Foster, piano 

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE                                                        Mary Rebekah Fortman

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE    Mark 10:13-31 CEB
People were bringing children to Jesus so that he would bless them. But the disciples scolded them. When Jesus saw this, he grew angry and said to them, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children. I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.” Then he hugged the children and blessed them.

As Jesus continued down the road, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to obtain eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except the one God. You know the commandments: Don’t commit murder. Don’t commit adultery. Don’t steal. Don’t give false testimony. Don’t cheat. Honor your father and mother.” 

“Teacher,” he responded, “I’ve kept all of these things since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him carefully and loved him. He said, “You are lacking one thing. Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.” But the man was dismayed at this statement and went away saddened, because he had many possessions.

Looking around, Jesus said to his disciples, “It will be very hard for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom!” His words startled the disciples, so Jesus told them again, “Children, it’s difficult to enter God’s kingdom! It’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s  kingdom.”

They were shocked even more and said to each other, “Then who can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them carefully and said, “It’s impossible with human beings, but not with God. All things are possible for God.”

Peter said to him, “Look, we’ve left everything and followed you.” 

Jesus said, “I assure you that anyone who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms because of me and because of the good news will receive one hundred times as much now in this life—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and farms (with harassment)—and in the coming age, eternal life. But many who are first will be last. And many who are last will be first.”

Holy Wisdom, Holy Word  

Thanks be to God

SERMON                                                                                             Rev. Taylor Barner 

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

*HYMN 203                           “Jesu, Jesu FIll Us with Your Love”                                  CHEREPONI 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE  

TIME OF OFFERING  online giving is available at  www. indianolapres.org/give

OFFERTORY                                     "Path to Peace"                               James Michael Stevens

*OFFERTOR RESPONSE 648   “Thankful Hearts and Voices Raise”              THANKFUL HEARTS

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Generous God, take these gifts, a sign of our commitment offered from grateful hearts. Use them for your kingdom’s sake. Like footprints, May our gifts leave a trail, marking our steps of compassion, mercy, and justice so that others may know your love through us. Amen.

*HYMN 727                                       “Will You Let Me Be Your Servant”                          THE SERVANT SONG

TIME OF COMMUNITY SHARING

CHARGE & BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE                             "Easy March for Organ"                            Natalia Jespersen

Acknowledgments: Unless otherwise indicated, all texts and music are printed and broadcast under OneLicense.net license #A-702452