INVITATION AND GATHERING 
 
Prelude / “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” / Jan Kaupp 
                     
Welcome & Greetings                                                                                           
 
Announcements                                                                                                      
 
† Hymn of Praise / “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” / UMH #110 
 
† Call to Worship: (responsively)                                                                            
Pastor: God is holy and worthy of praise. 
People: Our ancestors trusted God and were delivered in their time of need. 
Pastor: Although we often feel alone and tested, God has cared for us from the womb. 
All: Come. Let us worship a God of infinite possibilities and boundless love. 
 
 Opening Prayer: (In Unison)                                                                                 
      O God, our God, sometimes we feel that you are hiding from us; sometimes we feel that 
you demand too much; sometimes we feel challenged beyond endurance. In this time of 
worship, may we hear not only words of challenge, but also words of comfort and promise. 
May we see that Jesus understands our needs and what we are going through: and in this 
seeing, may we find hope and grace in times of need. Amen. 
  
PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE  
Affirmation of Faith / “The Apostles’ Creed– Traditional Version” / UMH #881                
Scripture Readings:                                                                                              
             Old Testament / Joel 2:12-17 / Pew Bible Pg. 1415 
             New Testament / Luke 18:1-8 / Pew Bible Pg. 1628 
Leader: This is the word of the Lord.    
People: Thanks be to God!  
 
Joys and Concerns                                                                                                
Pastoral Prayer– Followed by The Lord’s Prayer / Rev. John Bhajjan     
Prayer Focus for this Week: Long-term illness  
Preparatory Hymn / “He Leadeth Me; O Blessed Thought” / UMH #128 
                             
THANKSGIVING AND REFLECTION 
 
Invitation to the Offering                                                                                              
Offertory  / “Give Thanks” / Jan Kaupp  
† Doxology / UMH #95 
† Prayer of Dedication                                                                                             
Sermon /  ”Persistent Widow” / Rev. John Bhajjan  
  
SENDING FORTH  
† Closing Hymn / “All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name” / UMH #155 (vs.1,3,5) 
† Benediction / Rev. John Bhajjan     
† Threefold Amen / UMH #898   
† Postlude / “Day by Day” / Jan Kaupp                                                  
   
† indicates Worshipers are invited to stand, if able. 
MUSIC used with permission (CCLI License #1619157) 
HYMNAL: UMH = United Methodist Hymnal