Sermons / Grace United Methodist Church, Dayton, Ohio - Sunday, August 30, 2026

August 30, 2026 "The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them." – Thomas Merton Welcome and Announcements Centering Moment JoAnn Wagner, piano “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Marilyn Ham, arranger *Call to Worship We gather in this place not by our own merit, but drawn by a love that will not let us go. God’s love is our anchor; God’s love is our path. When the world is loud and the way is unclear, we look to the One who first loved us. We choose love to quiet our fears and sharpen our sight. Let love be the rule of our speaking, the grace in our listening, and the strength of our service. As God guides us with steadfast affection, let us walk hand in hand. Come, let us worship the God of Love. Let love be our guide today and always. Amen *Opening Song Red Hymnal #383 “This is a Day of New Beginnings” Children’s Moment Pastor John Wagner Community Prayer God of surprises, break through the life of Grace Church and its people. Reveal to us new ways we can be faithful and fruitful, moving into the future You have in store. We need your help, Gracious God, in knowing how to love people more fully whether we agree with them or not. These are challenging times, and we feel passionately about some issues and beliefs. We confess we may not truly listen to others or even care about what they might believe, but rather hold fast to our own opinions. This stubbornness can damage relationships - even those within our own family. Let us not forget that you love everyone and you call us to do the same. Loving doesn't mean compromising our values or challenging unjust systems, but it means listening to others with open hearts and minds; taking deep breaths instead of immediately becoming defensive; and creating spaces for honest communication. We are grateful to be alive! We are grateful to encounter people and places that challenge us and stretch us as we hang onto hope to make the world a better place. You gave us two commandments: to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor. Guide us in the way that leads to life. Let it be so. Amen. Offering and Offertory Music Charis Weible, soloist “When Love Takes You In” Stephen Curtis Chapan, composer *Song of Praise Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Christ, all people here below. Praise Holy Spirit evermore. Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen. Pastoral Prayer Pastor John 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Scripture Frank Hollingsworth, teller Romans 12:4-21 Special Music Charis Weible, soloist “Let There Be Peace on Earth” Sy Miller, composer Message Pastor John “The Life of a Christian” *Closing Song Red Hymnal #310 “He Lives” Postlude JoAnn Wagner, organ “The Gift of Love” Jane Holstein, arranger Benediction Pastor John