Sermons / September 20, 2026 Grace United Methodist Dayton, OH

September 20, 2026 Grace United Methodist Church *An asterisk invites you to stand in body or spirit. Please read the bold print aloud. Hearing assistance devices are available. They are on the table in the front and in the lectern in the back narthex. Welcome and Announcements Linda Bales Todd, liturgist Centering Moment JoAnn Wagner, piano “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” Marilyn Ham, arranger *Call to Worship For everything there is a season, And God is present in every time. In letting go and in new beginnings, God’s love remains with us. Let us praise the One who made the earth and all its creatures, Let us bless the Lord of Life! *Opening Song Red Hymnal #92 “For the Beauty of the Earth” 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. Faithful God, we see the leaves begin to fall and the seasons turning once more. Teach us to trust the rhythms of life and death, growth, and rest. Help us release what we cannot keep and embrace the future you promise. Bless our beloved animals—those we hold now, and those we have lost. We pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen. Offering and Offertory Music Charis Weible, soloist “Children of Eden” Stephen Scwartz, composer and lyricist *Song of Praise/Doxology 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 Rev. 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 Elizabeth Shellaberger, teller Psalm 104:14-24 Blessing of the Animals Special Music Charis Weible, soloist “All Creatures of Our God and King” Fernand Ortega, arranger Message Rev. John “Echoes of Creation” *Closing Song Red Hymnal #147 “All Things Bright and Beautiful” Postlude JoAnn Wagner, piano “For the Beauty of the Earth” Jan Sanborn, arranger Benediction Rev. John