Sermons / September 27, 2026 Grace United Methodist Dayton, OH

September 27, 2026 Grace United Methodist Church Welcome & Announcements Lois Ramey, liturgist Centering Moment JoAnn Wagner, organ “A Gift to Be Simple” Dale Wood, arranger *Call to Worship One: How precious, how fragile, how short is life! All: Our lives are but a breath. One: The Divine brings us into being, All: weaves our lives together, One: and ushers us into eternal rest. Blessed are the Sacred rhythms of life and holy are these tasks: All: to be alive, to pay attention, to honor the fleeting with awe and care. *Opening Song Black Songbook #2086 “Open Our Eyes Lord” Children’s Moment Pastor John Wagner Community Prayer Lois Ramey 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. As we celebrate your incarnation, which literally means “enfleshing,” may we not miss the wonder that you became a human body. May we see the beauty of the bodies our Creator God formed for each of us to inhabit, and may we thank God for this precious gift. May we marvel at the truth you “took on a human body to reclaim us bodily for fellowship with God," And because you did, our bodies once again become what they were meant to be. In union with you, our bodies share in your holiness as we become the temple of the Holy Spirit In union with you, we share in God’s hidden glory and display it by word and deed to the world. Throughout this season, every time we think of the incarnation, may we rejoice in the hope of full redemption through the abundant love extended to each of us. Amen. A Prayer about the Wonder of Jesus’ Incarnation (adapted) Offering & Offertory Music Charis Weible, soloist “Here I Am to Worship” Tim Hughes, arranger *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 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 Roberta Longfellow, teller Philippians 2-1-13 Special Music Charis Weible, soloist “I Surrender All” Joey + Rory, arrangers Message Rev. John “The Mind of Christ” Staff Appreciation Pastor: Lord, through Jesus Christ you appeared to us as a servant whose example calls us all to serve you as best we can. We are therefore truly appreciative of these people employed by this congregation. Their spirit of service helps us remember our own call to take on whatever tasks are presented to us with humility and dedication. People: We thank you O God, for the blessing our congregation with these good people! Amen! *Closing Song Red Hymnal #402 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” Postlude JoAnn Wagner, organ Scherzo in A Minor” Rex Khoury, composer Benediction Rev. John