Embedded Files
We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Updated for Sunday, July 5th, 2026 [Ordinary Time - Proper 9]
Updated for Sunday, July 5th, 2026 [Ordinary Time - Proper 9]
Prelude
Prelude
Welcome/Announcements - MB
Welcome/Announcements - MB
Passing the Peace - MB
Passing the Peace - MB
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
Gathering Hymn - Lord of the Dance (UMH #261, v. 1, 2, 3, & 5) - Debbie
Gathering Hymn - Lord of the Dance (UMH #261, v. 1, 2, 3, & 5) - Debbie
Call to Worship - John Mathiasen
Call to Worship - John Mathiasen
One: The season of busyness gives way to the rhythm of grace. God is here, in the quiet and the routine.
One: The season of busyness gives way to the rhythm of grace. God is here, in the quiet and the routine.
Many: We come to find God in the ordinary moments of our lives.
Many: We come to find God in the ordinary moments of our lives.
One: The seeds of faith are planted in the everyday; the spirit grows in the quiet faithfulness of today.
One: The seeds of faith are planted in the everyday; the spirit grows in the quiet faithfulness of today.
Many: We come to be nurtured, to grow, and to bear fruit.
Many: We come to be nurtured, to grow, and to bear fruit.
One: Let us worship the God of the seasons, the Lord of our ordinary days.
One: Let us worship the God of the seasons, the Lord of our ordinary days.
Many: Come, let us praise the God who makes all things new! Amen.
Many: Come, let us praise the God who makes all things new! Amen.
Opening Prayer (in unison) - John Mathiasen
Opening Prayer (in unison) - John Mathiasen
God of love, we gather today to seek your presence in the routine and rhythm of our everyday lives. Nurture the seeds of faith you have planted within us, so that we may grow deeper in love and stronger in service. Transform our ordinary moments into extraordinary reflections of your grace as we worship you today. Amen.
God of love, we gather today to seek your presence in the routine and rhythm of our everyday lives. Nurture the seeds of faith you have planted within us, so that we may grow deeper in love and stronger in service. Transform our ordinary moments into extraordinary reflections of your grace as we worship you today. Amen.
Sing together - Glory be to the Father (UMH #70)
Sing together - Glory be to the Father (UMH #70)
Scripture Reading - John Mathiasen
Scripture Reading - John Mathiasen
God, open our hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
God, open our hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
We give you thanks, O God of compassion, for the salvation you have revealed to the little ones through Christ Jesus, our wisdom and strength. Teach us to take up his gentle yoke and find rest from our burdens and cares. And all the beloved said: Amen.
We give you thanks, O God of compassion, for the salvation you have revealed to the little ones through Christ Jesus, our wisdom and strength. Teach us to take up his gentle yoke and find rest from our burdens and cares. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Scripture Reading - Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (NASB)
Scripture Reading - Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (NASB)
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places, who call out to the other children, and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places, who call out to the other children, and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”
At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in your sight. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal him.
At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in your sight. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal him.
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Lectionary Hymn - I Need Thee Every Hour (UMH #397, v. 1, 3, & 4) - Debbie
Lectionary Hymn - I Need Thee Every Hour (UMH #397, v. 1, 3, & 4) - Debbie
Prayers of the People - Pastor Mary Beth
Prayers of the People - Pastor Mary Beth
We rejoice, O Christ, for in your tender compassion you shoulder our burdens and ease our heavy hearts. Give us the strength to carry each other as you have carried us.
We rejoice, O Christ, for in your tender compassion you shoulder our burdens and ease our heavy hearts. Give us the strength to carry each other as you have carried us.
We praise your abiding guidance, O God, for you sent us Jesus, our teacher and Messiah, to model for us the way of love for the whole universe. We offer these prayers of love on behalf of ourselves and our neighbors, on behalf of your creation and our fellow creatures.
We praise your abiding guidance, O God, for you sent us Jesus, our teacher and Messiah, to model for us the way of love for the whole universe. We offer these prayers of love on behalf of ourselves and our neighbors, on behalf of your creation and our fellow creatures.
Are there any requests or praises?
Are there any requests or praises?
(The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison. For prayer requests, we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For praises, we respond, “Lord, we lift this praise.”)
(The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison. For prayer requests, we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For praises, we respond, “Lord, we lift this praise.”)
Loving God, open our ears to hear your word and draw us closer to you, that the whole world may be one with you as you are one with us in Jesus Christ our Lord. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Loving God, open our ears to hear your word and draw us closer to you, that the whole world may be one with you as you are one with us in Jesus Christ our Lord. And all the beloved said: Amen.
(A moment for silent prayers)
(A moment for silent prayers)
And now let us pray the prayer the Lord taught all the disciples to pray. Let’s be so bold as to say:
And now let us pray the prayer the Lord taught all the disciples to pray. Let’s be so bold as to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by thy name;
Hallowed by thy name;
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil;
But deliver us from evil;
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
Doxology - Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #95)
Doxology - Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #95)
Prayer for Today’s Offering
Prayer for Today’s Offering
Generous God, we offer these gifts from the abundance of our everyday lives, thanking you for your constant provision. Bless and multiply these tokens of our gratitude, using them to bring hope, healing, and community to a world in need. May our very lives become a daily offering, growing in faithfulness and bearing fruit for your kingdom. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Generous God, we offer these gifts from the abundance of our everyday lives, thanking you for your constant provision. Bless and multiply these tokens of our gratitude, using them to bring hope, healing, and community to a world in need. May our very lives become a daily offering, growing in faithfulness and bearing fruit for your kingdom. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Prayer Hymn - Worn (Tenth Avenue North) - James
Prayer Hymn - Worn (Tenth Avenue North) - James
Sermon - Zechariah 9:9-12 (CEB) - Pastor Mary Beth
Sermon - Zechariah 9:9-12 (CEB) - Pastor Mary Beth
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem. Look, your king will come to you. He is righteous and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass, on a colt, the offspring of a donkey. He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem. The bow used in battle will be cut off; he will speak peace to the nations. His rule will stretch from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. Moreover, by the blood of your covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, prisoners of hope. Moreover, declare today that I will return double to you.
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem. Look, your king will come to you. He is righteous and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass, on a colt, the offspring of a donkey. He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem. The bow used in battle will be cut off; he will speak peace to the nations. His rule will stretch from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. Moreover, by the blood of your covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, prisoners of hope. Moreover, declare today that I will return double to you.
One: This is the story of God for the people of God!
One: This is the story of God for the people of God!
Many: Thanks be to God!
Many: Thanks be to God!
Sermon Hymn - Let Our Faith be Not Alone (Robbie Seay Band) - James
Sermon Hymn - Let Our Faith be Not Alone (Robbie Seay Band) - James
Communion - Pastor Mary Beth
Communion - Pastor Mary Beth
One: The Lord be with you!
One: The Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
One: Lift up your hearts!
One: Lift up your hearts!
Many: We lift them up to the Lord!
Many: We lift them up to the Lord!
One: Let us give thanks!
One: Let us give thanks!
Many: It is right to give thanks!
Many: It is right to give thanks!
One: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, God of the seasons. You meet us in the quiet rhythms of our ordinary days, nurturing the seeds of faith within us. So let us come to this table where the simple, everyday gifts of bread and cup are transformed by your Holy Spirit into a meal of sustenance, growth, and grace. Here, our routine is made holy, and every soul is welcome. Gathered as your growing community, we join our voices with the heavenly choir in the unending hymn:
One: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, God of the seasons. You meet us in the quiet rhythms of our ordinary days, nurturing the seeds of faith within us. So let us come to this table where the simple, everyday gifts of bread and cup are transformed by your Holy Spirit into a meal of sustenance, growth, and grace. Here, our routine is made holy, and every soul is welcome. Gathered as your growing community, we join our voices with the heavenly choir in the unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord
Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of power and might
God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna in the highest!
Loving God, whose steady grace sustains our world day by day, your presence transforms the mundane into the holy. Before the seasons began, you established the rhythms of creation, and you continue to nurture the seeds of faith within us when our energy wanes and our spirits grow sluggish.
Loving God, whose steady grace sustains our world day by day, your presence transforms the mundane into the holy. Before the seasons began, you established the rhythms of creation, and you continue to nurture the seeds of faith within us when our energy wanes and our spirits grow sluggish.
And yet, beloved, we often rush through our days without stopping to listen to your still-speaking voice. We easily lose sight of your quiet movement in our ordinary routines. In the silence and stillness of this moment, let us draw near to God, tending the soil of our hearts as we pray our prayer of confession together:
And yet, beloved, we often rush through our days without stopping to listen to your still-speaking voice. We easily lose sight of your quiet movement in our ordinary routines. In the silence and stillness of this moment, let us draw near to God, tending the soil of our hearts as we pray our prayer of confession together:
We confess to you, O God, that we often resist the slow work of spiritual growth. We prefer quick fixes to daily discipleship, and we let the distractions of the world choke out your word. We confess that we often view our differences as divisions rather than the beautiful variety of your harvest. Forgive us for the times we fail to see your extraordinary grace hidden in our ordinary neighbors.
We confess to you, O God, that we often resist the slow work of spiritual growth. We prefer quick fixes to daily discipleship, and we let the distractions of the world choke out your word. We confess that we often view our differences as divisions rather than the beautiful variety of your harvest. Forgive us for the times we fail to see your extraordinary grace hidden in our ordinary neighbors.
We long to bear good fruit, but we cannot do it alone. Prune away our selfishness, deepen our roots in your love, and teach us the joy of faithful perseverance. Empower us to build your kingdom through steady, everyday acts of justice, creativity, and love. Amen.
We long to bear good fruit, but we cannot do it alone. Prune away our selfishness, deepen our roots in your love, and teach us the joy of faithful perseverance. Empower us to build your kingdom through steady, everyday acts of justice, creativity, and love. Amen.
Hear the good news! God’s grace is renewed every morning, and the Spirit is continually at work within us, helping us to grow. You are not left to walk this path alone; in the name of Jesus Christ, you are nurtured, forgiven, and deeply beloved!
Hear the good news! God’s grace is renewed every morning, and the Spirit is continually at work within us, helping us to grow. You are not left to walk this path alone; in the name of Jesus Christ, you are nurtured, forgiven, and deeply beloved!
Thanks be to God!
Thanks be to God!
In this season of Ordinary Time, as we celebrate the steady growth of your kingdom among us, we invite your Holy Spirit to nourish us through these elements. God of the harvest, pour out your Spirit upon this bread and cup, making them a source of spiritual strength for our daily journey. May this meal awaken our sleepy hearts, refresh our routine, and sustain our spirits for the weeks ahead.
In this season of Ordinary Time, as we celebrate the steady growth of your kingdom among us, we invite your Holy Spirit to nourish us through these elements. God of the harvest, pour out your Spirit upon this bread and cup, making them a source of spiritual strength for our daily journey. May this meal awaken our sleepy hearts, refresh our routine, and sustain our spirits for the weeks ahead.
May this time of eating and drinking be one where we find quiet peace in our weariness and renewed hope for the days to come. May we begin to nurture the visions of your kingdom here on earth and cultivate the dreams of justice and love that you have planted in our minds.
May this time of eating and drinking be one where we find quiet peace in our weariness and renewed hope for the days to come. May we begin to nurture the visions of your kingdom here on earth and cultivate the dreams of justice and love that you have planted in our minds.
As we share this meal, let us remember our siblings in faith who faithfully walked this path in decades and centuries past, and the generations who will gather around this table in the future. As we come to the table, let us celebrate the enduring presence of Christ and the promise of daily renewal for our ordinary lives.
As we share this meal, let us remember our siblings in faith who faithfully walked this path in decades and centuries past, and the generations who will gather around this table in the future. As we come to the table, let us celebrate the enduring presence of Christ and the promise of daily renewal for our ordinary lives.
(Lift the bread, break it) We remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you. Take and eat - all of you - in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the bread, break it) We remember that on the night that our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and he gave it to his disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you. Take and eat - all of you - in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the cup) Likewise, after the supper, he took the cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.”
(Lift the cup) Likewise, after the supper, he took the cup, and after giving thanks, he said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in remembrance of me.”
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer our ordinary lives to you in unity with your Spirit, as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer our ordinary lives to you in unity with your Spirit, as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again!
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again!
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, so that, nourished by this meal, we may grow in faithfulness and be for the world the body of Christ—serving you in our daily routines and loving our neighbors in all we do. All of this we pray through Christ and with Christ and in Christ; all praise, honor, and glory are yours, now and forever, in every ordinary moment and through all eternity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; one God. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, so that, nourished by this meal, we may grow in faithfulness and be for the world the body of Christ—serving you in our daily routines and loving our neighbors in all we do. All of this we pray through Christ and with Christ and in Christ; all praise, honor, and glory are yours, now and forever, in every ordinary moment and through all eternity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; one God. And all the beloved said: Amen.
The Table is prepared. All who are hungry and thirsty are invited to receive these gifts of grace. May Christ be fully formed in you.
The Table is prepared. All who are hungry and thirsty are invited to receive these gifts of grace. May Christ be fully formed in you.
(After everyone has received)
(After everyone has received)
Spirit of God, who provides our daily bread, nurtures our growth, and blesses our gatherings, we give great thanks for this holy meal and the community surrounding us. Inspire us as we step back into the rhythm of our ordinary weeks, and encourage us to cultivate the seeds of your kingdom in everything we do. Send us out now into our homes, schools, and workplaces to do the work you have given us to do; to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of your grace in the everyday world. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, all the beloved said: Amen.
Spirit of God, who provides our daily bread, nurtures our growth, and blesses our gatherings, we give great thanks for this holy meal and the community surrounding us. Inspire us as we step back into the rhythm of our ordinary weeks, and encourage us to cultivate the seeds of your kingdom in everything we do. Send us out now into our homes, schools, and workplaces to do the work you have given us to do; to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of your grace in the everyday world. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, all the beloved said: Amen.
Sending:
Sending:
Benediction - Pastor Mary Beth
Benediction - Pastor Mary Beth
Go now into the week ahead, rooted in love and ready to grow. May the God of the seasons bless the work of your hands and the rhythm of your days. Look for the extraordinary grace hidden in your ordinary moments, and may you find Christ in every neighbor you meet. And the blessing of God Almighty— the Father who creates you, the Son who walks beside you, and the Holy Spirit who sustains you— be with you today and through all your ordinary days. Amen.
Go now into the week ahead, rooted in love and ready to grow. May the God of the seasons bless the work of your hands and the rhythm of your days. Look for the extraordinary grace hidden in your ordinary moments, and may you find Christ in every neighbor you meet. And the blessing of God Almighty— the Father who creates you, the Son who walks beside you, and the Holy Spirit who sustains you— be with you today and through all your ordinary days. Amen.
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186)
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186)
Postlude
Postlude
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