First Presbyterian Church of Niles
Morning Worship
10:00 A.M. September 27, 2026
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(*Stand if you are able.)
PRELUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Chanson Galliard
CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
In the prayers and the praise of this morning, in the words and the wonder:
we are given enough joy to live each day.
In the justice for the oppressed, in the unexpected generosity for the lost:
we are given enough compassion to use in service each day.
In the promises made to all, in the mercy offered to each:
we are given enough grace to share each day. Here in this place, our joy, our compassion, and our grace are renewed.
OPENING PRAYER
*HYMN 394 Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Christ is made a sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone,
Chosen of the Lord and precious, binding all the church in one;
Holy Zion’s help forever, and our confidence alone.
To this temple, where we call you, come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
Come, with all your loving kindness; hear your people as we pray,
And your fullest benediction shed within these walls today.
Here bestow on all your servants what they seek from you to gain;
What they gain from you, forever with the blessed to retain;
And hereafter in your glory evermore with you to reign.
Laud and honor to the Father, laud and honor to the Son,
Laud and honor to the Spirit, ever three and ever one:
One in might and one in glory while unending ages run!
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (In Unison)
We want to be fountains of hope for others, God of glory, but people find only hardened hearts. We would like to be transformed people, but our stubborn pride prevents us from bending a knee to you. We long to stand with those who are in need, but our selfishness keeps our backs rigid with judgment. Forgive us, God who came down to us. Humble us, that we might be true servants to the broken and lost. Fill our minds with the presence of your Spirit, that we might learn how to follow Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, into that kingdom of grace and hope.
MOMENT OF SILENT AND PERSONAL CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF PARDON (Responsive)
This is the good news: in Christ, God's plan for salvation was accomplished. You are forgiven, you are made new.
We will complete God's joy, by sharing compassion, forgiveness, hope, with everyone we meet. Thanks be to God. Amen.
PASSING THE PEACE
As God has forgiven us in Christ let us also forgive one another.
The peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
Please share the sign of peace with one another.
The sharing of Christ’s peace.
RESPONSE Peace is Flowing Like a River TRADITIONAL
Peace is flowing like a river, flowing out to you and me.
Flowing out into the desert, setting all the captives free.
His love is flowing like a river, flowing out to you and me.
Flowing out into the desert, setting all the captives free.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
SPECIAL MUSIC Lamp Unto My Feet McDonald
Chancel Choir
Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, “Come, follow me! And we see where Thy footprints falling, lead us to Thee. If they lead through the temple holy, or in homes of the weak and lowly, preaching the word, serving the Lord, lead us to Thee. Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow; we will follow the steps of Jesus where e’re they go. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still you’re there right beside me. Nothing will I fear as long as you are near. Please be with me to the end.
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Philippians 2:1-13
MESSAGE At Work Within Us Rev. Amber Nettleton
*HYMN Take My Life, God, Let It Be HENDON
Take my life, God, let it be consecrated faithfully,
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise, let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my spirit, let it move at the impulse of your love.
Take my intellect and use all its powers as you choose, all its powers as you choose.
Take my will; your will be done! Make your will and mine be one.
Take my heart, and by your grace make of it your dwelling place, make of it your dwelling place.
Take my love and help it grow; let my loving overflow.
Take me now, and help me be part of Christ’s community, part of Christ’s community.
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.32
CALL FOR THE OFFERING
Offertory Change My Heart, O God Arr. Hayes
*DOXOLOGY 608 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow PRAISE GOD
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ, all people here below;
Praise Holy spirit ever more; praise Triune God, whom we adore.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
PREPARATION FOR PRAYERS 392 (Vs. 1, 4)
Jesus, We Are Here JESUS, TAWA PANO
Jesus, we are here; Jesus, we are here; Jesus, we are here; we are here for you.
Spirit, we are here; Spirit, we are here; Spirit, we are here; we are here for you.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER (Unison)
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*HYMN Let There Be Peace on Earth LET THERE BE PEACE
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God our creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
All music is reproduced under permission from ccli.com License #11146543.
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