WEST CENTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829
www.westcenterchurch.org
SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 11:00 AM
WORSHIP THROUGH PRAISE
PRELUDE:
WELCOME & GREETINGS!
INTROIT: Majesty, worship and majesty; unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise. Majesty,
kingdom authority, flow from His throne unto His own; His anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus;
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King! Majesty, worship and majesty; Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all Kings.
* RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: Give thanks to our God with your heart and your voice.
People: We rejoice and sing praise to your name.
Leader: Sing a new song and tell of God’s work.
People: We rejoice and sing praise to your name.
Leader: God’s mighty word fills all creation with life.
People: We rejoice and sing praise to your name.
Leader: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
People: We rejoice and sing praise to your name.
* OPENING HYMN: NO. 487 “WHEN MORNING GILDS THE SKIES”
*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Contemporary Collect – pg. 1
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE: We come to this place keenly aware of the need of your grace and forgiveness, O God. We know the many times we have done things that are not in keeping with your will; the times we have hurt others – both intentionally and unintentionally – and damaged the fragile earth you have given as our home. Yet we know, too, the majestic power of your forgiveness and grace. Hear our prayer, remove our guilt, and set us free to be your people in the world. AMEN.
MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION/SELF REFLECTION:
LORD’S PRAYER (“DEBTS”)
* RESPONSIVE READING OF PSALM 114 pg. 2*
GLORIA PATRI:
WORSHIP THROUGH CARING, PRAYING AND GIVING
MEDITATIONAL HYMN: NO. 347 “FORGIVE OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE”
CALL TO PRAYER: Lord, You are more beautiful than silver; Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more radiant than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares with you.
INTERCESORY PRAYER/PASTORAL PRAYER
SHARING OF OUR GIFTS, TITHES AND OFFERING PRECEDED BY PRAYER
PRAYER OF DEDICATION: We offer to you, loving God, all that we have and all that we are.
Take and shape our gifts, and take and shape our lives, that we might be agents of justice and fairness in this hurting world.
We pray in Christ’s name. AMEN
OFFERTORY: “MY TRIBUTE”
How can I say thanks for the things God has done for me?
Things so undeserved, yet He came to prove His love for me;
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude;
All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.
To God be the glory for the things He has done.
With God’s love He has saved me, with God’s power He has raised me;
To God be the glory for the things He has done.
And as I live my life, let it pleasing, Lord to Thee;
And if I gain any praise it's because of Calvary.
* DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
PASSING OF PEACE, JOYS, CONCERNS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORSHIP THROUGH REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
THE FIRST READING: EXODUS 14: 19 – 31 pp. 1 & 2
SOLO: “THE PRAYER”
I pray you’ll be our eyes; and watch us where we go; And help us to be wise in times when we don’t know. Let this be our prayer, as we go our way. Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace to a place where we’ll be safe. I pray we’ll find your light, and hold it in our hearts, when stars come out each night, Your love will hold us tight. Let this be our prayer when shadows fill our day. Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace; Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
THE GOSPEL READING: ST. MATTHEW 18: 21 - 35 pg. 4
PREACHING OF THE WORD: ““ROAD TO FREEDOM”” - REV. DR. CHRIS. PONNURAJ
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – A NEW CREED
Pastor: We are not alone; we live in God’s world.
People: We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. (United Church of Canada-1980, The New Century Hymnal No. 887)
* CLOSING HYMN: NO. 420 “GOD OF GRACE AND GOD OF GLORY”
* BENEDICTION:
RESPONSE: AMEN. May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever; Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor.
Lift up your eyes and see God’s face, full of grace forever; May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever.
POSTLUDE:
*Please stand as you are able and comfortable standing.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ a cordial welcome to those who have come to this house of worship.
We thank you for worshiping with us today. Your presence encourages and strengthens us. Guests are invited to sign the guest book in the narthex.
Our Friendship and Fellowship Coffee Hour will be held in Bodge Lounge.
Come and share the joy of Christ’s love with us. Please sign up if you wish to host a Coffee hour.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
Ms. Cindy Tether (9/14), Amanda Wilson (9/26)
COVENANT OF CARE
Nargis Abbas, Cindi Barna, Donald Boland, Debbie Brady, Kerry-Ann Clayton, Amani Fahr,
Judy Ross Francis, Peter Gill, Marc Hasenbalg, Heather Hawthorne, Mark Hilliard,
Frank Ingram, Ann Jamison, Edie Jamison-Koenig, Jeanette Johnson, Peter Koenig,
William S. Krause, Georgia LaBlanc, Ronald M Leigh, Sr., Manoris Long, Rick Macerata, Joe Miller,
June Nickerson, Douglas Nielson, Sue Nuding, Master Sgt. Timothy Peters,
John Polvere, Rev. Chris, Vatsala Ponnuraj, Protzman, Meghan Ellen Quinlan, Ben Rice,
Tony Roque, Rev. Allan Ross, Vynetta Ross, Anthony Russo, Michael Singer,
Richard Z. Steinhaus Jr., Edith Unger, Maryella Ward Leigh, Amanda Wilson, Ralph Zinzi
West Center Congregational Church (UCC)
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829 www.westcenterchurch.org
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
[email protected] (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist
[email protected] (203) 921-5210
Soloist: Eliza Bonet
WORSHIP THROUGH PRAISE
PRELUDE:
WELCOME & GREETINGS!
INTROIT: Majesty, worship and majesty; unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise. Majesty,
kingdom authority, flow from His throne unto His own; His anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus;
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King! Majesty, worship and majesty; Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all Kings.
* RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: Give thanks to our God with your heart and your voice.
People: We rejoice and sing praise to your name.
Leader: Sing a new song and tell of God’s work.
People: We rejoice and sing praise to your name.
Leader: God’s mighty word fills all creation with life.
People: We rejoice and sing praise to your name.
Leader: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
People: We rejoice and sing praise to your name.
* OPENING HYMN: NO. 487 “WHEN MORNING GILDS THE SKIES”
*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION: Contemporary Collect – pg. 1
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE: We come to this place keenly aware of the need of your grace and forgiveness, O God. We know the many times we have done things that are not in keeping with your will; the times we have hurt others – both intentionally and unintentionally – and damaged the fragile earth you have given as our home. Yet we know, too, the majestic power of your forgiveness and grace. Hear our prayer, remove our guilt, and set us free to be your people in the world. AMEN.
MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION/SELF REFLECTION:
LORD’S PRAYER (“DEBTS”)
* RESPONSIVE READING OF PSALM 114 pg. 2*
GLORIA PATRI:
WORSHIP THROUGH CARING, PRAYING AND GIVING
MEDITATIONAL HYMN: NO. 347 “FORGIVE OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE”
CALL TO PRAYER: Lord, You are more beautiful than silver; Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more radiant than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares with you.
INTERCESORY PRAYER/PASTORAL PRAYER
SHARING OF OUR GIFTS, TITHES AND OFFERING PRECEDED BY PRAYER
PRAYER OF DEDICATION: We offer to you, loving God, all that we have and all that we are.
Take and shape our gifts, and take and shape our lives, that we might be agents of justice and fairness in this hurting world.
We pray in Christ’s name. AMEN
OFFERTORY: “MY TRIBUTE”
How can I say thanks for the things God has done for me?
Things so undeserved, yet He came to prove His love for me;
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude;
All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.
To God be the glory for the things He has done.
With God’s love He has saved me, with God’s power He has raised me;
To God be the glory for the things He has done.
And as I live my life, let it pleasing, Lord to Thee;
And if I gain any praise it's because of Calvary.
* DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
PASSING OF PEACE, JOYS, CONCERNS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORSHIP THROUGH REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
THE FIRST READING: EXODUS 14: 19 – 31 pp. 1 & 2
SOLO: “THE PRAYER”
I pray you’ll be our eyes; and watch us where we go; And help us to be wise in times when we don’t know. Let this be our prayer, as we go our way. Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace to a place where we’ll be safe. I pray we’ll find your light, and hold it in our hearts, when stars come out each night, Your love will hold us tight. Let this be our prayer when shadows fill our day. Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace; Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
THE GOSPEL READING: ST. MATTHEW 18: 21 - 35 pg. 4
PREACHING OF THE WORD: ““ROAD TO FREEDOM”” - REV. DR. CHRIS. PONNURAJ
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – A NEW CREED
Pastor: We are not alone; we live in God’s world.
People: We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. (United Church of Canada-1980, The New Century Hymnal No. 887)
* CLOSING HYMN: NO. 420 “GOD OF GRACE AND GOD OF GLORY”
* BENEDICTION:
RESPONSE: AMEN. May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever; Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor.
Lift up your eyes and see God’s face, full of grace forever; May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever.
POSTLUDE:
*Please stand as you are able and comfortable standing.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ a cordial welcome to those who have come to this house of worship.
We thank you for worshiping with us today. Your presence encourages and strengthens us. Guests are invited to sign the guest book in the narthex.
Our Friendship and Fellowship Coffee Hour will be held in Bodge Lounge.
Come and share the joy of Christ’s love with us. Please sign up if you wish to host a Coffee hour.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS
Ms. Cindy Tether (9/14), Amanda Wilson (9/26)
COVENANT OF CARE
Nargis Abbas, Cindi Barna, Donald Boland, Debbie Brady, Kerry-Ann Clayton, Amani Fahr,
Judy Ross Francis, Peter Gill, Marc Hasenbalg, Heather Hawthorne, Mark Hilliard,
Frank Ingram, Ann Jamison, Edie Jamison-Koenig, Jeanette Johnson, Peter Koenig,
William S. Krause, Georgia LaBlanc, Ronald M Leigh, Sr., Manoris Long, Rick Macerata, Joe Miller,
June Nickerson, Douglas Nielson, Sue Nuding, Master Sgt. Timothy Peters,
John Polvere, Rev. Chris, Vatsala Ponnuraj, Protzman, Meghan Ellen Quinlan, Ben Rice,
Tony Roque, Rev. Allan Ross, Vynetta Ross, Anthony Russo, Michael Singer,
Richard Z. Steinhaus Jr., Edith Unger, Maryella Ward Leigh, Amanda Wilson, Ralph Zinzi
West Center Congregational Church (UCC)
101 Pondfield Road West
Bronxville, New York 10708
Tel No. (914) 337-3829 www.westcenterchurch.org
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj – Minister
[email protected] (917) 743-1574
Mr. John Strybos – Director of Music & Organist
[email protected] (203) 921-5210
Soloist: Eliza Bonet