CCLI Number: 2880734
September 21, 2025
Words of Welcome Rev. John Hill
Centering Music
Call to Worship Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
Blessed are the poor in spirit
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek
For they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are the peacemakers
For they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted.
Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward.
Opening Hymn “Open the Eyes of My Heart”
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord,
open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see you,
I want to see you.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see you,
I want to see you.
To see you high and lifted up,
shining in the light of your glory.
Pour out your power and love
as we sing holy, holy, holy.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord,
open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see you,
I want to see you.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
open the eyes of my heart;
I want to see you,
I want to see you.
To see you high and lifted up,
shining in the light of your glory.
Pour out your power and love
as we sing holy, holy, holy.
To see you high and lifted up,
shining in the light of your glory.
Pour out your power and love
as we sing holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy.
I want to see you.
Holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy.
Holy, holy, holy.
I want to see you.
Affirmation of Faith (“A Modern Affirmation” UMH #885) Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
We believe in God the Father,
infinite in wisdom, power, and love,
whose mercy is over all God’s works,
and whose will is ever directed to God’s children’s good.
We believe in Jesus Christ,
Son of God and Son of Man,
the gift of the Father’s unfailing grace,
the ground of our hope,
and the promise of our deliverance from sin and death.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
as the divine presence in our lives,
whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance
of the truth of Christ,
and find strength and help in time of need.
We believe that this faith should manifest itself
in the service of love
as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord,
to the end
that the kingdom of God may come upon the earth. Amen.
Gloria Patri (UMH #70)
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
Children’s Moment Rev. John Hill
Prayer of Confession Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
Great God, we are a people who seek our own blessing.
Like Jacob, we will steal it from our siblings.
Like Balak, we will have others cursed
so that we would be blessed.
Like Achsah, we demand blessings from others.
Forgive our self-centeredness, O God.
Teach us what it means to sacrifice, to be humble, to love,
and thus to be truly blessed.
Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
Hear the Good News: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.
Passing the Peace
Hymn “Freely, Freely” (UMH #389)
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name,
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name,
and in Jesus’ name I come to you,
to share his love as he told me to.
He said, “Freely, freely you have received,
freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe,
others will know that I live.”
All power is given in Jesus’ name,
in earth and heaven in Jesus’ name,
and in Jesus’ name I come to you,
to share his power as he told me to.
He said, “Freely, freely you have received,
freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe,
others will know that I live.”
Prayer for Illumination Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
Scripture Reading (Matthew 5:7-9) Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Response to the Scripture Reading Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
For the Word of God we hear in scripture,
for the Word of God we encounter among us,
and for the Word of God at work within us,
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “Beatitudes: Blessed Are the Peacemakers” Rev. John Hill
Musical Reflection
Pastoral Prayer Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
The Lord’s Prayer
Invitation to Offer Tithes and Gifts
https://onrealm.org/CrievewoodUMC/Give
Offertory “Come Touch Our Hearts” (by Gordon Light) Matt Sevier
Doxology (UMH #95)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God, above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Invitation to Discipleship
Closing Hymn “Let There Be Peace on Earth” (UMH #431)
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.
Benediction Rev. John Hill
Benediction Song “Blest Are They” (verse 4 and chorus, TFWS #2155)
Blest are they who seek peace;
they are the children of God.
Blest are they who suffer in faith;
the glory of God is theirs.
Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you, holy are you.
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the Kingdom of God!