Worship Bulletin

September Calendar 2026

Devotion

Children Bulletin

As We Gather

How much forgiveness is enough? Peter wants a number, but Jesus gives him a parable about an impossible debt and a king whose compassion erases it. In Christ’s kingdom, forgiveness is not earned by deserving debtors or measured with a tally sheet. Our King bears our debt at the cross and gives His mercy freely. Having received immeasurable forgiveness from Christ, His people are freed from endless scorekeeping and sent to extend that mercy to one another. Mercy is the currency of the Kingdom because Jesus has paid dearly for it.

Prayer Before Service

Almighty God, You have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to You; and You promise that where two or three are gathered together in Your name You will grant their requests. Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of Your servants as may be most expedient for them, granting us in this world knowledge of Your truth and in the world to come life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Historical note:
This prayer is traditionally known as the Prayer of St. John Chrysostom. It entered Western Anglican prayer-book usage from the Eastern liturgical tradition and has long been prayed at the conclusion of corporate offices and gatherings for prayer. Its attribution connects it with John Chrysostom (c. 347–407), although the precise textual history is later and more complex than direct authorship. It is well suited as a prayer before worship because it asks God to hear the Church gathered in Christ’s name and to grant what is truly good.

Sunday School Bible Lesson

Bible Lesson: Luke 7:36–50 – Jesus Forgives the Sinful Woman

Why it connects: This account gives children a concrete picture of Jesus’ teaching that the person who has been forgiven much loves much. Jesus tells of two debtors who cannot pay and whose debts are cancelled, making it an especially clear child-level companion to Matthew 18. The lesson helps children see the order that is essential to the sermon: we do not earn Jesus’ forgiveness by being loving or forgiving enough. Jesus forgives sinners freely, and His forgiveness changes the way we love and treat other people.

Key Truth: Jesus forgives a debt we cannot pay, and His forgiveness frees us to show mercy and love to others.

Suggested Memory Verse: Luke 7:47 – “He who is forgiven little, loves little.” For younger children, the teacher may emphasize the positive truth of the verse in context: those who know how greatly Jesus has forgiven them are freed to love greatly.