# St. John's United Church of Christ — September 27, 2026 _Joseph in Prison_ Bulletin cover: "Story of Joseph" © Estate of John August Swanson, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt University Divinity Library. ## Liturgical Context ### Christian Liturgical Calendar - **Season:** Season after Pentecost (Ordinary Time) - **Sunday:** Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21) - **RCL year:** Year A (Matthew) - **Color:** Green - **Season of Creation:** Final week of the ecumenical Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4, Feast of Francis of Assisi) - **Commemorations this week:** Vincent de Paul (September 27); Michael and All Angels (September 29); Jerome (September 30); Francis of Assisi (October 4) - **Next Sunday:** World Communion Sunday (October 4) ### Jewish Calendar - **Hebrew date:** 16 Tishrei 5787 - **Observance:** Second day of Sukkot (Yom Tov in the diaspora); Sukkot began at sundown Friday, September 25 - **This week:** Chol HaMoed Sukkot (September 28 – October 1); Hoshana Rabbah (October 2); Shemini Atzeret (October 3); Simchat Torah (October 4, diaspora) - **Resonance:** Sukkot remembers Israel's wilderness dependence on God in temporary shelters. Today's Joseph story also turns on God's presence in a place of confinement and instability. ### Ecumenical & Global Observances - Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4) - World Communion Sunday: October 4 - CROP Hunger Walk (Church World Service), Chambersburg: October 18 ### Narrative Lectionary (What St. John's Is Following) - **NL103 – Joseph in Prison** (Year 1 – Matthew, 2026–27) - **Preaching text:** Genesis 39:1-23 — Joseph is unjustly imprisoned, yet God is present with him there - **NL accompanying reading:** Matthew 5:11-12 ("Blessed are you when people revile you") - **St. John's adaptation:** Expanded the gospel to the full Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) and added Psalm 1 as the responsive reading - **Last week:** NL102 – Call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-9) - **Next week:** NL104 – Rescue at the Sea (Exodus 14:5-7, 10-14, 21-29), with Matthew 2:13-15 ### Lectionary Readings (Revised Common Lectionary) Proper 21, Year A — not used in today's service; listed for comparison. - **Hebrew Bible (semicontinuous):** Exodus 17:1-7 — Water from the rock at Massah and Meribah - **Psalm (semicontinuous):** Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 - **Hebrew Bible (complementary):** Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 — Each person accountable; "turn, then, and live" - **Psalm (complementary):** Psalm 25:1-9 - **Epistle:** Philippians 2:1-13 — The Christ Hymn - **Gospel:** Matthew 21:23-32 — Authority questioned; parable of the two sons ### Connection to Today's Message - **"The LORD was with Joseph"** works as a refrain in Genesis 39 (vv. 2, 3, 21, 23). It brackets both the rise in Potiphar's house and the fall into prison. Presence does not prevent the injustice. - **Psalm 1 ↔ Genesis 39:** Psalm 1 promises the one rooted in God that "everything they do will prosper." Genesis 39 says the LORD made all Joseph did prosper (vv. 3, 23), even in prison. - **Beatitudes ↔ false accusation:** Matthew 5:11 blesses those falsely accused on Jesus' account. Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. - **"Happy" as the thread:** The Call to Worship ("Happy are we…") and The Inclusive Bible's Psalm 1 ("Happiness comes to…") both render the _ashrei/makarios_ blessing formula as "happy/happiness." - **Hymn #332, v. 4:** "He sets the prisoner free" lands squarely on a prison text. - **Hymn #590:** "All other ground is sinking sand" echoes the house on rock vs. sand that closes the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27). - **Congregational life:** The Franklin Together–Franklin County Reentry Coalition donation drive and Fall First Fruits both appear in this week's announcements. The prison theme has a local, lived counterpart. - **Translation watch (Psalm 1, The Inclusive Bible):** "Reject the path of violence," "criminals," and "those who do justice" (v. 6) are interpretive renderings. The Hebrew reads more like "the counsel of the wicked," "the way of sinners," and "the LORD knows the way of the righteous." Worth comparing with NRSVue during the week. ## Order of Worship _* Please stand in body or in spirit_ ### Gathering #### Gathering Song "This is the Day" _Lyrics omitted — copyrighted contemporary song._ #### Unison Welcome "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### Announcements #### Passing of the Peace **Leader:** The peace of Christ be with you. **People:** And also with you. #### Chiming of the Trinity #### Prelude #### *Call to Worship _Written by Katherine Hawker, posted on Liturgies Outside_ **Leader:** Happy are we **People:** when our treasures cannot be quantified. **Leader:** Happy are we **People:** when our knowledge is tempered by mystery. **Leader:** Happy are we **People:** when our pain is held in the balm of love. **Leader:** Happy are we **People:** when our delight comes from beyond ourselves. #### *Hymn #332 "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" - **Words:** Charles Wesley, 1739 (Ps. 100 as printed) - **Music:** Carl G. Gläser; arr. Lowell Mason, 1839 - **Tune:** AZMON (CM) - **Hymnal note:** Higher key, No. 209; lower key, No. 520 - **Status:** Public domain 1. O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of His grace. 2. My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of Thy name. 3. Jesus, the name that calms my fears, that bids my sorrows cease; 'tis music in the sinner's ears; 'tis life and health and peace. 4. He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me. 5. He speaks, and listening to His voice, new life the dead receive; the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe. 6. To God all glory, praise, and love be ever, ever given by saints below and saints above, the church in earth and heaven. #### Call to Confession Let us confess our sins before God and one another. #### Prayer of Confession **Gracious God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, you have promised to receive us when we come to you. We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed. We have disobeyed your law. We have not loved you or our neighbors as we should. Forgive us, O God, and grant that we may live and serve you in newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.** #### Kyrie Hymnal Companion C-4 #### Assurance of Pardon _From the UCC Book of Worship_ God hears the confession of our hearts and lips. Through Jesus Christ we are forgiven all our sins, and by the Holy Spirit we are empowered for new life. **We believe the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen.** #### *Glory Be to the Father #704 - **Status:** Traditional doxology text (Gloria Patri); public domain 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. _Verify wording against #704 — some hymnals print an inclusive-language version._ ### Word #### Scripture Reading Matthew 5:1-12 — see [[#Scripture and Sermon]] #### Responsive Reading Psalm 1 (The Inclusive Bible) — see [[#Responsive Reading]] #### Anthem #### Children's Message Roxanne Davenport _Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message._ #### Scripture Reading Genesis 39:1-23 — see [[#Scripture Reading]] #### Sermon Rev. Caroline E. Saxton — see [[#Sermon]] ### Response #### Nicene Creed: An Affirmation of Faith Hymnal Companion C-10 #### Sharing of Joys and Concerns _For personal prayer use._ #### Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (Debts) 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. #### Invitation to Giving #### Offertory #### *Offertory Response #706 "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" - **Words:** Thomas Ken, 1674 - **Tune:** OLD HUNDREDTH (LM) - **Status:** Public domain Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. _Verify wording against #706 — some hymnals print an inclusive-language version._ #### *Prayer of Dedication _From Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship_ **Holy One, whose heart abounds with gifts, receive this offering as sign of our intention to live surrounded by your mercy, inspired by your Spirit, open to the joy of your presence, hospitable to one another, and generous toward your world. Amen.** ### Sending #### *Hymn #590 "The Solid Rock" - **Words:** Edward Mote, 1834 - **Music:** William B. Bradbury, 1863 - **Tune:** SOLID ROCK (LM with refrain); alternate tune MELITA - **Status:** Public domain 1. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. _Refrain:_ On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. 2. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. _Refrain_ 3. His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. _Refrain_ 4. When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in Him be found, dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. _Refrain_ #### *Commission & Benediction #### Postlude (seated) _Join us in the Fellowship Hall for our annual Chili Cook Off!_ ## Scripture and Sermon ### Scripture Reading Genesis 39:1-23 ![[Genesis 39#1]] ![[Genesis 39#2]] ![[Genesis 39#3]] ![[Genesis 39#4]] ![[Genesis 39#5]] ![[Genesis 39#6]] ![[Genesis 39#7]] ![[Genesis 39#8]] ![[Genesis 39#9]] ![[Genesis 39#10]] ![[Genesis 39#11]] ![[Genesis 39#12]] ![[Genesis 39#13]] ![[Genesis 39#14]] ![[Genesis 39#15]] ![[Genesis 39#16]] ![[Genesis 39#17]] ![[Genesis 39#18]] ![[Genesis 39#19]] ![[Genesis 39#20]] ![[Genesis 39#21]] ![[Genesis 39#22]] ![[Genesis 39#23]] ### Additional Scripture Matthew 5:1-12 ![[Matthew 5#1]] ![[Matthew 5#2]] ![[Matthew 5#3]] ![[Matthew 5#4]] ![[Matthew 5#5]] ![[Matthew 5#6]] ![[Matthew 5#7]] ![[Matthew 5#8]] ![[Matthew 5#9]] ![[Matthew 5#10]] ![[Matthew 5#11]] ![[Matthew 5#12]] ### Responsive Reading Psalm 1 (The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation) **Leader:** Happiness comes to those who reject the path of violence, who refuse to associate with criminals or even to sit with people who belittle others. **People:** Happiness comes to those who delight in the Law of YHWH and meditate on it day and night. **Leader:** They're like trees planted by flowing water – they bear fruit in every season, and their leaves never wither: everything they do will prosper. **People:** But not wrongdoers! They're like chaff that the wind blows away. **Leader:** They won't have a taproot to anchor them when judgment comes, nor will corrupt individuals be given a place at the Gathering of the Just. **People:** YHWH watches over the steps of those who do justice; but those on a path of violence and injustice will find themselves irretrievably lost. #### Psalm 1 (Bible Linker) ![[Psalm 1#1]] ![[Psalm 1#2]] ![[Psalm 1#3]] ![[Psalm 1#4]] ![[Psalm 1#5]] ![[Psalm 1#6]] ### Children's Message Roxanne Davenport #### Notes #### Companion Analysis (non-scored) ### Sermon Rev. Caroline E. Saxton #### Sermon Notes ##### Introduction ##### Main Points ###### Point 1: ###### Point 2: ###### Point 3: ##### Illustrations/Stories ##### Scripture Connections ##### Key Quotes #### Personal Reflections ##### What spoke to me: ##### Questions raised: ##### Challenges/Convictions: ##### Liturgical Context Reflections: #### Applications ##### This week I will: ##### People to pray for: ##### Follow-up study: #### Connections - Sunday Night Bible Study tonight: Ecclesiastes 10 - Next week's Narrative Lectionary text: Exodus 14 (Rescue at the Sea) ## Worship Leadership |Role|Name| |---|---| |Pastor|Rev. Caroline E. Saxton| |Organist|Barbara Motichka| |Choir Director|Gary Crum| |Deacon in Charge|Mike Blumberg| |Lector|Henry Hopper| |Children's Message|Roxanne Davenport| |Children's Corner|MaryLee Yaukey| |Media Coordinators|Calvin Frantz and Neath Ham| |Bulletin cover|"Story of Joseph" © Estate of John August Swanson, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt University Divinity Library| ### Flowers The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross are given in memory of Leonard and Esther Zeger and Robert and Elva Dilling by Marvin and Linda Zeger. ### Birthdays This Week - 09/29 — Jack Mull and Dr. James Strite Jr. - 10/01 — Lynne McGough - 10/02 — Dariawn Barbour and Susan Collier ### Worship Resources - Call to Worship written by Katherine Hawker and posted on Liturgies Outside - UCC Book of Worship - The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation - Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship, edited by Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi ## Church News & Announcements ### Staff & Contacts - The Rev. Caroline E. Saxton — [email protected] — (641) 260-1868 (cell) - Tonya Schwartz, Office Administrator — [email protected] — (717) 263-8593 (office) - Gary Crum, Music Director - Barbara Motichka, Organist - Roxanne Davenport, Director of Children & Youth - The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman, Pastor Emeritus ### Sunday Night Bible Study Join Pastor Caroline on Sunday, September 27 at 8 pm via Zoom for a Bible study on the Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 10. - **Zoom Meeting ID:** 836 0593 5961 - **Passcode:** 277938 - A hyperlink is included in the weekly e-blast. ### Monday Afternoon Book Study Chapter 7 of Barbara Brown Taylor's _Learning to Walk in the Dark_ — Monday, September 28, 1:30 PM, Conference Room 111. ### Kinusaiga Craft Night Monday, October 5, 5:30 pm, Room 116. All supplies included; bring an exacto knife or seam ripper if you have one. Cost is $15. Sign up at the Welcome Center in the Lobby by Sunday, October 4. Questions: Chani Wolfe, [email protected]. ### An Evening of Fellowship Saturday, October 10, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall — music, food, and community with our other congregations. Bring a dish to share; sign up at the Welcome Center in the Lobby. "Dinner church!" ### Franklin County Pride Festival Sunday, October 11, at Wilson College. Contact Pastor Caroline if you can represent St. John's at this community event. ### Immunization Clinic Sunday, October 18, after worship in the Parlor. Chambers Apothecary will host a flu shot clinic. Sign up in the Lobby Welcome Center by October 16. Questions: Harold Collier, [email protected]. ### CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, October 18, starting at Falling Spring Presbyterian Church (221 N. Main Street). Registration opens at 1:30 pm; the walk begins at 2. Monetary donations and non-perishable food items welcome. #### Bulletin Insert: 2026 Chambersburg CROP Hunger Walk - **Team:** St. John's UCC Youth - **Theme:** "Ending Hunger One Step at a Time" / "Building Global Resilience" - **Pitch:** CROP Hunger Walks invite people to put their bodies in motion, connect with community, and do something for vulnerable neighbors near and far. Walking becomes an act of solidarity with neighbors who must walk for water, food, medical care, or safety. - **What gifts provide:** - $21 — Five chickens for a family in Tanzania - $25 — A month of groceries for a refugee in Egypt - $40 — A year of school supplies for a Roma child in Eastern Europe - $43 — A biosand water filter for a family in Myanmar - **Closing line:** Cites the Jewish teaching that saving one life saves the entire world. - **Contact:** 888-CWS-CROP · crophungerwalk.org ### No Tricks, Just Treats Saturday, October 31, 6–8 pm. Candy donations can be dropped off at the church office. ### September/October Upper Room Devotionals available at the Welcome Center. Suggested donation: $1 small print / $2 large print. Contact the church office to have a copy mailed. ### Franklin Together–Franklin County Reentry Coalition Many people the coalition serves are securing safe housing, reconnecting with loved ones, and taking steps toward stability. St. John's is collecting essential household, cleaning, and hygiene items. A donation box sits at the Welcome Center; see the full list there or in the e-blast. ### Fall Quarter First Fruits First Fruits in August, September, and October support Franklin Together–Franklin County Reentry Coalition, Homeless Matters of Franklin County, and the Fayetteville Fire Department. More information appears in _the Spirit_. ### Bible and a Beer A chance to talk about faith in public — 3rd Monday of the month, 6:30 pm, Trojan Diner. Next gathering: October 19. ### Want to Stay in Touch? Contact the church office to join the email list. Sign up for weekly emails, Diana's Devotionals, and/or the Prayer Chain. ## Vision & Mission ### St. John's Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God's realm on earth. ### St. John's Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor ## Calendar & Upcoming Events ### Sunday, September 27 (Today) - 11:30 am — Chili Cook-off after worship — Fellowship Hall - 8:00 pm — Bible Study: Ecclesiastes, Chapter 10 — Zoom (link in Friday e-blast) ### Monday, September 28 - 1:30 pm — Book Study (_Learning to Walk in the Dark_, Chapter 7) — Conference Room 111 - 3:00 pm — Pinochle (Come Play and Learn) — Library Room 106 - 6:30 pm — Community Engagement Meeting — Conference Room 111 ### Tuesday, September 29 - 5:30 pm — Yoga — Room 202 - 6:00 pm — Ladies Bible Study — Zoom ### Wednesday, September 30 - 11:30 am — Camp Board Meeting — Conference Room 111 - 6:30 pm — Council Meeting — Conference Room 111 ### Thursday, October 1 - 7:00 am — Men's Breakfast — Texas Lunch - 6:00 pm — Dance Class — Fellowship Hall - 7:15 pm — Choir Practice — Room 103 ### Saturday, October 3 - 1:30 pm — Pumpkin Patch Fall Tea — Fellowship Hall ### Sunday, October 4 - 8:45 am — Godly Play Church School Class (Ages 3–K) — Room 119 - 8:45 am — SPARK! Church School Class (Grades 1–5) — Room 115 - 8:45 am — Scripture/Contemporary Issues (Grades 6–12) — Library Room 106 - 8:45 am — Wired Word Adult Church School Class — Room 116 - 8:45 am — Upper Room Adult Church School Class — Conference Room 111 - 10:00 am — Sunday Worship — Sanctuary - 8:00 pm — Bible Study: Ecclesiastes, Chapter 11 — Zoom (link in Friday e-blast) ### Later in October - Monday, October 5, 5:30 pm — Kinusaiga Craft Night — Room 116 (sign up by October 4) - Saturday, October 10, 5:30 pm — An Evening of Fellowship ("dinner church") — Fellowship Hall - Sunday, October 11 — Franklin County Pride Festival — Wilson College - Sunday, October 18, after worship — Flu Shot Clinic — Parlor (sign up by October 16) - Sunday, October 18, 1:30 pm registration / 2:00 pm walk — CROP Hunger Walk — Falling Spring Presbyterian Church - Monday, October 19, 6:30 pm — Bible and a Beer — Trojan Diner - Saturday, October 31, 6–8 pm — No Tricks, Just Treats