After Pentecost 21A – October 18
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost | Year A
Matthew 22:15-22 | “Whose Head”
Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 96)
One: Sing to the Holy One, all the earth. Declare God’s glory!
Many: Great is the Holy One, who made the heavens and the earth.
One: Sing a new song unto the Holy One. Join with all creation in praise and reverence!
Many: We witness God’s marvelous works among the peoples.
One: Worship the Holy One, all the earth! Declare God’s sovereignty!
Many: Rejoice and be glad! God is great!
Invocation
Sovereign and Radiant God, you go before us and invite us to meet you. Today, we gather in your presence as a community. You gift us “the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places.” We respond as you call us by name. We come to know you as you invite us to be known,by you. Receive our worship and form us as your people in justice, truth, righteousness, compassion, and love. Be glorified among us and through us, we pray. Amen.
Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Gracious God, you have revealed yourself in scripture, prophets, and the Christ. Yet, we have reduced your gospel of liberation for all people, restoration of all creation, and redemption for the world into personal piety and devotion. We make idols of the trappings of empire, trusting in our own plots and plans while failing to believe and trust you with bold, transformative prayers. Help us, O God, live in faith and access your power. Remind us that you equip and endow us to be your body in the world so that all may flourish and experience abundance. Amen.
Words of Grace
Beloved, Creator continues to do a new thing in you and will strengthen and encourage you to be bold and faithful in the journey. Receive the invitation to new and full life in Christ. Reject hopelessness, fatalism, and despair. That is not your portion. God has given you a spirit to live in the kindom and be ambassadors and agents of the good news for the glory of God and the good of the world.
Invitation to Generosity
The offerings we bring before the Holy One do not function as a tax. They are a gift given freely. At times, we give sacrificially. Mostly, we give from the abundance that the Holy One has seeded throughout all creation. Let us give generously, hopefully, and lovingly knowing that needs will be met and lives will be changed through our ministry.
Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
God of good and perfect gifts receive our humble gifts of time, talent, and treasure. May they contribute to a world of abundance and your kindom come. May we experience the joy and privilege of giving as a gift in and of itself. Amen.
Benediction
Remember, you belong to the kindom of God.
As you go, embody the good news of the Holy One in the world.
May the Love of God envelop you.
May the Presence of God encourage and embolden you.
And, may the Spirit of God guide you.
Whose Head: Service Prayers for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost Year A was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.
