Sunday, October 4, 2026
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost | Year A
Matthew 21:33-46 | "A People That Produces Its Fruit"

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 19)
One: The heavens tell the glory of God! The way of the Holy One is perfect.
Many: God's commandments are right and clear.
One: The creation tells the glory of God! The work of the Holy One is perfect.
Many: God's expectations are pure and righteous.
One: The people tell the glory of God! The law of the Holy One is perfect.
Many: Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, Holy One, our rock and redeemer.

Invocation
God of Truth, we acknowledge that we meet you here in this time and place. We gather as a community formed by you, called by your name, and charged for your purpose. We ask you to guide our hearts, minds and souls to know your ways. We place our hope in your abiding love, abundant creation, and awesome works. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life 
Righteous God, you have given us blueprints to follow for living a faithful life. Your commandments are clear and your example considerable. Yet, we often drift away from loving you, loving our neighbor, and loving ourselves. Remind us that the path to flourishing, full life is love. Lead us back to that everlasting path so that we might be fruitful and give glory to your name. Amen.

Words of Grace
God's grace meets us at our point of need with compassion, direction, and strength. Receive this grace in order to transform us into the people we can be—shining the radiant reflection of the image we bear and producing our own fruit.

Invitation to Generosity
Like a bountiful fall harvest, let us bring forth gifts from the fruit of our lives. May we give in thanksgiving and hope for the ministry of this faith community and God's church. 

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Generous God, may these gifts be pleasing to you. We pray to be faithful and fruitful in the use of these offerings so that we will serve you, O God, and our neighbors in love. Amen. 

Benediction 
May the God of the harvest bring forth seeds in you.
May every good seed you plant produce fruit.
May our fruit nourish and nurture the world.
Go, in peace and fruitfulness knowing that the Holy One goes with you.

A People That Produces Its Fruit: Service Prayers for the Nineteenth 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.