FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28 WORSHIP
- In Person Sunday, November 28, 11 a.m. (Mask required for all) This Sunday, Pastor Elvery's sermon is "Good New, Bad News.".
- Worship Live Streaming at 11 a.m. Click here for November 28 streaming of live service.
BULLETIN FOR STREAMING SERVICE
PRAYER FOR PEACE Scottish Blessing
If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.
So let it be.
PRELUDE ||| Seasonal Favorites Various Composers
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
Christ is the reflection of God’s glory,
the very imprint of God’s own being. (Hebrews 1)
Night and day we pray that God will strengthen us in holiness and love. (1 Thess 3)
Thanks be to God for this good news of great joy! (1 Thess 3, Luke 2)
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP based on Psalm 25:4-6
Make your ways known to us, Lord;
teach us your paths.
Lead us in your truth—teach it to us—
because you are the God who saves us.
We put our hope in you all day long.
Lord, remember your compassion and faithful love—they are forever!
*HYMN 82 ||| Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus ||| Hyfrydol
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of the future, you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace. In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
*THE GLORIA
MOMENT WITH OUR CHILDREN ||| Rev. Dudley J. Elvery
WELCOME AND CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING ||| Jeremiah 33:14-16 ||| CEB
14 The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill my gracious promise with the people of Israel and Judah. 15 In those days and at that time, I will raise up a righteous branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days, Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is what he will be called: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.
SPECIAL MUSIC ||| Comfort, Comfort You My People ||| Lyndell Leatherman
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Luke 21:25-36 ||| CEB
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. 26 The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. 27 Then they will see the Human One[a] coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. 28 Now
when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.” 29 Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near. 32 I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until everything has happened. 33 Heaven and earth
will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away. 34 “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, 35 like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. 36 Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen
and to stand before the Human One.”
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| "Good News, Bad News" ||| Rev. Dudley J. Elvery
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 105 ||| People, Look East ||| Besancon
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| Brief Statement of 1983
10.4 The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, engages us through the Word proclaimed, claims us in the waters of baptism, feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, and calls women and men to all ministries of the Church. In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
…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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY ||| O Come, O Come Emmanuel ||| Mark Hayes
*DOXOLOGY 606 ||| Old Hundredth
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.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Just as we address Christmas cards and wrap gifts, see our offerings addressed to you our God and waiting to be opened by you. Amen.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 93 ||| Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates ||| Truro
*PRAYER OF BLESSING from St. Patrick
We arise today through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun, Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
We arise today through God's strength to pilot us;
God's might to uphold us, God's wisdom to guide us,
God's eye to look before us, God's ear to hear us,
God's word to speak for us, God's hand to guard us,
God's way to lie before us, God's shield to protect us,
God's hosts to save us afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
Christ shield me today against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
We arise today
Through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation. Amen.
POSTLUDE ||| From Heaven to Earth I Come ||| Gordon Young
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God!
Rev. Dudley J. Elvery II, Interim Pastor
Mrs. Mary Ann Wenzelman, Interim Organist/Pianist
Worship Liturgist: Laurie Ulrich
Usher: Phil Dillman
SCRIPTURES IN WORSHIP – Next Sunday we will be reading Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6.
PRAYER CHAIN – If you want prayer requests included on the prayer chain, contact Shirley Armistead at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
THE CELEBRATION OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD
CHRIST THE KING
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21 WORSHIP
- In Person Sunday, November 21, 11 a.m. (Mask required for all) Today we welcome back to our pulpit the Rev. Jane Tuma. Jane is a minister member of the Presbytery of Chicago and has served as the pastor of Morgan Park Presbyterian Church. She is a graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary and has an advanced degree in Biblical Studies from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
- Worship Live Streaming at 11 a.m. Click here for November 21 streaming of live service.
BULLETIN FOR STREAMING SERVICE
PRAYER FOR PEACE
You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me still
You are my love, keep me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Saviour this very day.
(celtic oral tradition - 1st millennium)
PRELUDE We Plow the Fields and Scatter Robert Hughes
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP
Give thanks, O people of God!
For God has blessed the world with life and showered the earth with love.
Give thanks, O people of God!
For Christ has given us his life and washed us in healing waters.
Give thanks, O people of God!
For the Spirit has not stopped moving in the world, calling us to lives of grateful praise.
*HYMN 367 ||| Come, Ye Thankful People, Come ||| St. George’s Windsor
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, you are our creator and redeemer. You blessed the earth and called it good. You blessed our lives and call us your own. Forgive us, O God, when we fail to give you thanks, when we forget that you are the source of all that is good and that our lives are to be an offering of thanksgiving. Make us grateful, O God, for the gifts of your mercy, and draw us closer to you and one another.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The past is left behind; everything has become fresh and new. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel:
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
*THE GLORIA
WELCOME AND CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING ||| Psalm 65 ||| CEB
65God of Zion, to you even silence is praise. Promises made to you are kept—2you listen to prayer—and all living things come to you. 3When wrongdoings become too much for me, you forgive our sins. 4How happy is the one you choose to bring close, the one who lives in your courtyards! We are filled full by the goodness of your house, by the holiness of your temple. 5In righteousness you answer us, by your awesome deeds, God of our salvation—you, who are the security of all the far edges of the earth, even the distant seas. 6You establish the mountains by your strength; you are dressed in raw power. 7You calm the roaring seas; calm the roaring waves, calm the noise of the nations. 8Those who dwell on the far edges stand in awe of your acts. You make the gateways of morning and evening sing for joy. 9You visit the earth and make it abundant, enriching it greatly by God’s stream, full of water. You provide people with grain because that is what you’ve decided. 10Drenching the earth’s furrows, leveling its ridges, you soften it with rain showers; you bless its growth. 11You crown the year with your goodness; your paths overflow with rich food. 12Even the desert pastures drip with it, and the hills are dressed in pure joy. 13The meadowlands are covered with flocks, the valleys decked out in grain—they shout for joy; they break out in song!
SPECIAL MUSIC ||| “We Gather Together" with "God Is So Good" ||| Thomas Kreesecker
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Luke 17:11-19 ||| NRSV
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| "Give Thanks" ||| Rev. Jane Tuma
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 36 ||| For the Fruit of All Creation ||| Arranged Hyd Y Nos
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
…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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY ||| "Over the River" to the "Beauty of the Earth" ||| Thomas Keesecker
*DOXOLOGY ||| 606 Old Hundredth
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.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Loving God, we offer our thanks that we have these gifts to share this morning. Please bless them. Use our monetary gifts, our talents and our time for the flourishing of this church and the coming of your kingdom. Amen.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 643 ||| Now Thank We All Our God ||| Nun Danket Alle Gott
*PRAYER OF BLESSING ||| from St. Patrick
We arise today through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun, Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
We arise today through God's strength to pilot us;
God's might to uphold us, God's wisdom to guide us,
God's eye to look before us, God's ear to hear us,
God's word to speak for us, God's hand to guard us,
God's way to lie before us, God's shield to protect us,
God's hosts to save us afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
Christ shield me today against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
We arise today
Through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation. Amen.
POSTLUDE Come Ye Thankful People, Come Mary MacDonald
Mrs. Mary Ann Wenzelman, ||| Interim Organist/Pianist
Worship Liturgist: Vern Moore
Usher: Laura Dillman
Today we welcome back to our pulpit the Rev. Jane Tuma. Jane is a minister member of the Presbytery of Chicago and has served as the pastor of Morgan Park Presbyterian Church. She is a graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary and has an advanced degree in Biblical Studies from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
SCRIPTURES IN WORSHIP – Next Sunday we will be reading Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36.
THE TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14 WORSHIP
BULLETIN FOR STREAMING SERVICE
PRAYER FOR PEACE (Scottish Blessing)
If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.
So let it be.
PRELUDE ||| Praise to the Lord, the Almighty ||| Lloyd Larson
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP ||| based on Psalm 16:7-9
7 I will bless the LORD who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind.
8 I always put the LORD in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.
9 that’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety.
*HYMN 39 ||| Great Is Thy Faithfulness ||| Faithfulness
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Loving God, we welcome your embrace to comfort us. We cherish times we feel as if we were conversing with you. We avoid wrestling with you. Life has struggles enough without adding yet another. Forgive our fatigue, lethargy, and fear. Fill us again with your grace and power so we may meet you with all our heart, mind, body and energy.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
*THE GLORIA
MOMENT WITH OUR CHILDREN ||| Rev. Dudley J. Elvery
WELCOME AND CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING ||| Mark 13:1-8 ||| CEB
13 As Jesus left the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What awesome stones and buildings!” 2 Jesus responded, “Do you see these enormous buildings? Not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.” 3 Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? What sign will show that all these things are about to come to an end?” 5 Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many people will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ They will deceive many people. 7 When you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen, but this isn’t the end yet. 8 Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other, and there will be earthquakes and famines in all sorts of places. These things are just the beginning of the sufferings associated with the end.
SPECIAL MUSIC ||| My Shepherd Will Supply My Need ||| Victor C. Johnson
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| 1 Samuel 1:4-20 ||| CEB
4 Whenever he sacrificed, Elkanah would give parts of the sacrifice to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But he would give only one part of it to Hannah, though he loved her, because the Lord had kept her from conceiving. 6 And because the Lord had kept Hannah from conceiving, her rival would make fun of her mercilessly, just to bother her. 7 So that is what took place year after year. Whenever Hannah went to the Lord’s house, Peninnah would make fun of her. Then she would cry and wouldn’t eat anything. 8 “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah would say to her. “Why won’t you eat? Why are you so sad? Aren’t I worth more to you than ten sons?” 9 One time, after eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah got up and presented herself before the Lord. (Now Eli the priest was sitting in the chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s temple.) 10 Hannah was very upset and couldn’t stop crying as she prayed to the Lord.
11 Then she made this promise: “Lord of heavenly forces, just look at your servant’s pain and remember me! Don’t forget your servant! Give her a boy! Then I’ll give him to the Lord for his entire life. No razor will ever touch his head.” 12 As she kept praying before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth. 13 Now Hannah was praying in her heart; her lips were moving, but her voice was silent, so Eli thought she was drunk. 14 “How long will you act like a drunk? Sober up!” Eli told her. 15 “No sir!” Hannah replied. “I’m just a very sad woman. I haven’t had any wine or beer but have been pouring out my heart to the Lord. 16 Don’t think your servant is some good-for-nothing woman. This whole time I’ve been praying out of my great worry and trouble!” 17 Eli responded, “Then go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you’ve asked from him.” 18 “Please think well of me, your servant,” Hannah said. Then the woman went on her way, ate
some food, and wasn’t sad any longer. 19 They got up early the next morning and worshipped the Lord. Then they went back home to Ramah. Elkanah had sex with his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, which means “I asked the Lord for him.”
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| "Surprise!!" ||| Rev. Dudley J. Elvery
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 815 ||| Give to the Winds Thy Fears ||| Festal Song
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| The Brief Statement of Faith 1983
We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments. We violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
…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.
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY ||| Steal Away ||| Lloyd Larson
*DOXOLOGY 606 ||| Old Hundredth
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.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
We use the words of the hymn, “We give thee but thine own, whate’er the gift may be; all that we have is thine alone, a trust O Lord, from thee.” Amen.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 353 ||| My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less ||| Solid Rock
*PRAYER OF BLESSING from St. Patrick
We arise today through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun, Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
We arise today through God's strength to pilot us;
God's might to uphold us, God's wisdom to guide us,
God's eye to look before us, God's ear to hear us,
God's word to speak for us, God's hand to guard us,
God's way to lie before us, God's shield to protect us,
God's hosts to save us afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
Christ shield me today against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
We arise today
Through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation. Amen.
POSTLUDE ||| Great Is the Lord ||| Tim Doran
Some people choose to be seated to listen to the postlude. If you need to leave, the pastor and worship leader are glad to greet you at the entrance of the sanctuary.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God!
Rev. Dudley J. Elvery II, Interim Pastor
Mrs. Mary Ann Wenzelman, Interim Organist/Pianist
Worship Liturgist: Jan Bunker
Usher: Laura Dillman
Pastor Elvery will be on leave next Sunday. Rev. Jane Tuma will be filling our pulpit on Sunday, November 21 . ||| Next Sunday we will be reading Psalm 65 and Luke 17:11-19.
THE TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7 WORSHIP
BULLETIN FOR STREAMING SERVICE
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I offer words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. ~Henri Nouwen
PRELUDE ||| Higher Ground ||| Lani Smith
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP ||| based on Psalm 127:1
Unless it is the LORD who builds the house,
the builders’ work is pointless.
Unless it is the LORD who protects the city,
the guard on duty is pointless.
*HYMN 305 ||| Come Sing, O Church, in Joy! ||| Darwall’s 148 th
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Loving God, who knows and loves us, we admit that we get tired of trying to be “spiritual adults.” Keeping our hearts and minds open to you, trying to discern what you would have us to do and whom we should call as a pastor, and finding hope in tiresome times takes a lot of effort. Help us to open our minds and lives enough to find your rest, understanding and forgiveness.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel. Amen.
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
*THE GLORIA
MOMENT WITH OUR CHILDREN ||| Rev. Dudley J. Elvery
WELCOME AND CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 CEB
3 Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shouldn’t I seek security for you, so that things might go well for you? 2 Now isn’t Boaz, whose young women you were with, our relative? Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor. 3 You should bathe, put on some perfume, wear nice clothes, and then go down to the threshing floor. Don’t make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, notice the place where he is lying. Then go, uncover his feet, and lie down. And he will tell you what to do.” 5 Ruth replied to her, “I’ll do everything you are telling me.” 13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. He was intimate with her, the Lord let her become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi, “May the Lord be blessed, who today hasn’t left you without a redeemer. May his name be proclaimed in Israel. 15 He will restore your life and sustain you in your old age. Your daughter-in-law who loves you has given birth to him. She’s better for you than seven sons.” 16 Naomi took the child and held him to her breast, and she became his guardian. 17 The neighborhood women gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They called his name Obed. He became Jesse’s father and David’s grandfather.
SPECIAL MUSIC ||| Blest Be the Tie That Binds Us Together ||| Mark Hayes
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING ||| Mark 12:38-44 ||| The Message
38-40 He continued teaching. “Watch out for the religion scholars. They love to walk around in academic gowns, preening in the radiance of public flattery, basking in prominent positions, sitting at the head table at every church function. And all the time they are exploiting the weak and helpless. The longer their prayers, the worse they get. But they’ll pay for it in the end.” 41-44 Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, “The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all.”
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God!
SERMON ||| "It’s a Matter of Perspective" ||| Rev. Dudley J. Elvery
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN 712 ||| As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought ||| Forest Green
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH ||| From the Confession of 1967 ||| 9.40
The church thus orders its life as an institution with a constitution, government, officers, finances, and administrative rules. These are instruments of mission, not ends in themselves. Different orders have served the gospel, and none can claim exclusive validity. A Presbyterian polity recognizes the responsibility of all members for ministry and maintains the organic relation of all congregations in the church. It seeks to protect the church from exploitation by ecclesiastical or secular power and ambition. Every church order must be open to such reformation as may be required to make it a more effective instrument of the mission of reconciliation.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OFFERING OF OUR GIFTS
OFFERTORY ||| Standing On the Promises Mark Hayes
*DOXOLOGY ||| 606 Old Hundredth
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.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Loving God, see in our offering our “two cents” worth, not as an opinion, but as a statement that we, like that widow, give willing and completely to you. Amen.
SEALING OF THE WORD
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
…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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
SHARING OF THE MEAL
All who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord, regardless of age or denomination, are invited to partake in the Sacrament of Communion. Please come forward down the side aisle. Take a piece of the bread and a cup and eat. Please dispose of the cups in the waste baskets by the table. We have gluten free bread available. Return to your seat by the center aisle.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of grace, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. May this food strengthen us in love and help us to serve you in each other. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
WE GO IN GOD’S NAME
*HYMN 316 ||| Where Charity and Love Prevail ||| Twenty-Fourth
*PRAYER OF BLESSING from St. Patrick
We arise today through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun, Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
We arise today through God's strength to pilot us;
God's might to uphold us, God's wisdom to guide us,
God's eye to look before us, God's ear to hear us,
God's word to speak for us, God's hand to guard us,
God's way to lie before us, God's shield to protect us,
God's hosts to save us afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
Christ shield me today against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.
We arise today
Through the mighty strength of the Lord of creation. Amen.
POSTLUDE ||| Recessional ||| Henry Purcell
THE TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
ALL SAINTS' DAY
SUNDAY OCTOBER 31 WORSHIP
BULLETIN FOR STREAMING SERVICE
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Bless the hands that bring wholeness to lives blighted by sickness.
Bless the saints who in sad and desperate places bring a sense of hopefulness.
Bless the Christians facing daily opposition showing a faithful witness.
Bless the generosity of the rich and powerful for the gift of thoughtfulness.
Bless the peacemakers working in conditions that are often hazardous.
Bless the politicians whether good or bad for decisions affecting all of us.
Bless our words and actions as we carry your light into places shrouded in darkness.
Bless your children whoever they might be with the warmth of your love and grace.
PRELUDE ||| Processional on "For All the Saints" ||| Douglas Wagner
*CALL TO CONTINUING WORSHIP based on 119:1-3
Those whose way is blameless—
who walk in the LORD’s Instruction—are truly happy!
2 Those who guard God’s laws are truly happy!
They seek God with all their hearts.
3 They don’t even do anything wrong!
They walk in God’s ways.
*HYMN 326 ||| For All the Saints ||| Sine Nomine
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, in every age you have raised up men and women to live and die in faith. We confess that we are indifferent to your will. You call us to proclaim your name, but we are silent. You call us to do what is just, but we remain idle. You call us to live faithfully, but we are afraid. In your mercy, forgive us. Give us courage to follow in your way, that joined with those from ages past, who have served you with faith, hope, and love, we may inherit the kingdom you promised in Jesus Christ.
(silent prayer)
Amen.
*DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Jesus knows our every weakness, and loves us still. Awaken to the promise of Christ's amazing grace. Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God!
*THE GLORIA
MOMENT WITH OUR CHILDREN ||| Rev. Dudley J. Elvery
WELCOME AND CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION ||| Kathie Darman
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING ||| Deuteronomy 6:1-9 ||| CEB
6 Now these are the commandments, the regulations, and the case laws that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you to follow in the land you are entering to possess, 2 so that you will fear the LORD your God by keeping all his regulations and his commandments that I am commanding you—both you and your sons and daughters—all the days of your life and so that you will lengthen your life. 3 Listen to them, Israel! Follow them carefully so that things will go well for you and so that you will continue to multiply exactly as the LORD, your ancestors’ God, promised you, in a land full of milk and honey. 4 Israel, listen! Our God is the LORD! Only the LORD
