Reformation Sunday October 31, 2021

THE GATHERING

                                                                * Stand if willing and able

Gathering Music: #326 “For All the Saints”

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude: “Autumn glow” by Martha Mier

* Call to Worship 

Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good.

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory,

But by the grace of God we are redeemed.

Let us pray together:

* Prayer of the Day    

God of all glory, we gather here today with the saints of every time and place to honor and praise your holy name. As you have revealed your mercy and might to your faithful people in every age, so let us glimpse the mystery of your life-giving grace and the love that even death cannot destroy; through Jesus Christ, Alpha and Omega, Amen.

* Hymn of Praise #331 “God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand”

* Invitation to Healing

Let us offer ourselves once again as blank tablets, that God might write on our hearts the way, the truth, and the life.

* Prayer of Wholeness

Holy God, giver of all good things, we sometimes fail to live in thanksgiving for Earth, for our families, for neighbors, and for strangers, for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that grows our food.  Forgive us for sins against you, your creation, ourselves, and our neighbors.  Teach us to love the way of blamelessness and to be content in your steadfast love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.

* Hymn #471 “O Lord, Hear My Prayer” (Repeat 3x)

* Assurance of God’s Presence and Passing of the Peace

Friends, believe this Good News: God is One and God is Three – Love constantly flowing in, out, and through; the gift of Jesus Christ for me and for you. For this we say: Thanks be to God!

Since God has loved us through Christ, let us love one another. The grace and peace of our Lord be with you!

And also with you!

Please share a sign of peace with those with whom you are worshiping.

* Sung Response #591 “Halle, Halle, …” (chorus twice)

Celebrating Joys: Where We Have Seen God at Work

Sung Response #647 “Give Thanks”

THE WORD

Prayer of Illumination:

O Lord, you are our God. By the power of the Holy Spirit, teach us through your Word to follow after you. In Jesus’ name we pray,  Amen.

Hebrew Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34 p.968 OT

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Epistle Reading: Romans 3:19-28 p.206 NT

“The Word of the Lord” “Thanks be to God”

Gospel Reading: John 8:31-36 p.137 NT

“The Gospel of the Lord” “Praise to you, O Christ”

Meditation: “Savage Grace” ~ Guest Rev. Warren Williams

RESPONSE TO THE WORD

* Hymn of Response & Affirmation of Faith: #481 “I Believe…”

Intercessory Prayers of the People and Remembering the Saints

Let us pray for all the needs of the world, saying: Lord in your mercy, “Hear our prayers.”

For the church of Christ and for people of faith who call upon God by other names, that where there is need and division, your Spirit will bring understanding and reconciliation. Lord in your mercy, “Hear…”

For Earth, for minerals, bacteria, microbes, and all that lives and breathes in every size and shape; for the healing of all Earth’s scars and toxins, for wisdom to deal well and equitably with every landscape. Lord in your mercy, “Hear our prayers.”

For nations, leaders, armies, town councils, peacekeepers and peacemakers, legislators at all levels of government, for voters and for people who work toward democracy; for those who fight against change and those who fight for changes in the name of justice. Lord in your mercy, “Hear our prayers.”

For children and for those who are raising up children in this complicated world, that in the midst of their common struggles there will be times of great joy and happiness.  For all who daily show us how to live well and in accord with your commands.  For all who suffer in our land from hunger, homelessness, poverty, and illness, and for all else we hold in our hearts this day, spoken now aloud or in silence…

Lord in your mercy, “Hear our prayers.”

In thanksgiving for those who have taught us faith, we remember those among us who have passed on into the great cloud of witnesses this past year: Linda VanBoskirk Niskanen (A chime is rung once)

Keep us in your care and bring us to the feast that has no end, through Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever; and all God’s people said, “Amen.”

Minute for Mission – Christmas Bazaar

Invitation to Present our Offerings

Our God is ever faithful and provides everything that we need. Let us praise the Lord through our giving.

Offertory: “Rondino” by Daniel Gottlob Turk                      

*Doxology Hymn #606

* Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication

Dear God, we offer you these gifts that they might build up the work of your Kingdom. Make us living witnesses to the way, the truth, and the life that you showed us in Jesus Christ.  For it is in his name we pray the prayer he taught, saying:

* The Lord’s Prayer “…debts…debtors…” Amen. 

SENDING

* Closing Hymn #265 “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun”

* Charge

Jesus gave us the greatest of the commandments: Go, loving God with all your being, and love one another and the world.

* Blessing

May the Lord continue to watch over us, keeping us close to him and in a just path.  In the name of God our Creator, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

            Friends, this worship has ended, let our service begin!

* Congregational Song: “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Lyrics found on the inside front cover of the hymnal.

Bathrooms and a diaper changing station are located in the Fellowship Hall.  Please join us in the outdoor pavilion with appropriate social distancing for refreshments and conversation following worship.

Questions for Reflection:

How can you embody living in the truth?  Following Christ’s way? Witnessing to Life abundant and eternal?

Household Prayer: Morning

As I live this day, O Lord, let me be a sign of your salvation: food for those who hunger, a comfort to those who mourn. This I ask in the name of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

As I rest this night, O Lord, let me be a temple of your peace: a home for your holy presence, a sanctuary of renewal. This I ask in the name of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega. Amen.