Order of Worship November 9h, 2025 10:00 AM
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
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LAY LEADER: Karen Bickford
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NOTICE: We are trying a new feature in the Order of Worship posted to our website. For some of the music, links have been added to a You Tube version of the hymn. Please be aware that You Tube will show advertising on these links and neither First Church nor the person who posted to You Tube has any control of what advertising you will see. If you do not wish to view the ads, do not click the links. Otherwise, we hope you enjoy this added feature.
THE PRELUDE: “Sonata II” Elisabetta de Gambarini / Arr. Janet Linker
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MISSION STATEMENT:
(Let us say together our Mission Statement)
To welcome and inspire ALL through faith, love,
and fellowship according to Christ’s example.
INTROIT: “Weave” Rosemary Crow
CALL TO WORSHIP: (Responsive)
Leader: Come, take your rest this day.
People: Loving God, free us from the stresses we have endured this week. Let your mercy come to us in this Holy place.
Leader: Come, put your minds at ease.
People: God of Mercy and justice, ease the burdens and frustrations of our lives.
Leader: Tear away the bonds that trap us in darkness.
People: Remove our fears so that we may proclaim your Love.
Leader: Come. For this is the house of God. It is here that you will find peace.
People: Praise and thanks be to God for giving us sanctuary. AMEN
Leader: Transform our lives.
People: Reform our souls so that we may serve others and God.
GATHERING HYMN No. 85 “Eternal Father, Strong to Save“
PRAYER OF INVOCATION:
God of love and mercy, we have come to you this day bringing all that we have: our lives, our hopes and dreams, our fears and sorrows. We place these before you in faith and hope, knowing that no matter what has happened, you are with and blessing us. Open our hearts to receive your words and spirit so we may find healing and comfort. Open our lives to the wondrous possibilities for service and joy you offer us. Ease our minds and souls so we may hear the words of encouragement and peace this day. AMEN. Let us pray as Christ taught us to pray…
THE LORD’S PRAYER: (unison)
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
STATEMENT OF FAITH: (unison)
We believe in God known to us in three persons: Creator of all, resurrected Christ, and Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God’s love in the world.
We believe that each person is unique and valuable.
We believe that we are called to welcome each person who is on a spiritual journey, no matter who they are or where they are on that journey.
We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with
God, one that engenders love, strengthens faith, dissolves guilt, and gives life purpose and direction.
We believe we are a people of possibility.
We believe we have the breathing room to explore and to hear our call.
We believe that God is still speaking…
SERMON HYMN No. 722 “This Is My Song”
WORD OF GOD: Luke 21: 5-19
5 And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?” 8 And he said, “Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be a time for you to bear testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; 17 you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.
MESSAGE: “Great Signs From Heaven“ Karen Bickford (Click the title to open the sermon text in a new tab)
JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE
CALL TO PRAYER
Pastor: May God be with you.
People: And also with you.
SILENT PRAYER
PASTORAL PRAYER
PRAYER RESPONSE
CHORAL RESPONSE: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Helen Lemmel
CALL TO GIVING:
Free our hearts, gracious God, so your great purposes may work through our love. Multiply our gifts, O God, that all people may be built into a spiritual foundation, and see your compassion in action with what we offer this day. Amen.
OFFERTORY MUSIC FOR INSPIRATION: “For the Beauty of the Earth” Paul Taylor
DOXOLOGY: (Tune: Old Hundredth)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ the Word in flesh born low;
Praise Holy Spirit evermore;
One God, Triune, whom we adore.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
God has given us such blessings and talents. We have brought these gifts to your service with joy, O God. God’s absolute love for all blesses all. Rejoice in knowing God’s love for all so that our gifts bring healing and hope. May our gifts maintain justice and peace for all in need. AMEN.
HYMN OF DEPARTURE No. 677 “Let There Be Peace on Earth“
BENEDICTION:
We have heard the words of healing and peace. The Spirit of God has blessed you. Go into God’s world to be the spirit of hope, peace, and blessing for others, knowing God is always with you. Go in peace. AMEN.
POSTLUDE: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” Michael Helman
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