Order of Worship October 26th, 2025 10:00 AM
Reformation Sunday
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LAY LEADER: Robert Sims
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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: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Martin Luther / Arr. Robert Hobby
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: Amid darkness, there is light.
People: Remove our blindness, so that we will see anew.
Leader: Jesus Christ brings healing love to us.
People: Let the light of Jesus’ love break through our lives and fill our world with healing mercy.
Leader: Tear away the bonds that trap us in darkness.
People: Remove our fears so that we may proclaim your Love.
Leader: Give us the courage to stand for truth and justice.
People: Give us the wisdom to reach out in compassion to others.
Leader: Transform our lives.
People: Reform our souls so that we may serve others and God.
GATHERING HYMN No. 480 “I Love to Tell the Story“
PRAYER OF INVOCATION:
God, eternal Healer, gives us the courage of blind Bartimaeus, to cry out to you when we are in need. Our Creator grants us the wisdom, to seek from you what is of real value, what will truly make us well, what will truly make us whole, what will truly give us wholeness and joy. 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. 572 “Take Time to Be Holy”
WORD OF GOD: Luke 18: 9-14
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
MESSAGE: “Diligent & Goodness“ Robert Sims (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: “Bind Us Together” Bob Gillman
CALL TO GIVING:
O God, you restore sight to the blind and bounty to the afflicted; you provide refuge for the lost and freedom for the condemned. Open our mouths to cry out our need and open our hearts to give from our abundance, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
OFFERTORY MUSIC FOR INSPIRATION: “A Might Fortress Is Our God” Anthony Giamanco
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:
Renewing and restoring God, we rejoice in the new beginnings that you have made possible for us through your generous and forgiving love. Accept our humble offerings so that with your inspiration and encouragement we may share the harvest of joy and peace with those in need. Amen.
HYMN OF DEPARTURE No. 65 “A Might Fortress Is Our God“
BENEDICTION:
Taste and see that God is good. We once were broken but now we are whole. We once were blind, but now we see. We once were lost but now are found. We once were alone but now are one.
POSTLUDE: “Blessed Assurance” Phoebe Knapp/James Mansfield
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We are an open and affirming church.