Order of Service / 25th Sunday after Pentecost / November 15, 2026

 # Gathering Hymn Come Down, O Love Divine (VU #367)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: As a people who yearn for new opportunities to put our faith into action,

All: we give thanks for God’s presence in our lives.

One: As a congregation that seeks to build community and to serve with a common purpose,

  All: we give thanks for the Spirit’s presence in our lives.

One: As individuals who seek to follow the teachings of Jesus and to make a difference in the world,

All: we give thanks for Christ’s presence in our lives.

One: We seek to share both hope and love with others as we live our purpose and offer our service.

  All: Thanks be to God.

One: Come, let us worship, in the presence of God: Creator, Christ, and Spirit.

*Bill Steadman. Gathering Pentecost 2 2026. Page 31.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn Open My Eyes, That I May See (#371 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Loving God, you call us to love you and to care for one another, but we do not always follow your way. We confess that our hearts are often divided. We hold on to our own plans, ignore the needs of others, and choose what is easy instead of what is right. We often fail to listen to your voice. We hesitate to act when courage is needed, and we turn away from the path you have shown us. Forgive us, O God. Renew us by your Spirit, so that we may live with love, compassion, and faithfulness, following the way of Christ. In silence, we bring to you our own confessions and our hope for a new beginning. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: Even when we turn away, God does not turn away from us. God hears our prayers, forgives us, and calls us to begin again.

  All: Thanks be to God, who renews us with love and gives us courage to follow Christ. Amen.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (Hymn – Like a Rock, #92 MV)

Like a rock, like a rock, God is under our feet

Like the starry night sky, God is over our head

Like the sun on the horizon, God is ever before

Like the river runs to ocean, our home is in God evermore.

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Judges 4:1-7 The judge Deborah speaks to Barak.

Psalm 123 (VU p.847) We lift our eyes to you, O God.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 Encourage one another and build up each other.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Sermon

*Hymn Though Ancient Walls (#691 VU | vs. 1,2,5)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (#542 VU, We Give You But Your Own)

We give you but your own, whate’er the gift may be,

all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
 Let us not take for granted the opportunity we have to participate in your kingdom work, O God. Your kingdom comes through our offerings. Your kingdom comes through our worship. Your kingdom comes through our shared service in this church and out into the community. Come, Holy Spirit. Bless these offerings and us in our service. Amen.

*Elaine Bidgood Sveet. Gathering Pentecost 2 2026. Page 38.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn God Be with You till We Meet Again (#422 VU | vs. 1,2,3)

*Commissioning

One: This is the moment of leaving.

All:  This has been the time of renewal.

One: These are the moments of challenge.

  All:  This is the invitation to bring justice.

One: This is the moment of hope,

All:  hope that runs counter to despair.

One: These are the moments of faith community,

  All:  a community united in friendship and service.

One: It has been good to be here,

All:  our moments have become your moments, loving God. Thank you!

* David Sparks. Gathering Pentecost 2 2026. Page 49.

*Commissioning Song I Am Walking a Path of Peace (#221 MV)

I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace, I am walking a path of peace, Lead me home, lead me home. (x2)

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