ORDER OF WORSHIP
Twenty-sixth Sunday After Pentecost
November 17, 2024
November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Give Thanks
Henry Smith
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God,
the God of manna,
the God of miracles,
the God of mercy.
Amen.
Drawn to Christ and seeking God’s abundance,
let us confess our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
God, our provider,
help us.
It is hard to believe there is enough to share.
We question your ways when they differ from the ways
of the world in which we live.
We turn to our own understanding
rather than trusting in you.
We take offense at your teachings and your ways.
Turn us again to you.
Where else can we turn?
Share with us the words of eternal life
and feed us for life in the world.
Amen.
Beloved people of God:
in Jesus, the manna from heaven,
you are fed and nourished.
By Jesus, the worker of miracles,
there is always more than enough.
Through Jesus, the bread of life,
you are shown God’s mercy:
you are forgiven and loved into abundant life.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow
ELW 327
Through the night of doubt and sorrow,
onward goes the pilgrim band,
singing songs of expectation,
marching to the promised land.
Clear before us through the darkness
gleams and burns the guiding light;
pilgrim clasps the hand of pilgrim
stepping fearless through the night.
One the light of God's own presence
on the ransomed people shed,
chasing far the gloom and terror,
bright'ning all the path we tread.
One the object of our journey,
one the faith which never tires,
one the earnest looking forward,
one the hope our God inspires.
One the strain that lips of thousands
lift as from the heart of one;
one the conflict, one the peril,
one the march in God begun.
One the gladness of rejoicing
on the far eternal shore,
where the one almighty Father
reigns in love forevermore.
Onward, therefore, sisters, brothers;
onward, with the cross our aid.
Bear its shame, and fight its battle
till we rest beneath its shade.
Soon shall come the great awak'ning;
soon the rending of the tomb!
Then the scatt'ring of all shadows,
and the end of toil and gloom.
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
HYMN OF PRAISE
Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours is the promise, the blessing, the birth.
Ours the rejoicing for Word given frame;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.
Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours the hosannas, the dying, rebirth.
Ours the rejoicing for nature reclaimed;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.
Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours the anointing, the radiant worth.
Ours the rejoicing for spirits aflame;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
The book of Daniel is an example of apocalyptic literature, which is full of strange visions and symbolism. Arising during times of great persecution, apocalyptic literature is concerned with God’s revelation about the end time and the coming kingdom of God, when God will vindicate the righteous who have been persecuted.
6Seek the LORD and live,
or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire,
and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it.
7Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood,
and bring righteousness to the ground!
10They hate the one who reproves in the gate,
and they abhor the one who speaks the truth.
11Therefore because you trample on the poor
and take from them levies of grain,
you have built houses of hewn stone,
but you shall not live in them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,
but you shall not drink their wine.
12For I know how many are your transgressions,
and how great are your sins —
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,
and push aside the needy in the gate.
13Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time;
for it is an evil time.
14Seek good and not evil,
that you may live;
and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you,
just as you have said.
15Hate evil and love good,
and establish justice in the gate;
it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts,
will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 16 (sung responsively by full verse)
Refrain: My heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body shall rest in hope.
1 Protect me, O God, for I take ref- | uge in you;
I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my good a- | bove all other.”
2 All my delight is in the godly that are | in the land,
upon those who are noble a- | mong the people.
3 But those who run after | other gods
shall have their troubles | multiplied.
4 I will not pour out drink offerings | to such gods,
never take their names up- | on my lips. R
5 O Lord, you are my portion | and my cup;
it is you who up- | hold my lot.
6 My boundaries enclose a | pleasant land;
indeed, I have a | rich inheritance.
7 I will bless the Lord who | gives me counsel;
my heart teaches me night | after night.
8 I have set the Lord al- | ways before me;
because God is at my right hand, I shall | not be shaken. R
9 My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spir- | it rejoices;
my body also shall | rest in hope.
10 For you will not abandon me | to the grave,
nor let your holy one | see the pit.
11 You will show me the | path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for- | evermore. R
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25
Images of worship and sacrifice are used throughout Hebrews to highlight what Christ has uniquely accomplished through his death. Because we have received forgiveness through Christ’s death, we live with sincere hearts by trusting in God’s promises and encouraging love and good works from each other.
11And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, "he sat down at the right hand of God," 13and since then has been waiting "until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet." 14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 15And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
16"This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds,"
17he also adds,
"I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."
18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Nothing in all creation
can separate us from the love of God.
Nothing in all creation
can separate us from the love of God.
GOSPEL: Mark 13:1-8
In the last week of his life, Jesus warned his disciples concerning trials that were to come upon them and upon the world. He exhorts the listener: Do not be alarmed.
The holy gospel according to Mark..
Glory to you, O Lord.
1As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" 2Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."
3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished? 5Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. 6Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Jeanette Sweet
HYMN OF THE DAY
Abide With Me
ELW 629
Abide with me, fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour;
what but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me!
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,
shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
heav'n's morning breaks,
and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
PROFESSION OF FAITH (page 235)
I ask you to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church.
Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God?
I renounce them.
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.* On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
to live among God’s faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?
I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.
People of God, do you promise to support these sisters and brothers and pray
We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.
We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Rooted in God’s abundant love for the world, let us pray for our neighbors, the church, and all of creation.
O Lord, Hear My Prayer
ELW 751
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer:
when I call, answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer:
come and listen to me.
O God, in the washing of water you set us free from the power of sin and death. Unite all the baptized in the covenant you have made with us, as we strive for your justice and peace in all the earth. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
By your merciful might you sustain all creation. Stir us from complacency with the harm we inflict on the earth, and urge us to adopt sustainable ways of life that protect and restore our planet. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
With a selfless power you protect all who take refuge in you. As nations rise against nations, defend all who are displaced or affected by war or violence (especially). Empower all people and nations to pursue peace. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
In your presence you give fullness of joy. Care for all for whom joy feels distant. Be present with persons experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, or any mental illness, especially Rita, Mary, Anne, Mabel, Mike, Anna Mae, Doris, June, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, Wil, Amy, Michael, Bob & Jane, Mary, Scott, Marie, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Avery, Doris, John, Tim, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Mary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max. Bring them healing and wholeness. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Through the years you have gathered your church and this community for worship, fellowship, formation, and service. Enable us to look beyond the walls of our building to perceive where you are calling us forward. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
With thanksgiving we remember (Elizabeth of Hungary and all) saints and angels who delight in your everlasting presence. As their lives inspire ours, provoke us always to love, holding fast to the confession of our hope in you. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Lord, we thank you for Grace’s Call Committee, for their diligence and faithfulness as servants of Christ. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon them, blessing, strengthening and empowering them for the task of calling a new pastor. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
We offer our prayers to you, gracious God, trusting in your boundless love for all that you have made, through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
MUSICAL OFFERING
Nothing Without You
Goskie / Norman
OFFERTORY
Be Known to Us, Lord Jesus
Be known to us, Lord Jesus, in the breaking of the bread.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Be known to us, Lord Jesus, in the breaking of the bread.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
OFFERING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, our portion and our cup,
you offered yourself in love for the world,
and in this meal you nourish us with your life.
Fill us with your abundance,
that we may feed the hungry and welcome the stranger,
trusting in your name.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow’r and God of might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
LORD'S PRAYER (sung)
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those
who sin against us;
Save us from the time of trial,
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the pow'r,
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
DISTRIBUTION
This holy meal is for all the baptized children of God. We commune at the altar rail. The ushers will direct you down the center aisle. Please go to an open spot at the altar rail. After you have received the host, the first chalice is for intinction and the second chalice is for drinking. A third chalice of grape juice is also offered. Please let the Pastor know if you wish to receive gluten-free wafers. You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
SANCTUS
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace, grant us peace.
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION
When Peace Like a River
ELW 785
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
It is well (it is well)
with my soul, (with my soul,)
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul. Refrain
He lives--oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to his cross and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Refrain
Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend;
even so it is well with my soul. Refrain
O Mater Let Me Walk With You
ELW 818
O Master, let me walk with you
in lowly paths of service true;
tell me your secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move
by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me your patience; share with me
a closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong,
In hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broad'ning way,
in peace that only you can give;
with you, O Master, let me live.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Faithful God,
you have spread before us a feast of rich food and drink in the body and blood of your Son.
Now send us out to labor with you, in service to the world you have made, and among the people you have made your home, in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW 805
Lead on, O King eternal!
The day of march has come;
henceforth in fields of conquest
your tents will be our home.
Through days of preparation
your grace has made us strong;
and now, O King eternal,
we lift our battle song.
Lead on, O King eternal,
till sin's fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper
the sweet amen of peace;
for not with swords loud clashing,
nor roll of stirring drums,
but deeds of love and mercy
the heav'nly kingdom comes.
Lead on, O King eternal:
we follow, not with fears,
for gladness breaks like morning
where'er your face appears.
Your cross is lifted o'er us;
we journey in its light;
the crown awaits the conquest;
lead on, O God of might!
BENEDICTION
The Ancient One, enthroned,
the Crucified One, now risen,
the Indwelling One, poured out,
bless you now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Follow Jesus.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises
South African traditional
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
Give Thanks, Words and music: Henry Smith, b. 1952. Words and music © 1978 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Through the Night of Doubt and Sorrow, Text: Bernhardt S. Ingemann, 1789-1862; tr. Savine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924, alt. Public domain. Music: Thomas J. Williams, 1869-1944; arr. Richard W. Hillert, 1923-2010. Arr. © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Psalm 16, Words: Psalm 16. Music: William Beckstrand from Psalter for Worship, Cycle B, © 1996 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Psalm Tone: © 2011 Faith Alive Christian Resources. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Abide With Me, Text: Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847. Music: William H. Monk, 1823-1889. Public domain.
O Lord, Hear My Prayer, Text: Taizé Community, adapt. Music Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994. Text and music © 1982, 1991 Les Presses de Taizé, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Nothing Without You, Words and music: Mitch Dane Goskie and Bebo Norman, © 2004 New Spring | Appstreet Music | Rotten Banana Music, Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
The Lord's Prayer (major key version), Music: Jack S. Upton, Jr., 1944-2013, Used by permission.
When Peace Like a River, Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888, Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876. Public domain.
O Master, Let Me Walk with You, Text: Washington Gladden, 1836-1918, alt. Music: H. Percy Smith, 1925-1898. Public domain.
Lead On, O King Eternal!, Text: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1862-1917. Music: Henry T. Smart, 1813-1879. Public domain.
Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises, Text: South African; tr. Freedom Is Coming. Music: South African, arr. Freedom is Coming. Text and music © 1984, Peace of Music Publishing AB, admin. Walton Music Corp., a division of GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
