ORDER OF WORSHIP
Reformation Sunday
October 25, 2026
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany, inviting debate over the sale of indulgences. That debate grew into the Reformation, which led to the formation of the Lutheran Church and other Protestant churches across Europe, and then around the world. We lament the violence and division that followed. Luther taught that the Church is always called to reform in the light of the gospel, and that we are justified by God's grace through faith in Christ. In 1999, the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church affirmed that teaching together in the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification. Today we pray that the whole Church will be united and remain open to reform through the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Ein feste Burg
arr. Wilbur Held
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the Holy Trinity, one God,
Creator of the stars of night,
Companion at the evening table,
Breath over the deep waters. Amen.
Let us confess our sin
in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence for reflection
Holy and gracious God,
We confess that we have sinned
against You this day.
Some of our sin we know - the thoughts and words
and deeds of which we are
ashamed - but some is known only to You.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask forgiveness.
Deliver and restore us,
and give us your peace.
Amen.
By the mercy of God we are united
with Christ Jesus,
In whom we are forgiven and set free.
Amen.
Hear the good news:
We have peace with God through Jesus Christ,
in whom there is no condemnation,
but only forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.
Receive freely this healing gift of grace.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
ELW 504
A mighty fortress is our God,
a sword and shield victorious;
he breaks the cruel oppressor's rod
and wins salvation glorious.
The old satanic foe
has sworn to work us woe!
With craft and dreadful might
he arms himself to fight.
On earth he has no equal.
No strength of ours can match his might!
We would be lost, rejected.
But now a champion comes to fight,
whom God himself elected.
You ask who this may be?
The Lord of hosts is he!
Christ Jesus, mighty Lord,
God's only Son, adored.
He holds the field victorious.
Though hordes of devils fill the land
all threat'ning to devour us,
we tremble not, unmoved we stand;
they cannot overpow'r us.
Let this world's tyrant rage;
in battle we'll engage!
His might is doomed to fail;
God's judgment must prevail!
One little word subdues him.
God's Word forever shall abide,
no thanks to foes, who fear it;
for God himself fights by our side
with weapons of the Spirit.
Were they to take our house,
goods, honor, child, or spouse,
though life be wrenched away,
they cannot win the day.
The kingdom's ours forever!
APOSTOLIC 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.
KYRIE (page 193)
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE (page 195)
Refrain
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you,
we give you thanks,we praise you for your glory.
Refrain
Lord Jesus Christ,
only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
Refrain
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father.
Amen, amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on all your faithful people.
Keep us steadfast in your word, protect and comfort us in times of trial, defend us against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 46 (We will read the Psalm responsively by half verse.)
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea;
3 though its waters rage and foam,
and though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be shaken;
God shall help it at the break of day.
6 The nations rage, and the kingdoms shake;
God speaks, and the earth melts away.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
8 Come now, regard the works of the Lord,
what desolations God has brought upon the earth;
9 behold the one who makes war to cease in all the world;
who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, then, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
SECOND READING:
Romans 3:19-28
19 Now we know that, whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For no human will be justified before him by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26 it was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? That of works? No, rather through the law of faith. 28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 198)
Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL:
John 8:31-32
The Holy Gospel according to John, the 8th chapter:
Glory to you, O Lord.
31 Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
Silence is kept for reflection.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
ELW 517
Lord, keep us steadfast in your word;
curb those who by deceit or sword
would wrest the kingdom from your Son
and bring to naught all he has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, your pow'r make known,
for you are Lord of lords alone;
defend your holy church, that we
may sing your praise eternally.
O Comforter of priceless worth,
send peace and unity on earth;
support us in our final strife
and lead us out of death to life.
APOSTLES' CREED
With the whole church, let us confess our faith.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
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.
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. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Seeking the Spirit of God who makes all things new, we pray for the church and the world.
A brief silence.
As we celebrate Reformation Sunday, we remember the witness of Martin Luther and the reformers of the church in every generation. Empower us to continue the work of reform and renewal in our own day. Please bless presiding Bishop Curry, Bishop Suárez, and our synod staff.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We pray for the healing of natural places despoiled by pollution and human greed. Give all living creatures access to safe land, water, and air.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We pray for our criminal justice systems and all those whose lives are affected by them. Give wisdom and discernment to police, probation officers, judges, and attorneys; give courage and peace to prisoners and the formerly incarcerated. Bless all who are looking for work or struggling financially in any way.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We ask your blessing of healing upon those who have been harmed by or in faith communities. We pray for the integrity of religious leaders, that the truth may make all free. We pray for the relief of all those who are sick or suffering, especially Mary, Anne, Mabel, June, Willah, Rickey, Julie, Carol, Judy, Jeff, Gloria, Jennifer, Brian, James & Gray, Wil, Amy, Al, Al, Bob & Jane, Scott, Caroline, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Barbara, Monica, Avery, Art, John, Abby, Colline, Tim, Arleen & Richard, Betty, Linda, Sue, Natalie, Henry, Glenn, Gary, Connie, Greg, Beverly & Ray, Helen & Ron, and Max.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
We give thanks for those exploring or returning to a life of faith. Encourage and guide them, that they may find their hope in you.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
With gratitude, we remember those disciples who paved the way for us and all of our beloved dead, including Martin Luther and Caroline Low.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Trusting in your boundless grace, O God, we lift up these spoken prayers and those in our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
GREETINGS OF PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
GRATITUDE
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.
OFFERTORY
Built On the Rock the Church Doth Stand
arr. Wolff
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 181
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown,
that we may be fed, we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and the dreams of all;
unite them with the prayers we offer.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
OFFERING PRAYER
God of creation, you send rain and the earth springs forth abundantly.
All blessings are from you; make us generous with what we have.
Use our gifts and our abilities, and turn our hearts to service to you
and love to our neighbors, today and always.
Amen.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 199)
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 (page 200)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow'r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son,
who reached out to heal the sick and suffering,
who preached good news to the poor,
and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
In the night in which he was handed over,
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.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD'S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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 trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
All baptized children of God are invited to the Lord’s Table, where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We partake at the communion rail; gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and we will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. Anyone may remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer, following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Christ invites you to this table.
All who are thirsty, all who are hungry, come!
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION
LAMB OF GOD (page 201)
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.
COMMUNION HYMNS
The Church of Christ, in Every Age
ELW 729
The church of Christ, in ev'ry age
beset by change, but Spirit-led,
must claim and test its heritage
and keep on rising from the dead.
Across the world, across the street,
the victims of injustice cry
for shelter and for bread to eat,
and never live before they die.
Then let the servant church arise,
a caring church that longs to be
a partner in Christ's sacrifice,
and clothed in Christ's humanity.
For he alone, whose blood was shed,
can cure the fever in our blood,
and teach us how to share our bread
and feed the starving multitude.
We have no mission but to serve
in full obedience to our Lord;
to care for all, without reserve,
and spread his liberating word.
Eat this Bread
ELW 472
"Eat this bread, drink this cup,
come to me and never be hungry.
Eat this bread, drink this cup,
trust in me and you will not thirst."
POST COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in His grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
Sustaining God,
with this bread and cup,
you nourish us
with mercy and abundant life.
By your Spirit,
send us from this table
to serve a needy world.
Make us living signs
of your liberation,
healing, and love,
following the way of Jesus,
in whose name we pray.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
ELW 645
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ, our head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one;
holy Zion's help forever
and our confidence alone.
To this temple, where we call you,
come, O Lord of hosts, and stay;
come, with all your lovingkindness,
hear your people as they pray;
and your fullest benediction
shed within these walls today.
Here bestow on all your servants
what they seek from you to gain;
what they gain from you, forever
with the blessed to retain;
and hereafter in your glory
evermore with you to reign.
Praise and honor to the Father,
praise and honor to the Son,
praise and honor to the Spirit,
ever three and ever one:
one in might and one in glory
while unending ages run!
BENEDICTION
God, the Source of glory,
God, the Word of life,
God, the Spirit of truth
bless you all, now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go out in joy.
Be led forth in peace.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Fantasie on “Ein feste Burg”
Paul Fey
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, With One Voice, All Creation Sings, and sundaysandseasons.com, © 1995, 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Ein feste Burg, Music: Martin Luther, 1483-1546, arr. Wilbur Held, 1915-2015, in Organ Music for Funerals and Memorials Vol 2, Arr. © 1988 Augsburg Fortress. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress,. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: Martin Luther, 1483-1546. Public domain.
Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word, Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.. Music: J. Klug, Geistliche Lieder, 1543.. Public domain.
Built on the Rock the Church Doth Stand, Text: Nikolai F.S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872; tr. Carl Doving, 1867-1937, adapt. Music: Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1812-1887, Arr. S. Drummond Wolff, 1916-2004. Text and Arr © 1960 Concordia Publishing House. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Text: Lutheran Book of Worship. Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music © 2004 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The Church of Christ, in Every Age., Text: Fred Pratt Green, 1903-2000. Text © 1971 Hope Publishing Company. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: William Knapp, 1698-1768. Public Domain.
Eat This Bread, Text: Taizé Community, Music: Jacques Berthier, 1923-1994. Text and music © 1984 Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications Inc., agent. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation, Text: Latin hymn, c. 7th cent; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, alt. Music: Henry Purcell, 1659-1695; arr. Ernest Hawkins, 1802-1868. Public domain.
Fantasie on "Ein feste Burg", Music: Paul Fey, b. 1998. Music © 2022 Paul Fey. All rights reserved.
