SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
October 24, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, you who are weary.
Lay down your burdens, for God can carry them.
Come, you who are joyful.
Join in God’s praise with the choir of the saints.
Come, you who are doubting.
Behold the one who brings sight to the blind.
*HYMN #401 (Glory to God-red hymnal) “Here in This Place/Gather Us In”
Here in this place the new light is streaming;
Now is the darkness vanished away;
See in this space our fears and our dreamings
Brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken;
Gather us in, the blind and the lame;
Call to us now, and we shall awaken;
We shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are the young, our lives are a mystery.
We are the old who yearn for your face.
We have been sung throughout all of history,
Called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty;
Gather us in, the proud and the strong;
Give us a heart, so meek and so lowly;
Give us the courage to enter the song.
Here we will take the wine and the water;
Here we will take the bread of new birth.
Here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
Call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion;
Give us to eat the bread that is you;
Nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
Lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
Not in the dark of buildings confining,
Not in some heaven, light years away;
Here in this place the new light is shining;
Now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever;
Gather us in and make us your own;
Gather us in, all peoples together,
Fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations. Preserve the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Let us willingly embrace that which we believe is true—we can come to the seat of grace, bringing our prayers of confession to the One who is filled to overflowing with mercy and hope. Join me as we pray together,
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. Heal us of our blindness, O Lord, for it is a blindness we have chosen. We close our eyes when faced with suffering of the world, turn our gaze away from the needs of our neighbors, and blur our faces in the mirror, lest we recognize your image. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. Heal us of our blindness, and open our eyes to the beauty of your grace. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news! Because God loves us, we lack for nothing; because God forgives us, we have everything we need; because God surrounds us with sisters and brothers, we do not journey alone.
Committing everything to God, trusting in the One who redeems us, we decide to live as God’s faithful and forgiven people. Amen.
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The word of God is living and active.
It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Hebrews 7:23-28
23 Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
26 For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Mark 10:46-52 (Reader’s Theater) Rev. Kaul & Liturgist
RN: Jesus and his disciples reached Jericho. As they passed through the town, a crowd of people followed along. They came to a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, who sat beside the main road. When he was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he called out in a loud voice.
Liturgist: Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me and help me!
RN: Disgusted by the blind man’s public display, others in the crowd tried to silence him until Jesus had passed. But Bartimaeus cried even louder:
Liturgist: Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!
RN: Jesus stopped where he stood. The crowd stopped with Him. he told those near the front of the crowd to call the blind man forward. “Good news!” they said. “Jesus has heard you. Listen—He calls for you. Get up and go to him.” So Bartimaeus cast aside his beggar’s robe and stepped forward, feeling his way toward Jesus. Jesus asked, “What do you want from Me?”
Liturgist: Teacher, I want to see.
RN: Your faith has made you whole. Go in peace.
In that moment, Bartimaeus could see again; and from that time on, he followed Jesus.
The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION: “Where the Blind can See” Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #383 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine.
Nor hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Whip sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
When end’s life’s transient dram,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll.
Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
DEDICATION OF FPC PARAMENTS AND HYMNALS
We dedicate a new set of paraments and hymnals for the Sundays in the church year--to the glory of our Lord. The use of God’s gift of Christian art in worship proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ, encourages the praise of his people on earth, and reflects our intention to bring Jesus our best and finest offerings. These will serve well when they proclaim to the heart of the believer the message of what Christ has done for us. Today we set apart these paraments and hymnals for use in God’s house, to his glory.
We gather in prayer to dedicate new paraments and hymnals to the glory of the Triune God.
We give thanks to the Lord for God is good
Gracious God, we know that you delight in hearing the prayers and praise of your people.
Thank you, Lord, for the making us your own, for the blessing of public worship, for the comfort and strength you give in this place, and for the praise and joy you prompt in our hearts.
Thank you for many gifts which help to proclaim your gospel: for language and poetry, for music, and for art and architecture; each focusing our minds and hearts on your marvelous grace in Baptism, Holy Communion, and the proclamation of your Word.
Bless us whenever we gather in your name and move us to use these gifts to praise you.
You have given to your Church throughout the world artisans who create fine and beautiful things that inspire our worship and glorify your name. For all who use their gifts to your glory:
We thank you, O Lord.
For those who use their time and ability to prepare and assist our worship: for those who preside at worship and preach the Gospel, for singers and musicians, for those who prepare your house each week, for talent with flowers, banners and with all the arts:
We thank you, O Lord.
Lord, you blessed those who envisioned these new paraments and hymnals with the ability to work and praise together in unity and joy. You moved the hearts of our members to give generous offerings of time and talents back to you. The stewardship of time, talents, and treasures is a rich blessing to us. For those who labored faithfully and gave freely,
We thank you, O Lord.
You gave us the beauty of liturgy for worship. As you walk with us on our annual pilgrimage through the Christian Year, guide us with the changing colors of the paraments and music of the hymnals. For Christian art which proclaims the wonder of Christ for the benefit of fellow believers and for the strengthening of faith,
We thank you, O Lord.
Lord, we confess that we do not always put our hearts and minds into worship. Forgive us for approaching you too casually, carelessly, infrequently, or with indifference.
Send your Holy Spirit so that everything that we see, hear, and do in this place spiritually enriches us and is an offering to you.
Bless our use of both familiar and new forms and symbols in worship. Help us to sense our connection with believers of all times and places.
We dedicate these paraments and hymnals to your glory, O Lord, and for the benefit of your holy people, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Be Thou My Vision”
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Redeeming Lord, we continually seek your comfortable refuge. You deliver us from our unfounded fears and provide us with miraculous examples of your love. In response, we offer these gifts. We pray that these funds will provide an outreach that warms people with your resplendent love. As a church community, we exalt and praise your holy name. Amen.
Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22 David S. Bell
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Heavenly Father, like Job, when we ask for your presence and intervention, we will end up on knees, astounded at your greatness, and humbled by our own unworthiness. So we dare to approach your throne of grace, through the work and the love of your son, our mediator, advocate and guide this day.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
Holy Spirit, when we tearfully share our hopes and dreams with you, you promise a harvest of joy. Fill us with expectations of your goodness. Fill us with new passion, love, zeal and purpose. Guide us as we pray our prayer, “Where are you leading us God?” Embibe us with your Holy Wisdom as we listen for your movement over the waters of our lives.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
Lord Jesus Christ, high priest and intercessor for our sins, help us live as your children, trusting that we are also children of the heavenly Father. When we fall short of your glory, help pick us up, dust us off, help us to see you again, with new and fresh eyes, in new ways, in ourselves and in our world around us.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
Lord Jesus, healer of Bartimaeus’ blindness, help us see you in this world active in love, and help us see you by our side, so we may walk your way without stumbling. We pray for purposeful vision and your wisdom to come upon and be present in our nation, in our state, in our city, in our world, and for all of the leaders in their various rules across the globe, especially here where we live, move, and have our very being.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
Lord Jesus, Great Physician, hear now the names of those we know who need your healing and other concerns:
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Joann (Bob B’s granddaughter)
-Andrew L
-Jane (Bob B’s daughter)
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rick’s father (family as caregivers)
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Melissa (SDSU student from Peru) and her parents
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
For continued recovery
-Cara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Heather (Ella’s daughter)
-Dick S
-LaVonne B
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Marlys K, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We pray for the L’Amour, Young, Moerke, Boe, McCann and Watson families and for all who have lost loved ones.
This Week’s Prayer Families: Gene & JoAnn G, John & Linda G & family Grace & Lottie
For our confirmand’s journey: Gayle F has completed her confirmation journey. Gayle will be received into church membership on Sunday, November 7th during worship. Please pray for her and her family.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
For our farmers and workers during harvest season, our teachers and students in this new school year.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to natural disasters.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
The love of God has won. The new life has begun. For this we give you all praise, honor and glory forever, as we pray the prayer that our Lord Jesus taught us to pray saying:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
*HYMN #554 “Let All Things Now Living”
Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God our creator triumphantly raise;
Who fashioned and made us,
Protected and stayed us,
By guiding us on to the end of our days.
God’s banners are o’er us,
Pure light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night;
Till shadows have vanished,
All fearfulness banished,
As forward we travel from light into Light.
By law God enforces.
The stars in their courses,
The sun in its orbit obediently shine.
The hills and the mountains,
The rivers and fountains,
The depths of the ocean proclaim God divine.
We, too, should be voicing
Our love and rejoicing
With glad adoration,
A song let us raise;
Till all things now living
Unite in thanksgiving,
To God in the highest, hosanna and praise.
ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK
ALL SAINTS’ DAY—We will be remembering our loved ones/friends during worship service next Sunday, October 31st. Please submit to the office names and pictures/or just names of loved ones you would like remembered in our bulletin and PowerPoint. Pictures will be scanned in and returned to you or you can send them by e-mail. Deadline is Oct. 24th.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; Scripture reading taken from The Voice.™. http://www.hearthevoice.com/ Copyright © 2006, 2007, 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
October 24, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, you who are weary.
Lay down your burdens, for God can carry them.
Come, you who are joyful.
Join in God’s praise with the choir of the saints.
Come, you who are doubting.
Behold the one who brings sight to the blind.
*HYMN #401 (Glory to God-red hymnal) “Here in This Place/Gather Us In”
Here in this place the new light is streaming;
Now is the darkness vanished away;
See in this space our fears and our dreamings
Brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken;
Gather us in, the blind and the lame;
Call to us now, and we shall awaken;
We shall arise at the sound of our name.
We are the young, our lives are a mystery.
We are the old who yearn for your face.
We have been sung throughout all of history,
Called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty;
Gather us in, the proud and the strong;
Give us a heart, so meek and so lowly;
Give us the courage to enter the song.
Here we will take the wine and the water;
Here we will take the bread of new birth.
Here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
Call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion;
Give us to eat the bread that is you;
Nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
Lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
Not in the dark of buildings confining,
Not in some heaven, light years away;
Here in this place the new light is shining;
Now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever;
Gather us in and make us your own;
Gather us in, all peoples together,
Fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations. Preserve the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Let us willingly embrace that which we believe is true—we can come to the seat of grace, bringing our prayers of confession to the One who is filled to overflowing with mercy and hope. Join me as we pray together,
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. Heal us of our blindness, O Lord, for it is a blindness we have chosen. We close our eyes when faced with suffering of the world, turn our gaze away from the needs of our neighbors, and blur our faces in the mirror, lest we recognize your image. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. Heal us of our blindness, and open our eyes to the beauty of your grace. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news! Because God loves us, we lack for nothing; because God forgives us, we have everything we need; because God surrounds us with sisters and brothers, we do not journey alone.
Committing everything to God, trusting in the One who redeems us, we decide to live as God’s faithful and forgiven people. Amen.
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The word of God is living and active.
It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Hebrews 7:23-28
23 Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
26 For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
A TIME FOR CHILDREN
Mark 10:46-52 (Reader’s Theater) Rev. Kaul & Liturgist
RN: Jesus and his disciples reached Jericho. As they passed through the town, a crowd of people followed along. They came to a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, who sat beside the main road. When he was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he called out in a loud voice.
Liturgist: Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me and help me!
RN: Disgusted by the blind man’s public display, others in the crowd tried to silence him until Jesus had passed. But Bartimaeus cried even louder:
Liturgist: Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!
RN: Jesus stopped where he stood. The crowd stopped with Him. he told those near the front of the crowd to call the blind man forward. “Good news!” they said. “Jesus has heard you. Listen—He calls for you. Get up and go to him.” So Bartimaeus cast aside his beggar’s robe and stepped forward, feeling his way toward Jesus. Jesus asked, “What do you want from Me?”
Liturgist: Teacher, I want to see.
RN: Your faith has made you whole. Go in peace.
In that moment, Bartimaeus could see again; and from that time on, he followed Jesus.
The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION: “Where the Blind can See” Rev. Norlita Kaul
HYMN: #383 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine.
Nor hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Whip sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
When end’s life’s transient dram,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll.
Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
DEDICATION OF FPC PARAMENTS AND HYMNALS
We dedicate a new set of paraments and hymnals for the Sundays in the church year--to the glory of our Lord. The use of God’s gift of Christian art in worship proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ, encourages the praise of his people on earth, and reflects our intention to bring Jesus our best and finest offerings. These will serve well when they proclaim to the heart of the believer the message of what Christ has done for us. Today we set apart these paraments and hymnals for use in God’s house, to his glory.
We gather in prayer to dedicate new paraments and hymnals to the glory of the Triune God.
We give thanks to the Lord for God is good
Gracious God, we know that you delight in hearing the prayers and praise of your people.
Thank you, Lord, for the making us your own, for the blessing of public worship, for the comfort and strength you give in this place, and for the praise and joy you prompt in our hearts.
Thank you for many gifts which help to proclaim your gospel: for language and poetry, for music, and for art and architecture; each focusing our minds and hearts on your marvelous grace in Baptism, Holy Communion, and the proclamation of your Word.
Bless us whenever we gather in your name and move us to use these gifts to praise you.
You have given to your Church throughout the world artisans who create fine and beautiful things that inspire our worship and glorify your name. For all who use their gifts to your glory:
We thank you, O Lord.
For those who use their time and ability to prepare and assist our worship: for those who preside at worship and preach the Gospel, for singers and musicians, for those who prepare your house each week, for talent with flowers, banners and with all the arts:
We thank you, O Lord.
Lord, you blessed those who envisioned these new paraments and hymnals with the ability to work and praise together in unity and joy. You moved the hearts of our members to give generous offerings of time and talents back to you. The stewardship of time, talents, and treasures is a rich blessing to us. For those who labored faithfully and gave freely,
We thank you, O Lord.
You gave us the beauty of liturgy for worship. As you walk with us on our annual pilgrimage through the Christian Year, guide us with the changing colors of the paraments and music of the hymnals. For Christian art which proclaims the wonder of Christ for the benefit of fellow believers and for the strengthening of faith,
We thank you, O Lord.
Lord, we confess that we do not always put our hearts and minds into worship. Forgive us for approaching you too casually, carelessly, infrequently, or with indifference.
Send your Holy Spirit so that everything that we see, hear, and do in this place spiritually enriches us and is an offering to you.
Bless our use of both familiar and new forms and symbols in worship. Help us to sense our connection with believers of all times and places.
We dedicate these paraments and hymnals to your glory, O Lord, and for the benefit of your holy people, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Be Thou My Vision”
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Redeeming Lord, we continually seek your comfortable refuge. You deliver us from our unfounded fears and provide us with miraculous examples of your love. In response, we offer these gifts. We pray that these funds will provide an outreach that warms people with your resplendent love. As a church community, we exalt and praise your holy name. Amen.
Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22 David S. Bell
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Heavenly Father, like Job, when we ask for your presence and intervention, we will end up on knees, astounded at your greatness, and humbled by our own unworthiness. So we dare to approach your throne of grace, through the work and the love of your son, our mediator, advocate and guide this day.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
Holy Spirit, when we tearfully share our hopes and dreams with you, you promise a harvest of joy. Fill us with expectations of your goodness. Fill us with new passion, love, zeal and purpose. Guide us as we pray our prayer, “Where are you leading us God?” Embibe us with your Holy Wisdom as we listen for your movement over the waters of our lives.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
Lord Jesus Christ, high priest and intercessor for our sins, help us live as your children, trusting that we are also children of the heavenly Father. When we fall short of your glory, help pick us up, dust us off, help us to see you again, with new and fresh eyes, in new ways, in ourselves and in our world around us.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
Lord Jesus, healer of Bartimaeus’ blindness, help us see you in this world active in love, and help us see you by our side, so we may walk your way without stumbling. We pray for purposeful vision and your wisdom to come upon and be present in our nation, in our state, in our city, in our world, and for all of the leaders in their various rules across the globe, especially here where we live, move, and have our very being.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
Lord Jesus, Great Physician, hear now the names of those we know who need your healing and other concerns:
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Continued Health Requests:
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Joann (Bob B’s granddaughter)
-Andrew L
-Jane (Bob B’s daughter)
-Ed P (Dave’s brother)
-Gene & JoAnn G
-Roger J
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Rick’s father (family as caregivers)
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Melissa (SDSU student from Peru) and her parents
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
For continued recovery
-Cara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Heather (Ella’s daughter)
-Dick S
-LaVonne B
-Carrie V
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Marlys K, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art & Marge V
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We pray for the L’Amour, Young, Moerke, Boe, McCann and Watson families and for all who have lost loved ones.
This Week’s Prayer Families: Gene & JoAnn G, John & Linda G & family Grace & Lottie
For our confirmand’s journey: Gayle F has completed her confirmation journey. Gayle will be received into church membership on Sunday, November 7th during worship. Please pray for her and her family.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; Robby & Donna, and Elizabeth (CREs), our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
For our farmers and workers during harvest season, our teachers and students in this new school year.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, doctors, nurses, first responders across the world (their families) and for those who have lost homes, jobs, and/or possessions due to natural disasters.
Loving God, you hear our prayers: You live among us.
The love of God has won. The new life has begun. For this we give you all praise, honor and glory forever, as we pray the prayer that our Lord Jesus taught us to pray saying:
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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.
*HYMN #554 “Let All Things Now Living”
Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God our creator triumphantly raise;
Who fashioned and made us,
Protected and stayed us,
By guiding us on to the end of our days.
God’s banners are o’er us,
Pure light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night;
Till shadows have vanished,
All fearfulness banished,
As forward we travel from light into Light.
By law God enforces.
The stars in their courses,
The sun in its orbit obediently shine.
The hills and the mountains,
The rivers and fountains,
The depths of the ocean proclaim God divine.
We, too, should be voicing
Our love and rejoicing
With glad adoration,
A song let us raise;
Till all things now living
Unite in thanksgiving,
To God in the highest, hosanna and praise.
ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK
ALL SAINTS’ DAY—We will be remembering our loved ones/friends during worship service next Sunday, October 31st. Please submit to the office names and pictures/or just names of loved ones you would like remembered in our bulletin and PowerPoint. Pictures will be scanned in and returned to you or you can send them by e-mail. Deadline is Oct. 24th.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM.
Youth Sunday School meets at 11:45 AM.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES AND PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P (692-7757).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church. We are studying the book of Matthew.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; Scripture reading taken from The Voice.™. http://www.hearthevoice.com/ Copyright © 2006, 2007, 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.