ORDER OF WORSHIP
23rd Sunday after Pentecost
October 27, 2024
PRELUDE Vater unser im Himmelreich, J.S. Bach
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
• TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP, 9:30ish AM at Mission Coffee House.
• THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY, 9:30 AM in the FPC Center Meeting Room.
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather today to hear the Word.
We come to follow the Word.
Here we experience Comfort.
Here we experience Challenge.
Here we find Community.
As we prepare to take the church to the world
Let us worship together!
*OPENING HYMN (on screen) ‘Trust and Obey’
1. When we walk with the Lord in the Light of his Word, what a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away;
not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear, can abide while we trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil He doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor He shows, and the joy He bestows, are for them who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we'll walk by His side in the way;
what He says we will do, where he sends we will go; never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Christ forgives our sins, not because we deserve pardon, but because he bore our sins on the cross. Let us confess our sins together and invite Christ into our lives.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Gracious God, we come before you today knowing that we often fall short of your call to love one another well. Teach us to let our deeds speak your words of mercy, and our actions share the news of your redemptive grace. Strengthen us to reach out to those who are in need and serve them in humility and joy. May we continue to grow in your grace as we learn how to serve you as we serve others. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The good news is that our Savior's love has released us from the grip of sin. You are forgiven and free to live your life in grace. Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI
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 OF ILLUMINATION
Gracious God, open our ears, our minds, and our hearts to hear your word, to consider your word, and to live your word. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 27:1-6 (responsively)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh--
my adversaries and foes--
they shall stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 One thing I asked of the Lord; this I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
All: I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
SERMON The Parable of the Pumpkin Mark Werner, CRE
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Modern Version) (on screen)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there 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.
*SERMON HYMN #341 (Blue) ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine’
1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love. [Refrain]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Bob F, Jan (Nancy & Bob O’s sister-in-law), Nathan (Linda B’s nephew)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W, Dorothy W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Scott & Jennifer H & family Skylar, Saige, & Ramsie; Dean & Sharon H
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #467 ‘How Great Thou Art’
1. O Lord, my God! when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; [Refrain]
3. And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin; [Refrain]
4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, my God, how great thou art! [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)
POSTLUDE Ein’ Fest Burg, Luther/Cherwein
23rd Sunday after Pentecost
October 27, 2024
PRELUDE Vater unser im Himmelreich, J.S. Bach
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
• TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP, 9:30ish AM at Mission Coffee House.
• THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY, 9:30 AM in the FPC Center Meeting Room.
- DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ends next Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2AM—set your clocks back 1 hour Saturday evening
- REFORMATION SUNDAY will be celebrated next Sunday, Nov. 3rd with a festival of Banners, followed by a congregational meeting to elect elders/deacons
- SDSU STUDENT MUSICIAN CONCERT will be held Nov. 3 at 2 PM in the sanctuary, followed by refreshments. All are invited to attend.
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather today to hear the Word.
We come to follow the Word.
Here we experience Comfort.
Here we experience Challenge.
Here we find Community.
As we prepare to take the church to the world
Let us worship together!
*OPENING HYMN (on screen) ‘Trust and Obey’
1. When we walk with the Lord in the Light of his Word, what a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away;
not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear, can abide while we trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil He doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
4. But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor He shows, and the joy He bestows, are for them who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we'll walk by His side in the way;
what He says we will do, where he sends we will go; never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Christ forgives our sins, not because we deserve pardon, but because he bore our sins on the cross. Let us confess our sins together and invite Christ into our lives.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Gracious God, we come before you today knowing that we often fall short of your call to love one another well. Teach us to let our deeds speak your words of mercy, and our actions share the news of your redemptive grace. Strengthen us to reach out to those who are in need and serve them in humility and joy. May we continue to grow in your grace as we learn how to serve you as we serve others. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
The good news is that our Savior's love has released us from the grip of sin. You are forgiven and free to live your life in grace. Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI
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 OF ILLUMINATION
Gracious God, open our ears, our minds, and our hearts to hear your word, to consider your word, and to live your word. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 27:1-6 (responsively)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh--
my adversaries and foes--
they shall stumble and fall.
3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.
4 One thing I asked of the Lord; this I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
All: I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
SERMON The Parable of the Pumpkin Mark Werner, CRE
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Modern Version) (on screen)
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there 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.
*SERMON HYMN #341 (Blue) ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine’
1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love. [Refrain]
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Bob F, Jan (Nancy & Bob O’s sister-in-law), Nathan (Linda B’s nephew)
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W, Dorothy W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Scott & Jennifer H & family Skylar, Saige, & Ramsie; Dean & Sharon H
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.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #467 ‘How Great Thou Art’
1. O Lord, my God! when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee: How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze; [Refrain]
3. And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin; [Refrain]
4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, my God, how great thou art! [Refrain]
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)
POSTLUDE Ein’ Fest Burg, Luther/Cherwein