FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
November 26, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help with banners and bringing up Christmas decorations from the basement TODAY, Nov. 26 after worship service. Many hands make light work…thanks for your assistance!
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER TIME will be meeting in the Center Meeting Room at 9:30 AM.
-ADVENT POTLUCK will be held next Sunday, Dec. 3 (which is the 1st Sunday of Advent) following worship service and also on Dec. 17. Please bring a dish to share if you are able, but please plan to attend in any case as there is always plenty of food. The Christian Education Committee will provide a short program after the meals.
-THE PC(USA) CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING will begin next Sunday, Dec. 3 until Dec. 24.
-The Worship Committee is looking for GREETERS to welcome attendees at the north door of the sanctuary each Sunday. Greeters should arrive no later than 10:15 to hand out bulletins, welcome attendees, and ask visitors to fill out the pew inserts. If you are interested in doing this, please contact Ginny or a member of the Worship Committee.
-CHOIR will meet next on Dec. 10 to practice at 9:45AM and sing during the Service that day.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Make a joyful noise to God!
Worship God with gladness!
Come into God’s presence with a song!
Know that the Lord is God.
God made us. We belong to God.
Give thanks to God! Bless the name of the Lord!
*HYMN #455 (Blue) ‘All Creatures of Our God and King’
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along, sing ye! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest us both warmth and light,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fertile earth, that day by day
Unfoldest blessings on your way, O sing ye! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them God’s glory also show!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
And everyone of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part. O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and cast on God your care!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All creatures, your Creator bless,
And worship God in humbleness. O sing ye! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
CALL TO CONFESSION
Christ rules over us all, seated at the right hand of God. This is the same Christ who came to be with us, to laugh with us, cry with us, break bread with us, and be one of us. Therefore, we approach the throne with oldness, knowing that Christ will hear our confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
If we had known it was you, Lord, we would have done something different. If we had known if was you, Lord, we would have given you food. If we had known it was you, Lord, we would have taken you in. If we had known it was you, Lord, we would not have passed you by. But we did. Too often we make excuses for not taking care of each other. We have ignored your commandments to love and care. We do not deserve forgiveness, but we ask for it anyway, and ask you to help us change our ways.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God seeks the lost, brings back those who have strayed, binds up the injured, and strengthens the weak.
We are forgiven and restored.
Thanks be to God!
*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.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; 22 and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.
Matthew 25:31-46
31 “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. 34 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? 38 And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39 And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ 41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ 46 And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
SERMON ‘Joy’ Steve Van Buren, pulpit supply
PSALM 100 (in unison)
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
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.
HYMN #464 (Blue) ‘Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee’
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the gloom of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain all us to rejoice in Thee.
Mortals, join the happy chorus which the morning stars began;
Love divine is reigning o’er us, joining all in heaven’s plan.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward In the triumph song of life.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Let us offer our lives to the Lord. Romans 12:1
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Merciful and gracious God, you abound in steadfast love and faithfulness. With gratitude, we bring our gifts to you. Bless these gifts and bless our lives that together we may share your mercy and grace for the world you dearly love. Amen
*DOXOLOGY (on screen)
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
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Roger J -Gayle F
-Carol G -Robert (Robby’s father)
-Maxine D -Susan H (MK’s daughter)
-Barb (Bob O’s sister) -Andrew N (friend of Ella)
-Anthony B (Teri’s son) -Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Nelda H -Jim (Dianne L’s husband)
-Betty G -Andrew & Beth L
-Gwen B (friend of Lee)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Richard C and Dolores as caregiver
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
Our homebound or in care members: Richard C, Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Joyce R, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Joel & Bonnie F & family Lynn, Paige, & Gayle; Neal & Julie F
Those Who Mourn: We pray for the Bierstedt, Riedesel, Eich, Ohnstad, VanderWaal, Broksieck, Canaday, Barnett, Fee, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
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 #302 (Blue) ‘I Danced in the Morning’
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth;
At Bethlehem I had My birth.
Refrain:
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said He,
And I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said He.
I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,
But they would not dance and they would not follow me;
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;
They came with Me and the dance went on. [Refrain]
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame;
The holy people said it was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped and they hung Me high,
And left Me there on a cross to die. [Refrain]
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back.
They buried My body and they thought I’d gone:
But I am the dance and I still go on. [Refrain]
They cut Me down and I leap up high;
I am the life that will never, never die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in Me:
I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. [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
ORDER OF WORSHIP
November 26, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help with banners and bringing up Christmas decorations from the basement TODAY, Nov. 26 after worship service. Many hands make light work…thanks for your assistance!
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER TIME will be meeting in the Center Meeting Room at 9:30 AM.
-ADVENT POTLUCK will be held next Sunday, Dec. 3 (which is the 1st Sunday of Advent) following worship service and also on Dec. 17. Please bring a dish to share if you are able, but please plan to attend in any case as there is always plenty of food. The Christian Education Committee will provide a short program after the meals.
-THE PC(USA) CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING will begin next Sunday, Dec. 3 until Dec. 24.
-The Worship Committee is looking for GREETERS to welcome attendees at the north door of the sanctuary each Sunday. Greeters should arrive no later than 10:15 to hand out bulletins, welcome attendees, and ask visitors to fill out the pew inserts. If you are interested in doing this, please contact Ginny or a member of the Worship Committee.
-CHOIR will meet next on Dec. 10 to practice at 9:45AM and sing during the Service that day.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Make a joyful noise to God!
Worship God with gladness!
Come into God’s presence with a song!
Know that the Lord is God.
God made us. We belong to God.
Give thanks to God! Bless the name of the Lord!
*HYMN #455 (Blue) ‘All Creatures of Our God and King’
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along, sing ye! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear, Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest us both warmth and light,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fertile earth, that day by day
Unfoldest blessings on your way, O sing ye! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them God’s glory also show!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
And everyone of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part. O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and cast on God your care!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All creatures, your Creator bless,
And worship God in humbleness. O sing ye! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
CALL TO CONFESSION
Christ rules over us all, seated at the right hand of God. This is the same Christ who came to be with us, to laugh with us, cry with us, break bread with us, and be one of us. Therefore, we approach the throne with oldness, knowing that Christ will hear our confession.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
If we had known it was you, Lord, we would have done something different. If we had known if was you, Lord, we would have given you food. If we had known it was you, Lord, we would have taken you in. If we had known it was you, Lord, we would not have passed you by. But we did. Too often we make excuses for not taking care of each other. We have ignored your commandments to love and care. We do not deserve forgiveness, but we ask for it anyway, and ask you to help us change our ways.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
God seeks the lost, brings back those who have strayed, binds up the injured, and strengthens the weak.
We are forgiven and restored.
Thanks be to God!
*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.
CHILDREN’S SERMON
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Sovereign God, let your Word rule in our hearts and your Spirit govern our lives until at last we see the fulfillment of your realm of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; 22 and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.
Matthew 25:31-46
31 “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. 34 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? 38 And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? 39 And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ 41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ 46 And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
SERMON ‘Joy’ Steve Van Buren, pulpit supply
PSALM 100 (in unison)
1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
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.
HYMN #464 (Blue) ‘Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee’
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the gloom of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain all us to rejoice in Thee.
Mortals, join the happy chorus which the morning stars began;
Love divine is reigning o’er us, joining all in heaven’s plan.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward In the triumph song of life.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Let us offer our lives to the Lord. Romans 12:1
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Merciful and gracious God, you abound in steadfast love and faithfulness. With gratitude, we bring our gifts to you. Bless these gifts and bless our lives that together we may share your mercy and grace for the world you dearly love. Amen
*DOXOLOGY (on screen)
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
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Roger J -Gayle F
-Carol G -Robert (Robby’s father)
-Maxine D -Susan H (MK’s daughter)
-Barb (Bob O’s sister) -Andrew N (friend of Ella)
-Anthony B (Teri’s son) -Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Nelda H -Jim (Dianne L’s husband)
-Betty G -Andrew & Beth L
-Gwen B (friend of Lee)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
-Richard C and Dolores as caregiver
-USS South Dakota, captain and crew
Our homebound or in care members: Richard C, Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Joyce R, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Joel & Bonnie F & family Lynn, Paige, & Gayle; Neal & Julie F
Those Who Mourn: We pray for the Bierstedt, Riedesel, Eich, Ohnstad, VanderWaal, Broksieck, Canaday, Barnett, Fee, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
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 #302 (Blue) ‘I Danced in the Morning’
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth;
At Bethlehem I had My birth.
Refrain:
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said He,
And I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said He.
I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,
But they would not dance and they would not follow me;
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;
They came with Me and the dance went on. [Refrain]
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame;
The holy people said it was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped and they hung Me high,
And left Me there on a cross to die. [Refrain]
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back.
They buried My body and they thought I’d gone:
But I am the dance and I still go on. [Refrain]
They cut Me down and I leap up high;
I am the life that will never, never die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in Me:
I am the Lord of the Dance, said He. [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