SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Thanksgiving Sunday
24th Sunday after Pentecost
11-15-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Heirs of the covenant, come; let us present ourselves before the Lord.
We gather to worship the Holy One, to incline our hearts to the one true God.
Family of faith, come; choose this day: Whom will you serve?
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, your blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of evil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life. Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Choose this day whom you will serve.
We will serve and obey the Lord our God.
Therefore let us confess our sin:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
“Keep awake,” you tell us, urging us to watch with expectant hope as we wait for you to reveal yourself in our midst. But, Lord, we grow tired of looking for signs of your presence among us. We grow weary from a steady diet of distressing news and convince ourselves that you are still far off. We are careless with the tasks you expect of us and, so, are not prepared to encounter you. Forgive us for losing heart and losing hope. Sustain us in faith, we pray, and keep us ever watchful so that we might be ready to greet you with joy.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
We are forgiven. God will strengthen us in word and deed. Stand firm and hold fast to your faith.
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
God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry are heavy on our shoulders and weigh us down, when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening, when our lives have no music in them, and our hears are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life, to your honor and glory. Amen.
God has given us the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. (Eph. 1:17) Hear the Word of the Lord.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 78:1-7 (read responsively)
1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
5 He established a decree in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach to their children;
6 that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and rise up and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God,
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. 15 For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.
18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Matthew 25:1-13
1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13 Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
This is the word of truth, the gospel of salvation. (Eph. 1:1)
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION: “Wedding Woes” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION – The Apostle’s 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.
We offer ourselves: special music “One in Christ ” Susan Smith, Dick Smith, Judy Smith, and Rev. Norlita Kaul
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
Beloved Lord, you offer us a precious gift. Your invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ frees us from so many unnecessary fears. As children of your light, we present these gifts so that others may share in the timeless message of your love. Encourage us to reflect your love to others, today and always. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Come Ye Thankful People Come”
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin.
God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God's own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God's own field,
Fruit unto God’s praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take the harvest home;
From the field shall in that day
All offenses purge away,
Give the angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In God’s garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come,
To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin,
There forever purified,
In Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was Thank You, that would suffice.
(Meister Eckhart)
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(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 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA; David S. Bell; and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 392.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our hearts and prayers go with you today, Susan S. We thank you for your many years of dedication, love, commitment, and service here among us at First Presbyterian. We will miss you and pray God’s richest blessings upon you as you embark on this next chapter of your life’s journey. Godspeed.
THANKSGIVING DAY PRAYER SERVICE will be held Thursday, November 26 at 4:00 PM in the sanctuary and via Zoom.
FEEDING BROOKINGS will once again be hosting a meal for Thanksgiving. First Presbyterian Church has been asked to donate 240 pkg. of Instant Mashed Potatoes. We will be accepting monetary donations through the end of the month.
Thank you for your generosity!
SPECIAL MUSIC We continue to enjoy special music during our worship services Please contact Donna (flintd99@gmail) or Ginny ([email protected]) if you are willing to provide other special music.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will meet in the church basement at “9:30ish”. BYOB (bring your own beverage). Questions? Call Nancy (697-3073) or Dolores (695-3723).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet at 9:30 am in the church basement. Bring a beverage of choice, and BYOB Bring your own Bible….and Prayer Notebook. We’ll be studying the book of Genesis. Questions? Call Lee (692-7757). Come Join Us, all are welcome!
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Joyce Ann (recovery-friend of Rev. Norlita)
-Nancy T (recovery)
-Bob & Jan J (recoveries)
-Sharon W (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B (recovering at home)
-Jan B (recovery)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew) & Mike Jr. (son)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry D)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Robert & Rozanne M, Heidi & Aaron M
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Helen P, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie VB, Dee W.
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
* We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We give you thanks, O God, for the safe delivery and arrival of Olivia Marie and Madelyn Jean. We ask your blessings upon them, their parents John and Anna, and their grandparents Ann and Bill. May they be granted many years of happiness and longevity.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for November!
Donna F, Janet T, Rosa G, Martin M, Doha R, Diane B, Judy S, Robby F, Anna P, Don N
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
Thanksgiving Sunday
24th Sunday after Pentecost
11-15-2020
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Heirs of the covenant, come; let us present ourselves before the Lord.
We gather to worship the Holy One, to incline our hearts to the one true God.
Family of faith, come; choose this day: Whom will you serve?
As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, your blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of evil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life. Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
Choose this day whom you will serve.
We will serve and obey the Lord our God.
Therefore let us confess our sin:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
“Keep awake,” you tell us, urging us to watch with expectant hope as we wait for you to reveal yourself in our midst. But, Lord, we grow tired of looking for signs of your presence among us. We grow weary from a steady diet of distressing news and convince ourselves that you are still far off. We are careless with the tasks you expect of us and, so, are not prepared to encounter you. Forgive us for losing heart and losing hope. Sustain us in faith, we pray, and keep us ever watchful so that we might be ready to greet you with joy.
(Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
We are forgiven. God will strengthen us in word and deed. Stand firm and hold fast to your faith.
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
God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry are heavy on our shoulders and weigh us down, when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening, when our lives have no music in them, and our hears are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life, to your honor and glory. Amen.
God has given us the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. (Eph. 1:17) Hear the Word of the Lord.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 78:1-7 (read responsively)
1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known,
that our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
5 He established a decree in Jacob,
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to teach to their children;
6 that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and rise up and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God,
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. 15 For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.
18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Matthew 25:1-13
1“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ 13 Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
This is the word of truth, the gospel of salvation. (Eph. 1:1)
Thanks be to God.
REFLECTION: “Wedding Woes” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION – The Apostle’s 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.
We offer ourselves: special music “One in Christ ” Susan Smith, Dick Smith, Judy Smith, and Rev. Norlita Kaul
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
Beloved Lord, you offer us a precious gift. Your invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ frees us from so many unnecessary fears. As children of your light, we present these gifts so that others may share in the timeless message of your love. Encourage us to reflect your love to others, today and always. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “Come Ye Thankful People Come”
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin.
God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God's own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God's own field,
Fruit unto God’s praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take the harvest home;
From the field shall in that day
All offenses purge away,
Give the angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In God’s garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come,
To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin,
There forever purified,
In Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was Thank You, that would suffice.
(Meister Eckhart)
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
(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 2019-2020 Year A Vo.53.1 PCUSA; David S. Bell; and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 392.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our hearts and prayers go with you today, Susan S. We thank you for your many years of dedication, love, commitment, and service here among us at First Presbyterian. We will miss you and pray God’s richest blessings upon you as you embark on this next chapter of your life’s journey. Godspeed.
THANKSGIVING DAY PRAYER SERVICE will be held Thursday, November 26 at 4:00 PM in the sanctuary and via Zoom.
FEEDING BROOKINGS will once again be hosting a meal for Thanksgiving. First Presbyterian Church has been asked to donate 240 pkg. of Instant Mashed Potatoes. We will be accepting monetary donations through the end of the month.
Thank you for your generosity!
SPECIAL MUSIC We continue to enjoy special music during our worship services Please contact Donna (flintd99@gmail) or Ginny ([email protected]) if you are willing to provide other special music.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will meet in the church basement at “9:30ish”. BYOB (bring your own beverage). Questions? Call Nancy (697-3073) or Dolores (695-3723).
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet at 9:30 am in the church basement. Bring a beverage of choice, and BYOB Bring your own Bible….and Prayer Notebook. We’ll be studying the book of Genesis. Questions? Call Lee (692-7757). Come Join Us, all are welcome!
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Those with health concerns:
-Joyce Ann (recovery-friend of Rev. Norlita)
-Nancy T (recovery)
-Bob & Jan J (recoveries)
-Sharon W (thanksgiving for recovery)
-LaVonne B (recovering at home)
-Jan B (recovery)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew) & Mike Jr. (son)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry D)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Robert & Rozanne M, Heidi & Aaron M
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Helen P, Rozella P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie VB, Dee W.
(Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
* We continue to pray for the Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
- Prayers for our sister church First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. Christ’s churches in Brookings.
- Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing.
- Victims of wildfires, hurricanes, tropical storms and floods; the first responders/shelter workers serving in these areas during our pandemic.
- Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We give you thanks, O God, for the safe delivery and arrival of Olivia Marie and Madelyn Jean. We ask your blessings upon them, their parents John and Anna, and their grandparents Ann and Bill. May they be granted many years of happiness and longevity.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for November!
Donna F, Janet T, Rosa G, Martin M, Doha R, Diane B, Judy S, Robby F, Anna P, Don N
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.