FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
23rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
November 16, 2025
PRELUDE Praise to the Lord, the Almighty by Johann G. Walther
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-VETERANS THANKSGIVING MEAL will be served today, Nov. 16, 4:30-7:00 PM, at the First United Methodist Church Community Life Center for veterans and their families.
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM in the FPC Center Meeting Room
-FEEDING BROOKINGS THANKSGIVING MEAL – Today is the last day for donations to help 50 families enjoy this special holiday meal. Check the poster on the bulletin board for what each donation of $8 provides a family. Envelopes by offering plates. Thank you for your generosity!
-COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE will be hosted by First Presbyterian on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 4:00 PM. Please join us!
-VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: please check the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for supplying bars or cookies for the reception after the Community Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 23
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather together in the name of the One who bids us come.
We gather together to hear the words of the One who is Love.
We gather together to sing praises of the One who teaches peace.
Come, let us Worship!
*OPENING HYMN #373 (red ) “O Day of Peace”
O day of peace that dimly shines through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love, delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands, our hearts from envy find release,
till by God’s grace our warring world shall see Christ’s promised reign of peace.
Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb, nor shall the fierce devour the small;
as beasts and cattle calmly graze, a little child shall lead them all.
Then enemies shall learn to love, all creatures find their true accord;
the hope of peace shall be fulfilled, for all the earth shall know the Lord.
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Majestic Creator, we fail to believe we carry your image and we fail to behave as those who belong to you. Mighty Savior, we turn from your path of sacrificial love and we turn toward our personal preferences. Merciful Spirit, we forget your call to righteousness and we forget our need of you. In our sinfulness, triune God, we seek now your forgiveness, praying that you will relieve the burden of our regrets by the power of your patient love.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON and *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 and SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 65:17-25
17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.
19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.
20 “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days,
or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred
will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. 21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord,
they and their descendants with them. 24 Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Luke 21:5-19
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.
SERMON Keep Calm and Carry On? Elizabeth Fox, CRE
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #757 (red) “Today We All Are Called to be Disciples”
Today we all are called to be disciples of the Lord,
to help to set the captive free, make plowshare out of sword,
to feed the hungry, quench the thirst, make love and peace our fast,
to serve the poor and homeless first, our ease and comfort last.
God made the world and at its birth ordained our human race
to live as stewards of the earth, responding to God’s grace.
But we are vain and sadly proud; we sow not peace but strife.
Our discord spreads a deadly cloud that threatens all of life.
Pray justice may come rolling down as in a mighty stream,
with righteousness in field and town to cleanse us and redeem.
For God is longing to restore an earth where conflicts cease,
a world that was created for a harmony of peace.
May we in service to our God act out the living word,
and walk the road the saints have trod till all have seen and heard.
As stewards of the earth may we give thanks in one accord
to God who calls us all to be disciples of the Lord.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.32–33)
The life, death, resurrection, and promised coming of Jesus Christ has set the pattern for the church’s mission. His human life involves the church in the common life of all people. His service to men and women commits the church to work for every form of human well-being. His suffering makes the church sensitive to all human suffering so that it sees the face of Christ in the faces of persons in every kind of need. His crucifixion discloses to the church God’s judgment on the inhumanity that marks human relations, and the awful consequences of the church’s own complicity in injustice. In the power of the risen Christ and the hope of his coming, the church sees the promise of God’s renewal of human life in society and of God’s victory over all wrong. The church follows this pattern in the form of its life and in the method of its action. So to live and serve is to confess Christ as Lord.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Mike M, Marlys M, Duane & Kris, Bob O
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dick & Judy S, Terry & Ann S
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 host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #54 (red ) “Make a Joyful Noise to God!”
Make a joyful noise to God!
All creation sings your praise!
Great your wonders here displayed, unexcelled throughout our days.
Glorious is your sacred name, ages old, yet still the same.
Come and see what God has done,
great the blessings to the just:
walked the chosen through the sea, brought their enemies to dust.
Let us lift a thankful voice for God’s mercies, and rejoice!
Bless the Lord, our refuge sure;
let our songs of praise be heard!
By whose justice, we are tried; by whose grace, our guilt deferred.
When our life’s sure end shall come, bring us to your heavenly home.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Now Thank We All Our God by Georg F. Kaufmann
ORDER OF WORSHIP
23rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
November 16, 2025
PRELUDE Praise to the Lord, the Almighty by Johann G. Walther
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-VETERANS THANKSGIVING MEAL will be served today, Nov. 16, 4:30-7:00 PM, at the First United Methodist Church Community Life Center for veterans and their families.
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM in the FPC Center Meeting Room
-FEEDING BROOKINGS THANKSGIVING MEAL – Today is the last day for donations to help 50 families enjoy this special holiday meal. Check the poster on the bulletin board for what each donation of $8 provides a family. Envelopes by offering plates. Thank you for your generosity!
-COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE will be hosted by First Presbyterian on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 4:00 PM. Please join us!
-VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: please check the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for supplying bars or cookies for the reception after the Community Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 23
CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather together in the name of the One who bids us come.
We gather together to hear the words of the One who is Love.
We gather together to sing praises of the One who teaches peace.
Come, let us Worship!
*OPENING HYMN #373 (red ) “O Day of Peace”
O day of peace that dimly shines through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love, delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands, our hearts from envy find release,
till by God’s grace our warring world shall see Christ’s promised reign of peace.
Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb, nor shall the fierce devour the small;
as beasts and cattle calmly graze, a little child shall lead them all.
Then enemies shall learn to love, all creatures find their true accord;
the hope of peace shall be fulfilled, for all the earth shall know the Lord.
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Majestic Creator, we fail to believe we carry your image and we fail to behave as those who belong to you. Mighty Savior, we turn from your path of sacrificial love and we turn toward our personal preferences. Merciful Spirit, we forget your call to righteousness and we forget our need of you. In our sinfulness, triune God, we seek now your forgiveness, praying that you will relieve the burden of our regrets by the power of your patient love.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON and *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 and SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 65:17-25
17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.
19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.
20 “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days,
or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred
will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. 21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord,
they and their descendants with them. 24 Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Luke 21:5-19
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”
8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”
10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.
SERMON Keep Calm and Carry On? Elizabeth Fox, CRE
*HYMN OF RESPONSE #757 (red) “Today We All Are Called to be Disciples”
Today we all are called to be disciples of the Lord,
to help to set the captive free, make plowshare out of sword,
to feed the hungry, quench the thirst, make love and peace our fast,
to serve the poor and homeless first, our ease and comfort last.
God made the world and at its birth ordained our human race
to live as stewards of the earth, responding to God’s grace.
But we are vain and sadly proud; we sow not peace but strife.
Our discord spreads a deadly cloud that threatens all of life.
Pray justice may come rolling down as in a mighty stream,
with righteousness in field and town to cleanse us and redeem.
For God is longing to restore an earth where conflicts cease,
a world that was created for a harmony of peace.
May we in service to our God act out the living word,
and walk the road the saints have trod till all have seen and heard.
As stewards of the earth may we give thanks in one accord
to God who calls us all to be disciples of the Lord.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.32–33)
The life, death, resurrection, and promised coming of Jesus Christ has set the pattern for the church’s mission. His human life involves the church in the common life of all people. His service to men and women commits the church to work for every form of human well-being. His suffering makes the church sensitive to all human suffering so that it sees the face of Christ in the faces of persons in every kind of need. His crucifixion discloses to the church God’s judgment on the inhumanity that marks human relations, and the awful consequences of the church’s own complicity in injustice. In the power of the risen Christ and the hope of his coming, the church sees the promise of God’s renewal of human life in society and of God’s victory over all wrong. The church follows this pattern in the form of its life and in the method of its action. So to live and serve is to confess Christ as Lord.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Concerns: Mike M, Marlys M, Duane & Kris, Bob O
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, Bob F (Pat caregiver), JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Marlys M, Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dick & Judy S, Terry & Ann S
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 host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #54 (red ) “Make a Joyful Noise to God!”
Make a joyful noise to God!
All creation sings your praise!
Great your wonders here displayed, unexcelled throughout our days.
Glorious is your sacred name, ages old, yet still the same.
Come and see what God has done,
great the blessings to the just:
walked the chosen through the sea, brought their enemies to dust.
Let us lift a thankful voice for God’s mercies, and rejoice!
Bless the Lord, our refuge sure;
let our songs of praise be heard!
By whose justice, we are tried; by whose grace, our guilt deferred.
When our life’s sure end shall come, bring us to your heavenly home.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Now Thank We All Our God by Georg F. Kaufmann
