November 5, 2023 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30 A. M.
Announcements
Prelude Lighting of the Candles
*Opening Prayer Pastor
*Call to Worship Responsive Reading, Psalm 107:1-6, 35-36 Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
People: Let the Redeemed of the Lord say this – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from north, south, east, and west.
Leader: Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.
People: Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
Leader: He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle.
All: We give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.
*The Hymn “Count Your Blessings” No. 596
(All Verses)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession
Eternal God, our judge and redeemer, we confess that we have done what is wrong in your eyes. You have called us to be servant people, but we are prideful, not humble. We follow worldly leaders and passions, seeking fulfillment in what is empty. We refuse to bear the troubles of others and fail to seek justice. We are silent when we should speak. We choose inaction, although you have given us gifts with which to serve. Forgive us and free us from sin, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Silent Prayer of Confession
Assurance of Pardon Pastor
Hear the good news! Jesus himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might be dead to sin and be alive to all that is good. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. We give glory for this to God! 1 Peter 2:24
*Hymn of the Month “Give Thanks” Insert
Our Giving to the Lord Pastor
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: if service, in our serving; whoever contributes, in liberality; whoever does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 *Offertory, Doxology and Offertory Prayer
*The Hymn “Break Thou the Bread of Life” No. 175
(All Verses)
Sharing of Blessings and Concerns, Pastoral Prayer Pastor
Followed by The Lord’s Prayer
First Scripture Reading Joshua 3:7-17
Second Scripture Reading Matthew 23:1-12
Leader: This is the Holy Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God for His Holy Word.
Sermon “When You Reach the Edge” Pastor
Communion
*The Hymn “Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You” No. 595
(All Verses)
*Benediction
*Retrieval of the Light
Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you.
*Postlude