SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 – 8:30 AM

GATHERING TOGETHER
Welcome to God’s grace – where the world’s labels don’t apply.

Step into God’s time and presence. Hear God’s gentle whisper: “Be still and know that I am God.”
Let your body and mind rest, and open your heart to God in worship and prayer. Welcome each
other in the love of Christ. Extend hospitality to those new in our midst. “This is the day the Lord has
made. Let us rejoice in it!”

GATHERING MUSIC & RINGING OF THE BELL

TODAY’S WORSHIP THEME
Today the prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters. Paul
urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord.
Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by
the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ’s coming in our
midst in the word of life and the feast of victory – the marriage feast of the
lamb.
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, +one God, in whose image we are made, who
claims us and calls us beloved. Amen
Silence is kept for reflection.
Holy One,
We confess that we are not awake for you. We are not faithful in using
your gifts. We forget the least of our siblings. We do not see your
beautiful image in one another. We are infected by sin that divides
your beloved community. Open our hearts to your coming, open our
eyes to see you in our neighbor, open our hands to serve your creation.
Amen
Beloved, we are God’s children, and Jesus, our Beloved, opens the door to us.
Through +Jesus you are forgiven, by Jesus you are welcome, in Jesus you
are called to rejoice! Let us live in the promises prepared for us from the
foundation of the world. Amen
STAND

GATHERING HYMN ELW #632 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” vs 1,4,5
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of
the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
(Sung response) Lord, have mercy.
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For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God,
and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God of justice and love, you illumine our way through life with the
words of your Son. Give us the light we need, and awaken us to the
needs of others, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
SIT
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HEARING THE WORD

God speaks to us in scriptures sung, read, and proclaimed.

SPECIAL MUSIC

FIRST READING Amos 5:18-24

A reading from Amos
After the reading:
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.

SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

A reading from First Thessalonians
After the reading:
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
STAND

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 25:1-13

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the twenty-fifth
chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
After the reading:

The gospel of our Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.
SIT

SERMON Pr. Randy Rasmussen

STAND

HYMN OF THE DAY ELW #244 “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers” vs 1,4

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APOSTLES’ CREED
There is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. United in Christ, let us
confess the faith we hold in common.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was
conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to
the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he
is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Longing for Christ’s reign to come among us, we pray for the outpouring of
God’s power on the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence
Holy God, rouse us to deep praise as we gather for worship. Enliven our
worship with sincere and heartfelt song. Sustain the work of all church
musicians and artists who lead us in praise and prayer. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Holy Creator, surprise and delight us with the beauty of the world you have
made. Bless the work of landscapers, architects, and artists whose work
invites us into harmonious living with your creation. Hear us, O God. Your
mercy is great.
Holy Judge, let justice roll down like waters over this world. Reign over the
courtrooms of every land, in the hearts of those who guard the law and
those who stand accused of crimes. Be present in cases where we long for
both justice and mercy to prevail. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Holy Companion, console those who feel lonely or abandoned. Share the
hours of those who live and eat alone. Comfort those who have few friends
or who struggle with their identity and place in this world. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Holy Protector, be with all observing Veterans Day. Guard the lives of active
duty and retired military personnel. Comfort all who mourn those who have
died in the line of duty. Heal the wounds, both physical and mental,
experienced by service members. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Receive our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, until that day
when you gather all creation around your throne where you will reign
forever and ever. Amen
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SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
We invite you to greet one another in the name of the Lord and share the gift of his peace.

SHARING THE MEAL

God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

OFFERING PRAYER
God of all goodness,
Generations have turned to you, gathered around your table, and
shared your abundant blessings. Number us among them that, as we
gather these gifts from your abundance and give thanks for your rich
blessings, we may feast upon your very self and care for all that you
have made, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Servant. Amen

GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all
places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our
Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by
his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with
all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we
praise your name and join their unending hymn:
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WORDS OF INSTITUTION

ACCLAMATION OF FAITH
Together we acclaim our faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again!
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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 trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
There is a place for you at the banquet. Come and feast at Jesus’ table.
SIT

COMMUNION
All are welcome to eat & drink at the Lord's Table. Jesus Christ is present in the bread & wine. Come and eat!
Holy Communion is served at the altar rail and the two stations below the altar. Following the usher’s
direction, please proceed down the center aisle toward the altar. If you require a gluten-free wafer,
please request one from the pastor at the altar during communion. Red wine and white grape juice are
available in each tray of cups. After communing, you may return to your seat down the side aisle. If you
would like to receive the Lord's Supper where you are seated, please tell the usher, who will ensure the gifts
of God come to you.

“Lamb of God” Pg. 146

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord Jesus, in this simple meal you have set a banquet. Sustain us on the
journey, strengthen us to care for the least of your beloved children, and
give us glad and generous hearts as we meet you on the way. Amen

SENT FORTH TO SERVE

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
STAND

BLESSING
May the God of all creation, in whose image we are made, who claims us and
calls us beloved, who strengthens us for service, give you reason to rejoice
and be glad! Amen
SENDING HYMN ELW #638 “Blessed Assurance”
SENDING
Beloved of God, go in peace and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.