November 2, 2014

For Sunday November 2, 2014

Year A, Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost

All Saints’ Day 

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost :: Green :: 


Joshua 3:7-17 :: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 :: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 :: Matthew 23:1-12

Call to Worship (Responsive)    

Adapted from Psalm 107

L: Give thanks to the LORD, for the LORD is good;

P: God’s steadfast love endures forever.

L: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,

P: We wandered in the desert, hungry and thirsty,

L: The LORD turns the desert into pools of water, and there lets the hungry live.

P: O give thanks to the LORD!

 

Invocation:

Almighty and everlasting God, we come into your sanctuary seeking your path for the time to come.  We come hoping to hear a word of reassurance that you are guiding our steps.  We come, asking for your help, and praying to know your hope.  Stir our spirits in this time of worship we pray.

Stewardship Moment:

The Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonians: “As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God”.  I know the story of a father who was so committed to the concept of tithing, that when he gave his children their allowance, he withheld ten percent until Sunday morning at the church door.  The ministries our tithes and offerings support are so many, including missionaries and church planters like the Apostle Paul.  As we bring our tithes and offerings today, my question for you is simple: would the father approve?

 

Offertory Prayer:

Loving God, we bring our gifts before you, recognizing that all we have has been given by you.  We ask that you bless this which we have returned to usher in your reign on earth.  Grant us your approval, and help us to feel worthy of your blessing.  We offer our gifts and ourselves out of love for you, and commitment to the work to which you call us.

Communion Meditation:

This is All Saints Day.  A day we pause to remember the ones who have gone before us into their eternal reward. The Apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonians regarding those who have died “do not grieve as others do, who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.” This is the promise of the communion table.  That all who believe will share in God’s grace and forgiveness.  Come, let us join together in the feast of thanksgiving, joy, and remembrance.

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