Sunday November 19, 2023 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m.

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE — Fanfare, Chorale, Trio and Adagio — Charles Callahan — from “Partita on Now Thank We All Our God”
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

SILENT MEDITATION
Pride slays thanksgiving, but a humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP — “This Is the Day” — Natalie Sleeth

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                                   
Lord, you have been the voice that guides us;
       we come today to listen.
You have been the host who feeds us;
       we come today to be filled.
You have been our joy and crown;
       we come today to sing your praise!

PRAISE AND ADORATION

*OPENING HYMN #336 — We Gather Together — KREMSER       
(*Please stand, if you are able.)         

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess that once again, we have made mistakes. We’ve made missteps. We have hurt people, by action and inaction.  We have wounded creation, by action and inaction. We have chosen our ways over yours, by action and inaction.  We ask you to turn us towards goodness. Forgive our past and shape our future, that we might build your kingdom here.  

SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION

KYRIE ELEISON (#551) — “Lord, Have Mercy” — LAND OF REST
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy upon us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                                                                                                   

*GLORIA PATRI (#447) — “We Are Forgiven” — WE ARE FORGIVEN

WELCOME               
During the welcome, children are invited to come forward for a time with Dr. Zieman

ANTHEM — “Lord, We Give Thanks” — Mark Patterson

TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MOMENT FOR MISSION — John Bennett, for our PCOC special Christmas offerings

FELLOWSHIP OF PRAYER

JOYS AND CONCERNS

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 into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.                           

PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD

SCRIPTURE READING — Matthew 25:14-30 page 807 of the pew Bible 
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God!

SERMON — “A Talent Show” — Dr. Richard Meyer, HR

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH — from A Brief Statement of Faith (1991)
In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.  In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, Come, Lord Jesus!

*SANCTUS (#572) — “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Pavlechko

RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY — Meditation from “Partita on Now Thank We All Our God” — Charles Callahan                                                                                                                                            

* DOXOLOGY (#607) — “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” — OLD HUNDREDTH
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise Christ, all people here below.
Praise Holy Spirit evermore. Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Generous God, with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, we are reminded to give you thanks for the ministries of this congregation which you have entrusted us with. We are honored by the opportunity to be your holy body here. Bless this offering, and the offering of our lives, that our efforts would bring glory to your name. Amen.

*HYMN OF DEDICATION #367 — Come, Ye Thankful People, Come — ST. GEORGE’S WINDSOR

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION 

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE — “Go Now In Peace” (11:10) — Don Besig 

 POSTLUDE — Postlude from “Partita on Now Thank We All Our God” — Charles Callahan