October 31, 2021 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
All Saints’ Sunday
Carol Ann West, Pianist
Lynne M. Simpson, Liturgist
Rev. Melissa Upchurch, Pastor
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
One: Fling wide the temple gates!
All: Open up the ancient doors!
One: The mighty and glorious one is coming.
All: Who is this mighty and glorious one?
One: This is the Lord for whom we have waited.
All: Let us be glad and rejoice in God!
* HYMN Red Hymnal #184 Thy Word Amy Grant
CALL TO CONFESSION
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Eternal God, we confess that we have failed to seek your will. You have come to live among us, but we have failed to welcome you. You call us to rise up in Christ, yet we remain in the dust of death. …silent prayers of confession…Forgive us, God of grace. As you did for your dear friend Lazarus, unbind us and let us go, so that we may walk in the newness of life. Give us the courage to follow the path of the great company of saints who throughout the ages have served you, that we may one day stand among them rejoicing in your saving grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
One: Friends, take heart: The One who is seated on the throne says: “See, I am making all things new.” We are forgiven and made new in Jesus Christ; this is the good news of the gospel!
All: Thanks be to God; Amen!
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.
HEARING AND RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD
Old Testament: Isaiah 25:6-9 See bulletin
New Testament: Revelation 21:1-6a See bulletin
Gospel: John 11:32-44 See bulletin
One: The Word of God for the people of God!
All: Thanks be to God!
TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES
MESSAGE Rev. Melissa Upchurch
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from A Brief Statement of Faith – PC (USA))
In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. Amen.
HYMN For All the Saints
SHARING OF JOYS AND CONCERNS
WE SHARE THE GIFTS OF GOD
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING
Now, as God's saints in this time and place, we have the opportunity to feed others from the abundance of all we have, to swallow up the pain and suffering of others, to wipe away the tears of children who are lonely and fearful. May the gifts we offer and the lives we lead reveal the One for whom we have waited, and who
invites us to spread grace over all the world. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME
* HYMN Purple Hymnal #384 Soon and Very Soon
* INVITATION
CHARGE
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
* = Please rise in body or in spirit
