Life In Christ
The biblical texts for this Sunday all concern last things: the fulfillment of God’s promises of redemption. But the relevance of these texts is not limited to beliefs about the future. These texts are intended to create hope; the ability to persevere and find the strength we need to avoid despair in the face of the evils that continue to break out in human history and in our own lives again and again.
The future of redemption-the defeat of sin and death-was revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ is present in our hearts through faith. This gives us a hope that is stronger than evil and thereby enables us to resist the temptation to cave in to the evils and suffering in the present. When the world is on fire, we can either give up on goodness and life, or we can rise above it through hope.
WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP
Prelude: “Pavanne”, Maurice Ravel
Welcome and Announcements
Gathering Hymn: “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers”
Apostolic Greeting
Hymn of Praise
Prayer of the Day
First Reading: Amos 5:18-24
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Anthem: “Allegro from the duet Sonata in B flat”, Mozart
Children’s Time
Gospel Acclamation and Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
Sermon: “Life in Christ”, Pastor Dan Severson
Sermon Hymn: “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying”
Apostles Creed
Prayers of Intercession
The Lord’s Prayer
Offertory: “Adagio from Sonata in B flat”, Mozart
Offering Response and Prayer
Benediction
Sending Hymn: “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies”
Dismissal
Postlude: “Presto from Sonata in B flat”, Mozart
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