The Both-And Life: Liberated and Bound

Today we celebrate Reformation Sunday. This is the anniversary of the date when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses (faith statements) to the door of the Church in Wittenberg, sparking the Protestant Reformation. We also will celebrate a baptism this Sunday, welcoming a new child into the family of God. 

Pastor Lauren’s sermon this week is based on the Gospel reading from Matthew 22:34-46. In this passage, Jesus displays wisdom by summarizing the law of God in just two commandments, and by demonstrating that the Messiah must be more than the son of David.

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

Prelude: Praeludium und Fuge in G-Moll (BWV 558)      J.S. Bach (1685-1750) 

Welcome & Silent Preparation

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Song:          The Church of Christ in Every Age

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise:          Glory to God                     

Prayer of the Day

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Reading:                          Jeremiah 31:31-34

The Bells of Hope:     The Church’s One Foundation    Dan R. Edwards, Based on the hymn tune Aurelia

Gospel Reading:         Matthew 22:34:46

Children’s Time

Sermon:                         Liberated & Bound     Pastor Lauren Chambers

 Song of Response:   A Mighty Fortress is Our God

 THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM

Profession of Faith

The Rite of Baptism

Welcome

Special Music:     Masterpiece       Craig Patty and Brent Alan Henderson

WE WORSHIP WITH OUR OFFERINGS

Sharing of the Peace

Announcements

Offering & Offertory: Arioso Felix Bräuer (b.1988)

WE GATHER AROUND THE LORD’S TABLE

Holy Communion Story

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution:        I Received the Living God 

Post-Communion Blessing & Prayer

WE DEPART TO SERVE

Benediction

Sending Song:             Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling

Dismissal

Postlude:           Toccatina (Opus 49b)                           Josef Schmid (1869-1945)