If It Walks Like a Church

This Sunday, we will be graced with the first service led by Pastor Lauren Chambers, officially serving as our newly ordained and installed pastor! How grateful, thankful and blessed we are! This Sunday truly marks new beginnings for Hope.

The gospel text for this Sunday is from Luke 21: 5-19. This passage discusses both the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and and the persecution of Jesus’ followers, with the central message being that believers should not be led astray by false prophets or fear hardship. Instead, they are to remain faithful, knowing that the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak and that their ultimate hope lies in God, not temporary institutions. The passage serves as a warning against focusing on material things or false messiahs and an encouragement to endure life’s challenges through steadfast faith.

We Gather to Worship

Prelude: “The Prayer of Faith”, Alexander Schreiner

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

Old Testament

Reading: Malachi 4:1-2a

Epistle Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Bells of Hope: “Fairest Lord Jesus”, Silesian Folk Song, arr. by Betty Lambert & Alex Bootzin

Children’s Time

Choir Anthem: “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, Words and Music by Paul Baloche

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

Sermon “If It Walks Like a Church”, Pastor Lauren Chambers

Sermon Hymn: “O Christ The Same”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of the Church

Offertory: “Fruits of Kindness”  Angela Kraft Cross

The Great Thanksgiving

Holy, Holy, Holy and Words of Institution

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Paean”, Dr. Gary Bachlund