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