Thy Kingdom Come: Always a Bridesmaid

This Sunday we will celebrate a baptism, welcoming a new child into the family of God.  Pastor Lauren begins a new sermon series this Sunday entitled: “Thy Kingdom Come”. In these last weeks of the church year, we study some of Jesus final teachings before his death. The sermon for this week is “Always A Bridesmaid” and is based on the Gospel text from Matthew 25: 1-13. This parable foretells the second coming of Jesus, and emphasizes the need for readiness at all times.

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

Prelude: Choral Prelude on “Luther’s Hymn”      Percy E. Fletcher (1879-1932)

Welcome & Silent Preparation

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Song:                           Come We That Love the Lord

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise:                            Glory to God                     

Prayer of the Day

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Reading:                             1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Gospel Reading:             Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon:            Always a Bridesmaid, Pastor Lauren Chambers

Song of Response:   Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM

Profession of Faith

Thanksgiving at the Font

The Rite of Baptism

Welcome

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

Choir Anthem:     The Gift of Children  Music by Lloyd Larsen, Words by Jan McGuire

Prayers of the Church

WE WORSHIP WITH OUR OFFERINGS

Sharing of the Peace

Announcements

Offering & Offertory:     Adagio Cantabile           Dan Ehlert Neilsen (b.1956)

WE GATHER AROUND THE LORD’S TABLE

Holy Communion Story

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution:        I Received the Living God      

Post-Communion Blessing

Sending Prayer

WE DEPART TO SERVE

Benediction

Sending Song:                              Blessed Assurance

Dismissal

Postlude:                 Fantasy on “Dies irae”                Anthony St. Pierre (b.1956)