OCTOBER 29, 2017
Reformation Sunday
Today’s Service
(* Indicates when to stand, if you are able.)
PRELUDE
GREETING
CALL TO WORSHIP
God of the generations, we give you thanks this day for our ancestors in the faith, those individuals down through the ages who taught through the words they spoke, the material they wrote, and the lives they lived. This day we remember in particular those reformers whose work and commitments reshaped the Christian Church of their time.
Grant us, in our day, a similar passion for renewing our faith,
for wrestling again with the scriptures that speak your Word anew to each generation, for living a life that cares for our neighbours near and far.
Give us, like the reformers, the courage to challenge our society,
a society that tells us to put ourselves first,
whatever the cost to others and to the created order.
May we, like them, live and work as people who have experienced your grace,
and therefore live and work to make this world more like the world you would have it be. These things we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
* HYMN # 315 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
OPENING PRAYER
The beginnings of faith call for seeking the Lord.
The beginnings of faith call for the reading of Scripture.
The beginnings of faith call for understanding the Word of God.
The authority of the Scripture stands on its own.
Our discussion and questions are answered there.
Seek the Lord in The Word.
May we Christians never fear to ask those questions.
May we never fear the truth of Scripture.
May we never cease proclaiming God’s Word.
May we never cease to critically apply Scripture to our
lives. May the Holy Spirit infuse us with the living
knowledge of Christ, the Word made flesh, the Way, the
Truth, and the Light. Amen.
* HYMN # 262 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of Courage, be in our speaking. Be also in our listening, and speak to our souls’ deep understanding. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen
SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 10:31
SERMON “semper reformanda” / “Constant Reformation”
PASTORAL PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER
THE APOSTLES’ CREED Pg # 918
*OFFERING HYMN VU # 542
DEDICATION
As so many have done before us, we make our offering now.
As so many have prayed before us, we ask your blessing upon it.
As so many have dreamed before us,
we pray that our gifts will touch many lives. Amen
ANNOUNCEMENTS Update on Prince Place by Gwen Geikie
BENEDICTION
* CLOSING HYMN #220 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”
