We are worshiping at 11 am.
October 25, 2026
Join us! All are Welcome!
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ.
The peace of Christ be with you today and always.
And also with you.
Congregation members greet each other by saying:
Peace be with you.
Confession and Forgiveness
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
who pours love into our hearts
and healing upon the earth.
Amen.
Confident that God justifies us by grace through faith,
let us confess our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection
Compassionate God,
we confess that we struggle to embody your goodness
in the world and in our own hearts.
Creation groans from overuse.
Jealousy and bitterness strain our relationships.
Indifference keeps us from seeking justice.
Divisions disrupt your call to show genuine love
to others.
Turn our hearts back to you.
Restore our world and reconcile us to one another.
Renew us to live as your holy people,
following the way of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Hear this good news:
We have peace with God through ☩ Jesus Christ,
in whom there is no condemnation,
but only forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.
Receive freely this healing gift of grace.
Amen.
Gathering Hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
1 A mighty fortress is our God,
a sword and shield victorious;
he breaks the cruel oppressor's rod
and wins salvation glorious.
The old satanic foe
has sworn to work us woe!
With craft and dreadful might
he arms himself to fight.
On earth he has no equal.
2 No strength of ours can match his might!
We would be lost, rejected.
But now a champion comes to fight,
whom God himself elected.
You ask who this may be?
The Lord of hosts is he!
Christ Jesus, mighty Lord,
God's only Son, adored.
He holds the field victorious.
3 Though hordes of devils fill the land
all threat'ning to devour us,
we tremble not, unmoved we stand;
they cannot overpow'r us.
Let this world's tyrant rage;
in battle we'll engage!
His might is doomed to fail;
God's judgment must prevail!
One little word subdues him.
4 God's Word forever shall abide,
no thanks to foes, who fear it;
for God himself fights by our side
with weapons of the Spirit.
Were they to take our house,
goods, honor, child, or spouse,
though life be wrenched away,
they cannot win the day.
The kingdom's ours forever!
Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship
Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.
Greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit who unites us, be with you all.
And also with you.
Canticle of Praise
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Power, riches, wisdom and strength,
and honor, blessing, and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory, and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Prayer of the Day
Let us pray,
Almighty God, gracious Lord, we thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your word, protect and comfort them in times of trial, defend them against all enemies of the gospel, and bestow on the church your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
The assembly is seated.
First Reading Jeremiah 31:31-34
A reading beginning with the 31st chapter of Jeremiah.
31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
Assistant- Psalm 46 Read Responsively
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, and though the mountains shake in the depths of the sea;
3 though its waters rage and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be shaken; God shall help it at the break of day.
6 The nations rage, and the kingdoms shake; God speaks, and the earth melts away.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
8 Come now, regard the works of the Lord, what desolations God has brought upon the earth;
9 behold the one who makes war to cease in all the world; who breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, then, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Assistant-Second Reading Romans 3:19-28
A reading from Romans beginning with chapter 3
19 Now we know that, whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For no human will be justified before him by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26 it was to demonstrate at the present time his own righteousness, so that he is righteous and he justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? That of works? No, rather through the law of faith. 28 For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
Congregation stands
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
Gospel John 8:31-36
The holy gospel according to John the 8th chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
31 Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Congregation is seated
Sermon
Hymn of the Day “To Be Your Presence”
1 To be your presence is our mission here,
to show compassion's face and list'ning ear,
to be your heart of mercy ever near,
alleluia!
2 To be your presence is our mission bold,
to feed the poor and shelter homeless cold,
to be your hands of justice, right uphold,
alleluia!
3 To be your presence is our mission blest,
to speak for all the broken and oppressed,
to be your voice of hope, your love expressed,
alleluia!
4 We are your heart, O Christ, your hands and voice,
to serve your people is our call and choice,
and in this mission we, the church, rejoice,
alleluia!
Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939
Text © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.3358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.
Pastor – Apostles’ Creed
The presiding minister may introduce the Creed.
With the whole church, let us confess our faith using the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.*
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Seeking the Spirit of God who makes all things new, we pray for the church and the world.
A brief silence.
As we celebrate Reformation Sunday, we remember the witness of Martin Luther and the reformers of the church in every generation. Empower us to continue the work of reform and renewal in our own day. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We pray for the healing of natural places despoiled by pollution and human greed. Give all living creatures access to safe land, water, and air. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We pray for our criminal justice systems and all those whose lives are affected by them. Give wisdom and discernment to police, probation officers, judges, and attorneys; give courage and peace to prisoners and the formerly incarcerated. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We ask your blessing upon all people who have been harmed by the church and its leaders, that the truth may make them free. We pray for the relief of all those who are sick or suffering especially Jason, Aubrey, Joe, Mark, Ann, Ron, Ruth, Pastor Van Gundy, Bernard, Fritz, Sue, Ed, Lynne, Margaret, Rillys, and for those who we name aloud or silently in our hearts (pause for people in the congregation to add their prayers here). Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
We give thanks for those exploring or returning to a life of faith. Encourage and guide them, that they may find their hope in you. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
With gratitude, we remember those disciples who paved the way for us and all of our beloved dead. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Trusting in your boundless grace, O God, we lift up these spoken prayers and those in our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Offertory “This Is Christ's Body” sing twice
This is Christ's body, broken and blest.
Feed us with mercy and love. (with mercy and love.)
We are Christ's body, broken and blest.
Heal us and make us one.
Text: Anne Krentz Organ, b. 1960
Text © 2020 Augsburg Fortress
Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.
Offertory Prayer
We pray,
God of creation,
you send rain and the earth springs forth abundantly.
All blessings are from you;
make us generous with what we have.
Use our gifts, our abilities, and our hearts
in service to you and in love to our neighbors,
today and always.
Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ;
who on this day overcame death and the grave,
and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow’r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Eucharistic Prayer
Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son,
who reached out to heal the sick and suffering,
who preached good news to the poor,
and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.
In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,
we await his coming in glory.
Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,
and unite the wills of Christians throughout the world who share this heavenly food,
the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. (Spoken)
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
Invitation to Communion
Christ invites you to this table.
All who are thirsty, all who are hungry, come!
Congregation is seated
Pastor COMMUNION INSTRUCTION
We commune at the rail, in our seats and online. We will begin by communing those online and in their seats. …
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace.
Distribution at the rail.
Communion
The body of Christ, given for you. Amen
The blood of Christ, shed for you. Amen
Congregation stands
Prayer after Communion
Sustaining God,
with this bread and cup,
you nourish us with mercy and abundant life.
By your Spirit, send us from this table to serve a needy world.
Make us living signs of your liberation, healing, and love,
following the way of Jesus, in whose name we pray.
Amen.
Benediction
The God of love
draw you into full accord and one mind,
in the body of Christ Jesus.
Amen.
The God of hope
grant you strength and joy in all circumstances
through the interceding of the Spirit.
Amen.
The God of grace
☩ bless you now and forever.
Amen.
Sending Hymn “God's Word Is Our Great Heritage”
God's word is our great heritage
and shall be ours forever;
to spread its light from age to age
shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way;
in death it is our stay.
Lord, grant while time shall last
your church may hold it fast
throughout all generations.
Text: Nicolai F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872; tr. Ole G. Belsheim, 1861-1925, alt.
Dismissal
Go out in joy. Be led forth in peace.
Thanks be to God.
Permission for liturgies by Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS004206
Sundays and Seasons 2026
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-717005. All rights reserved