We are worshiping at 9 am.

October 26, 2025

Reformation Sunday

Introduction & Welcome

Pastor -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,

our maker, our helper, and our keeper.

Amen.

Trusting in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin

in the presence of God and of one another.

Merciful and loving God,

we are your stiff-necked people.

We trample on the needy.

We grumble about your grace to others.

We turn away from the poor.

Have mercy on us and forgive our sins.

Rejoice over us as ones who were lost

and have been found.

Amen.

Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful.

Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.

You who were lost have been found.

In the name of ☩ Jesus, your sins are forgiven!

Amen.

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.

Pastor - Greeting

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

Canticle of Praise

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,

whose blood set us free to be people of God.

Power and riches and wisdom and strength,

and honor and blessing and glory are his.

This is the feast of victory for our God.

Alleluia.

Sing with all the people of God

and join in the hymn of all creation:

Blessing and honor and glory and might

be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.

This is the feast of victory for our God,

for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.

Alleluia. Alleluia.

Pastor - Prayer of the Day

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.

Congregation is seated

Assistant-First Reading Jeremiah 31:31-34

A reading from Jeremiah beginning with the 31st chapter.

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.

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-2nd 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.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?

You have the words of eternal life.

Alleluia.

Pastor - 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

Congregation stands for Hymn of the Day

Hymn of the Day “Founded on Faith”

1 Founded on faith, the church—alive by grace—

proclaims the gospel here and ev'ry place.

The word of God resounds through time and space:

Alleluia!

2 Your cross, O Christ, renews our life each day.

Baptized in you, we learn and teach and pray.

Fed by your love, with thankful hearts, we say:

Alleluia!

3 Equipped by prayer, we live the Spirit's call.

Empow'red to serve with gifts, both great and small,

we bring the living hope of God to all.

Alleluia!

4 Growing in grace for God's created earth,

we yearn for justice, peace, and human worth;

a world restored; a faithful, caring church.

Alleluia!

5 Founded on faith, called forth, empow'red to serve,

we share God's endless love without reserve.

Then let us shout aloud the living Word!

Alleluia!

Text: Paul D. Weber, b. 1949

Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.

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.

Assistant-Prayers of Intercession

Renewed in God’s everlasting grace, let us pray for the church, the world, and all creation.

A brief silence.

Free your church, O God, with grace, mercy, and love to be transformed by your word. Direct your church to be united in word and deed so that all creation knows the uniting and transforming power of the gospel. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Renew creation, O God, so that all living creatures thrive together. Guide those who work to restore and renew creation. Preserve and care for endangered species throughout the world. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Bring peace among the nations, O God, so violence and terror are not the norm on your earth. Inspire leaders of communities to work for peace and justice. Unite our politicians with a common mission and purpose. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Heal all who suffer, O God, and bring them peace. Draw near to people who are incarcerated. Give hope to people experiencing housing or employment insecurity, oppression, or discrimination. Heal those who are ill especially Ed, Richard, Pastor Hadley, Candy, John, Steve, Lynne, Margaret, Jay, Cork & Cheryl, Rillys, Carol, Mary Lou, Tyler, Jessie and for those who we name aloud or silently in our hearts (pause for people in the congregation to add their prayers here). Be our stronghold at all times. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

Forgive us our sins, O God, and grant us your grace. Move us to understanding and reconciliation between people of other faiths and other Christian traditions in our community. Mend hurt feelings and heal wounds we have caused one another. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

We give you thanks, O God, for the life and witness of all your saints. Give us hope in your son’s victory through the cross. God of grace,

receive our prayer.

We offer our prayers, O God, trusting in your everlasting grace and mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Offering “Build a Longer Table”

1 Build a longer table, not a higher wall,

feeding those who hunger, making room for all.

Feasting together, stranger turns to friend,

Christ breaks walls to pieces; false divisions end.

2 Build a safer refuge, not a larger jail;

where the weak find shelter, mercy will not fail.

For any place where justice is denied,

Christ will breach the jail wall, freeing all inside.

3 Build a broader doorway, not a longer fence.

Love protects all people, sparing no expense.

When we embrace compassion more than fear,

Christ tears down our fences: all are welcome here.

4 When we lived as exiles, refugees abroad,

Christ became our doorway to the reign of God.

So must our tables welcome those who roam.

None can be excluded; all must find a home.

Text: David Bjorlin, b. 1984

Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.

Offertory Prayer

Together we pray.

Lord of the harvest,

we return to you a portion of what you have given to us.

Turn us to set our hope not on the uncertainty of riches,

but on you, who richly provides for us.

Multiply what we have gathered

to bless all who are suffering and in need,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Holy Communion

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,

Lord God of pow’r and might:

Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Eucharistic Prayer

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 all 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 debts,

as we forgive our debtors;

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

Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them.

Come to this meal of mercy.

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, grant us peace.

Communion

The Body of Christ, given for you. Amen

The Blood of Christ, shed for you. Amen

Post Communion Blessing

The Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, strengthen you and forever keep you in his grace. Amen.

Prayer after Communion

O God,

through this meal you have strengthened us

and appointed us to be your servants.

Send us to do good and to share our possessions

with all in need.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Benediction

The God of righteousness,

who gives justice to the oppressed,

who gives food to the hungry,

who sets the prisoners free,

☩ bless you now and forever.

Amen.

HYMN “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”

1 I want to walk as a child of the light.

I want to follow Jesus.

God set the stars to give light to the world.

The star of my life is Jesus.

Refrain

In him there is no darkness at all.

The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God.

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2 I want to see the brightness of God.

I want to look at Jesus.

Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path,

and show me the way to the Father. Refrain

3 I'm looking for the coming of Christ.

I want to be with Jesus.

When we have run with patience the race,

we shall know the joy of Jesus. Refrain

Text: Kathleen Thomerson, b. 1934

Text © 1970, 1975 Celebration.

Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

Dismissal

Go in peace. Do not lose heart.

Thanks be to God.

Permission for liturgies by Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS004206

Sundays and Seasons 2025