All Saints’ Day is a time to rejoice in all who through the ages have faithfully served the Holy One. The day reminds us that we are part of one continuing, living communion of saints.
We begin and prepare for worship by centering ourselves, remembering the waters of baptism.
In baptism, we are joined to Christ and made members of one body, a people seeking to live faithfully into God’s purpose for us and for all creation.
PRELUDE
“How Bright These Glorious Spirits Shine”
(During the hymn, you are invited to light a candle or candles on behalf of the saints in your life who have gone before you. When the person in front of you has finished lighting candles, carefully pass the taper to the next person in line.)
*CALL TO WORSHIP Lines from Psalm 113
Praise the Holy One!
Praise, O servants of the Holy One;
praise the name of the Holy One.
Blessed be the name of the Holy One
from this time on and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
the name of the Holy One is to be praised.
The Holy One is high above all nations,
and God’s glory above the heavens.
God raises the poor from the dust,
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
Praise the Holy One!
*HYMN 326 For All the Saints
*INVITATION TO CONFESSION
With humble hearts and open minds, let us join together as one body through this morning’s prayer of confession.
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, through faithful people in every age you show us how to live by faith in you.
But we often ignore their good example, mistakenly thinking that we can live just as well without them.
Help us realize more fully how much we owe to all those who have gone before us in the life of faith.
Strengthen us by your Spirit, that we might follow more faithfully the way of your justice and lovingkindness embodied forever in Christ Jesus, your Beloved One.
Amen.
(Silent confession.)
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE:
HYMN 437 You Are the Lord
(Sung once by cantor; congregation joins second time.)
*ASSURANCE OF GRACE
You are not broken, not to the point that you cannot be made whole. God works through all of us, and God is working in you, to bring healing and wholeness. Restoration is always possible. Renewal is always possible. Forgiveness is always available. Love always is present.
Believe in the Good News of the Gospel.
In Jesus Christ we are loved and befriended by God.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
And since we have been reconciled to God, let us also be reconciled to one another.
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
(The congregation is invited to exchange signs of peace.)
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE:
HYMN 693, verse 3
Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
by this we worship, and are freed.
SCRIPTURE READING LUKE 23:43
For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God among us, for the word of God within us, thanks be to God.
SERMON “Always Remember” Eric Holness
*HYMN 730 I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERING
There are three ways to give:
- Through the offering plate.
- Through the “Give-lify” app.
- By clicking the “donate” button on the homepage of our website, woodlandnash.org.
*DOXOLOGY [LAAST UNS ERFREUEN]
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God, all creatures high and low.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise God, in Jesus fully known:
Creator, Word, and Spirit one.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
HOLY COMMUNION
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING [INSERT]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Eternal God,
we give you thanks for this holy mystery
in which you have given yourself to us.
Grant that we may go into the world
in the strength of your Spirit,
to give ourselves for others
in the name of Christ Jesus.
Amen.
*HYMN 732 Rejoice in God’s Saints
(sung to the tune of LYONS)
*DISMISSAL
POSTLUDE “Postlude in C Major”
(Please rise in body or in spirit.)
***
The Session of the Church:
Class of 2019: Mark Taylor, Brett Withers
Class of 2020: Alan Stephenson, Tom Eldridge
Class of 2021: Greg Gardner, Rachel Harley
Heidi Hall, Elder Emerita
Melinda Sanders, Moderator
We thank those who served in and prepared for worship today:
Eric Holness, Preacher
Kelli McClendon, Liturgist
Bill Maul, Music Director
Jeff Moles, Music Coordinator
Kim Smith, Offering Taker
Melissa Vargas, Offering Taker