October 29, 2023
Prelude: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Kee
Welcome & Call to Worship
[Psalm 119]
This is our comfort in distress, that your promise gives us life.
Turn our heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.
Make us understand the way of your precepts, and we will meditate on your wondrous works.
Our soul clings to the dust; revive us according to your word.
Let your steadfast love come to us, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise.
Let us worship the LORD!
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Hymn 260)
Luther
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he,
Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo! His doom is sure, one little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still, his kingdom is forever.
Confession
God of blessing and mercy, we struggle with the unfairness of life. Sometimes we plan and strive and work for things only to lose them. Sometimes we receive unexpected blessings we could not have imagined. Sometimes our own compromises come back to haunt us. Forgive us when we are willing to use deception in ways that undermine trust and connections between people. Have mercy on us when we feel helpless or unloved. Teach us the play of change and lead us into greater wholeness. Amen.
Silence
Create in Me
Anonymous
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord,
and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation,
and renew a right spirit within me.
[Psalm 51:10 –12]
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
Children’s Message
In the Day of Need (Hymn 169)
Warren/Idle
In the day of need may your answer be the Lord,
May the God of Jacob strengthen you;
May our Lord send help from the high and holy place,
And support you for the glory of God’s name.
May the Lord God grant you success in all your plans,
May God give you all your heart’s desire;
May we sing for joy when we see the battle won;
When the Lord has heard and answered every prayer.
Now I know the Lord will encourage all beloved,
God will hear and answer from on high;
Not a word shall fail of the promises once made,
Nor the words of God’s victorious right hand.
There are some who boast of the weapons of the world,
But the power of God is all our pride;
Those who live by war shall one day collapse and fall,
But God’s people stand and in God’s reign prevail.
Prayer for Illumination
Sermon: Sincerity and Authenticity
Genesis 29
Focus: Jacob searches for his authenticity among all the “lendings” of the theatrical wardrobe. What Isaac senses is the “smell of my son,” which transforms the costumes of insincerity. It is ultimately the essence of his son—permeating clothes and skins—that registers as blessing. -- Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg
Silent Reflection
Response: You Are Before Me, Lord (Hymn 248)
Watson/Smith
Carollen Ryan
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
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. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Zak Cannard
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. -1 Peter 4:10
Offering: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Dupre
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Marpurg
OneLicense# A-727502
CCLI# 283345
